All posts filed under: Ocean Lover

eden rock

Hope On The Horizon: Cayman Islands (Mission Blue Hope Spot)

Published by

Photo Credit: Ellen Cuylaerts I am so excited to announce that today I was published in Mission Blue’s Ocean Stories.  It was such an honor! I am so humbled by this moment.  It was an absolute pleasure to work with Mission Blue and Ellen Cuylaerts.  Thank You Ellen for allowing me to use your spectacular pictures for the article. Recently, the Cayman Islands, George Town Harbor was designated as a new Hope Spot by Mission Blue. To read more about my article please visit Mission Blue’s website, or click here. Content Update: 7th January 2017.  Below is my article in full.  Originally published in Mission Blue’s Ocean Stories.  Photo Credit: Ellen Cuylaerts Recently, the George Town Harbor in the Cayman Islands was named a Mission Blue Hope Spot- one of fourteen newly designated Hope Spots.  This is incredible news for environmentalists both locally and internationally.  A designated Hope Spot is an area considered to be “critical to the health of the ocean”.  These special areas are recognized by Mission Blue and respectively conservationists around the globe as …

Marine Park Expansion

Published by

  Hey Ocean Lovers, Please read, sign and share this petition in support of enhancing our marine parks.  The expansion of Cayman’s existing marine parks will help us to continue the much needed conservation of our marine environment. You can click here to view the petition. Thank you for your support in protecting our marine environment.    

Speak Up Cayman: Your Voice Matters

Published by

Ever wished that your voice would be heard? Or, that you could directly voice your opinions and concerns to our elected members? Well, fellow constituents Speak Up Cayman has created a platform that allows us to connect with our elected members on issues that matter to us. Their website is super user friendly! Click here to write to your elected members by using Speak Up Cayman’s on point pre-written letter or simply type in your own message. Check out my interview with Gabriella Hernandez on Daybreak 27   discussing Speak Up Cayman and the need for the enhancement of our marine parks. First Order of Business: Enhancing Our Marine Parks   Photo Credit: Courtney Platt Did you know? Our marine parks were first established in 1986 Speak Up Cayman is currently focusing on the topic of “Enhanced Marine Parks.” For all of you ocean lovers, divers and snorkelers this is a topic of interest that needs your support and voice to be heard. In short, despite having successful marine parks here in the Cayman Islands, we …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Swimming with Turtles

Published by

(Photo Credit: Eco Chic Cayman) Yesterday, I shared a “sneak peek” of Wanderlust Wednesday.  Today, I am pleased to announce this is the first official post of the brand new series.  I am keeping it local today, and sharing the love for turtles.  The absolute best way to see a turtle, is to encounter them swimming alongside you in the wild.  The photos and footage of turtles shared within this post are of turtles found swimming in Cayman waters.  Most importantly, whenever one encounters marine life one should always have respect for the animal(s) and their environment.  The turtles I came across while snorkeling were super friendly and did not mind poising for the camera.  It was both a surreal and incredibly humbling experience to witness firsthand the awesomeness of seeing a turtle in the wild.  It is a privilege to live on an island that has such a rich and biodiverse underwater landscape.  To have the opportunity to swim with turtles in the wild is simply a memory that will last a lifetime— a …

Project: Coral Tree Nursery

Published by

“Over the past 30 years, coral reefs have faced major decline.” – Coral Restoration Foundation Some view the coral reefs as the underwater equivalent of a “rainforest” so to speak. Coral reefs serve to keep the balance of the ocean in check, act as both a haven and food source for marine life and a means of coastal protection during hurricanes. Additionally, the immense biodiversity of coral reefs is greatly beneficial to mankind, as it has intrinsic value not only to the environment but for tourism. Cayman’s dive industry recognizes the economic value our coral reefs bring to our islands and are keen to ensure the protection of our coral reefs to continue benefiting not only tourists but locals as well. In order to maintain a thriving economic value from our coral reefs, one must consider that negative environmental impacts can cause the economic value to depreciate. It is vital to maintain healthy coral reefs, not just from an environmental standpoint but also an economic one. Unfortunately, coral reefs are faced by multiple threats such …

Come Dive With Us…

Published by

  Come Dive With Us Cayman Eco Divers is an environmentally responsible dive company. They provide safe diving adventures exploring the spectacular coral reefs and historic shipwreck sites found in the Cayman Islands.  Snorkelers are welcome to join in on the fun too!  The heart of Cayman Eco Divers is to share with locals and tourists alike the beauty of the ocean and life that resides there with an eco-conscious mindset and absolute respect for the ocean. Cayman Eco Divers is committed to both the conservation and preservation of coral reefs, marine life and the environment. Meet Brittany Balli and Aaron Hunt! It has been such a pleasure getting to know Brittany and Aaron, from Cayman Eco Divers. Both have an incredible love and respect for the ocean and marine life. They have an excellent rapport in Cayman’s diving industry, with a vast amount of diving experience.  Aaron is an experienced PADI dive instructor and International Yacht Training Captain who has led thousands of trips to explore Grand Cayman’s reefs.  When touring around Cayman waters …