Little Cayman Hope Spot

The smallest of the Cayman Islands is home to fewer than 200 people – and yet at roughly 10 miles long by one mile wide, Little Cayman has become known as a magnificent oasis in the Caribbean.

Zoom in and out on the map for a better look at the Hope Spot!

Small but mighty, the island shines as a flourishing example of what protection for marine ecosystems can look like when conservation is prioritized.

The island’s colorful reefs are considered some of the healthiest in the Caribbean and support a rich ecosystem bursting with creatures like sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and a rainbow of corals.

The combination of stable water quality, healthy and diverse corals, and a wide variety of fish species and mega fauna coupled with awe-inspiring reef architecture is why Little Cayman has earned its reputation as a top diving destination in the Caribbean.

Behind the scenes of the conservation of Little Cayman’s brilliant marine life is Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI).

CCMI's resilience, restoration and assisted evolution research efforts examine the features that enable corals to persist through time, despite changing conditions.

However, perhaps one of CCMI’s greatest impacts is their ocean literacy program that is empowering future generations of people all over the Caribbean to protect their blue backyards.

Little Cayman has been named a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in recognition of CCMI’s powerful conservation impact across the Cayman Islands and surrounding region.

The Little Cayman Hope Spot - Dr. Sylvia Earle's Thoughts

Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue, says, “I want to salute you, Central Caribbean Marine Institute, the Department of Environment of the Cayman Islands and other constituents for supporting the concept of a Hope Spot and doing what you’re doing to take care of the ocean. I have a special place in my heart for the Nassau Grouper, who really must be standing in line to thank you for protecting the area where they live – a safe haven in the waters of Little Cayman. The coral reefs are prospering in ways that aren’t happening elsewhere. The whole world thanks you and certainly the creatures of the sea thank you for doing what you’re doing to make this a place a reason for hope.”

The United Nations (UN) reports that 70% of Earth’s coral reefs are threatened.

Little Cayman’s reefs face common issues like plastic pollution and rising ocean temperature and acidity.

These reefs provide many ecosystem services for the island like coastal protection, tourism and a food source; preserving the health of these reefs is essential for survival of all life on Little Cayman.

“We want to share with the world that there is a real path forward for healthy coral reefs and marine ecosystems,” says Dr. Carrie Manfrino, President, CEO and Senior Scientist at CCMI.

“We hope that more researchers turn to Little Cayman as a site where they choose to conduct important work that uncovers solutions for declining reefs elsewhere,” she explains.

CCMI’s next moves are to identify partner organizations to join in their mission to expand their research capabilities that can lead to healthy coral reefs and vibrant oceans.

Their vast impact on Little Cayman has worked to build a foundation that offers hope to marine conservation as a whole – one that can build a brilliant future for the island and serve as an example for the entire blue planet.

About CCMI

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s vision is a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reefs. The non-profit organization was founded by Dr. Carrie Manfrino as part of the call to action to halt the decline of coral reefs during the first International Year of the Reef in 1998. CCMI has developed the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute and supports work to hasten new ideas to unlock the secrets of coral reef resilience. CCMI started a movement to challenge scientists to “rethink the future of coral reefs” and works with an international network of scientists to address global threats such as ocean acidification. The organization’s conservation strategy brings scientific discoveries to society to inspire necessary changes to protect reefs for the future, discovering and promoting real solutions to declining ocean health. CCMI is a US 501(c)(3) non-profit, a UK registered charity, and a Cayman Islands registered non-profit, founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs.

You can read more about the Little Cayman Hope Spot on Mission Blue!