All posts tagged: diving

FORCE BLUE: A Call of Duty to Heal the Ocean

Published by

I had the honor of meeting U.S RECON Marine Sergeant Rudy Reyes and listening to him share his story about his experience as a former combat diver and now a veteran on a mission to help protect and restore the marine environment. I cannot truly capture in words how profound his story is or the eloquent way he spoke about his life’s journey. Nor, can I begin to fathom the magnitude of the experiences he has been through and endured as a combat diver. All I can humbly offer is that listening to him speak with such humility, eloquence and passion I was incredibly moved by his words and a part of me was changed forever by his heartfelt story. His life’s journey has lead him to a new call of duty, dedicating his life’s work to empowering other Special Ops veterans to join FORCE BLUE’s conservation efforts to help restore critical marine ecosystems around the world. While on his first trip to the Cayman Islands two years ago, diving off the shore of Sunset …

World Oceans Day 2017

Published by

The ocean is the heart of our planet and it is our life-support system.  Oceans provide over 50% of the world’s oxygen, so it is vital that we maintain a healthy ocean.  We depend on the ocean for our survival.  Coral reefs are home to 25% of marine life.  Coral reefs are often viewed as the rainforest of the sea and have intrinsic value. The caribbean alone has lost approximately 80% of its coral reef coverage.  Coral reefs on a global scale are under threat.  There is an urgent need to protect the ocean and preserve coral reefs. The ocean has this incredible power to unite us— we all are connected to the ocean. The ocean is vast and full of wonderment and spectacular beauty.  Let us all join together to help protect the ocean and conserve coral reefs.  It is important that we also take the time to connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of our planet. A simple way we can create positive change is by recycling and removing trash scattered along …

aerial photo cayman islands sunset house

Force Blue: On A Mission To Protect Coral Reefs

Published by

“One Team, One Fight.” Force Blue is an innovative non-profit organization embarking on an unprecedented mission to change the lives of Combat Divers and Special Operations Force Veterans by repurposing their skill set to aid in the recovery and preservation of critical coral reefs.  By virtue, teaching the veterans to adapt their skills for the betterment of the environment acts as a form of therapy and helps to restore the lives of veterans dealing with PTS and depression.  Force Blue has carefully built the program focusing on improving the lives of vets and offering them an opportunity to continue living a life of purpose, giving them a new mission— saving critical coral reefs and ecosystems.  Veterans often struggle with the need to be part of a team and have a mission to accomplish and/or cause to fight for.  Force Blue has devised a way for veterans to maintain that core component of their lives by deploying them all over the world to help communities save their critical coral reefs.  Veterans taking part in the initiative …

coral reef cayman islands

Cayman Islands: Coral Nursery Conservation Program

Published by

  The caribbean has already lost 80% of its coral reefs. Grand Cayman Eco Divers in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and various local dive establishments have teamed up for over a year aspiring to maintain coral nurseries to aid in conservation, sustainability and restoration of Cayman’s coral reefs. The program has developed effective strategies for protecting and restoring damaged areas of coral reef.  In short, their innovative approach is to grow Staghorn coral in nurseries.  Coral fragments are grown on structures referred to as coral trees.  These “trees” are made from PVC and fiberglass rods.  The fragments of coral grow into colonies.  After significant growth they are then later removed from the tree and out planted onto damaged coral reef areas to aid in their recovery.  For longevity it is proven to provide a sustainable way to maintain healthy reefs.  The successful transplantation and growth of the coral fragments help create diversity in the ecosystem as well as more resilient  reefs. Cayman Eco Divers are seeking to expand the current Coral …

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 …

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 …