MISSION

From its inception, CCMI has proven to be a valuable asset in the effort to understand the changing coral reef and tropical marine environments. CCMI programs provide a solid foundation in education and awareness for students and researchers both in the Caribbean and around the world. One of our signature research programs was led by CCMI's President and Director of Research, Dr. Carrie Manfrino. Her team of scientists completed the first and largest regional expedition to understand the distribution and structure of the reef communities around the Cayman Islands. This study continues to be a reference for current and future research.

 

LITTLE CAYMAN RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC) A key component of CCMI's strategy was realized in May 2006 with the opening of the Little Cayman Research Center. Flowing sea water, laboratories, a classroom, private and dormitory-style rooms, a sustainable off-the-grid bathhouse, and easy access to the reefs make this an important new research and education center.

 

RESEARCH Research is fundamental to our mission. Our goal is to better understand what is causing the decline in the health of Cayman reefs and what could contribute to a more resilient reef. We also intend to reduce the major threats posed by humans to coral reefs. In addition, partnerships with institutions such as NOAA to manage the ICON station in Little Cayman makes CCMI part of an international program that provides real-time oceanographic and weather data to help scientists better understand the effects of climate change and stresses on reefs globally.

 

EDUCATION CCMI provides leadership in school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional level field-oriented, marine ecology and conservation education programs so that students gain a better understanding of critical issues facing tropical marine ecosystems. Through our education programs, we are training a new generation of leaders, researchers, resource and policy managers.

 

OUTREACH Our outreach programs are aimed at improving our youth, community, and visitor appreciation and understanding of marine conservation issues. For example, our Ocean Literacy program provides learning materials so that Cayman Island children may become "ocean literate" by the time they are 12. The Ocean Literacy program is based on a NOAA/National Geographic Society initiative and will help improve awareness of the actions needed to reverse environmental degradation.

 

CONSERVATION Scientists are reporting that coral reefs are now more threatened than tropical rain forests. Nearly 40% of the corals in the Caribbean have died in the past decade. Our scientific mission aims to provide solutions that will reduce human threats to coral reefs. We are partnering with NOAA to install sophisticated instruments on coral reefs to help predict, model, and keep track of environmental changes so that we can better manage our reefs. In addition, we have provided scholarships for young people to learn about coral reef conservation because they are our future leaders and policy makers.