BIODIVERSITY & REEF RESILIENCY

RESEARCH MISSION
In most locations, it is impossible to disentangle the effects of over-fishing, declining coral health, climate change, and local pollution. Little Cayman offers a unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of a changing coral reef ecosystem in a remote location with minimal anthropogenic impact. Despite this remoteness, we have recorded major losses in the coral community of our shallow reefs. The good news, however, is we are also recording major regeneration of our reef with juvenile corals being as abundant as they were prior to the major declines.

Join this project and you will help scientists gather important information on an unexplored part of our reef to address major conservation concerns. The project will address the following questions: Is the loss of corals resulting in detrimental effects on other components of the reef system? Are there changes in how the reef functions? Are marine reserves capable of protecting our coral reef biodiversity? Are corals at intermediate depths healthier than shallow corals because they are theoretically less impacted by increasing water temperatures and direct human impacts? Are these intermediate corals capable of replenishing our shallow reefs?

This project will document the abundance of the major organisms that are competing with (and possibly out-competing) corals, such as tunicates, sponges, anemones, and fleshy algae using visual surveys and underwater photography techniques. Data will be gathered at depths between 60-100 ft where we currently have a limited amount of information but where coral growth may be thriving.

Advanced SCUBA divers will have the opportunity to (i) assist with surveys of bottom dwelling organisms using transects to detect long term changes in community structure and the effects of no-take Marine Parks, and (ii) surveys to document the diversity, abundance and habitat preferences of benthic species.

THE RESEARCHER(S)

Principal Investigator

Field Assistant(s)

DIVING ACTIVITIES
Each research dive will involve several activities. Specific activities may vary depending on the previous experience of divers. Divers will be shown the methods used to survey the community of benthic organisms including sponges, corals, algae, and to classify substrate types that are available for recruitment. Divers will learn to accurately record percentages of each type of organism, will work on identification of key groups of the benthic community, and will conduct counts of these important keystone functional groups. Avid photographers are also welcome to help with a photographic catalog of the benthic reef community in Little Cayman.

SPECIAL NOTES
Your participation will not only help collect data but will also help fund important coral reef conservation efforts. Approximately 40% of your costs are tax deductible.

As a result of of our anticipated dive depths of 60-100 ft, we request that only experienced divers apply. Maximum of 10 divers.

Research Learn more about our coral reef research...