All posts tagged: eco system

The Revival of The Blue Iguanas

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                                            Photo Credit: Doug Bell The United Nations General Assembly designated 3rd March as World Wildlife Day, to celebrate the world’s wild fauna and flora (United Nations). In honor of World Wildlife Day, I would like to dedicate this post to raise awareness for the Blue Iguanas, a national beauty and icon of the Cayman Islands. The Blue Iguana Recovery Program, is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Blue Iguanas. The once critically endangered species, is beginning to thrive in the wild once again. There was a time when we almost lost our beloved Blue Iguanas, thankfully they are moving out of danger from becoming extinct. Currently, the population of Blue Iguanas has reached over 900, showing promise of reaching a target goal of a population of 1,000 Blue Iguanas. The care and dedication of staff members of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, along with the success of captive breeding has contributed …

Sharks In Hot Water: Combating The Negative Perception of Sharks

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Photo Credit: Ellen Cuylaerts Sharks are not only swimming in an ocean that is literally heating up- and melting icecaps but “hot water” due to the negative representation the media has created around sharks. More than ever, sharks find themselves in hot water because of the damaging affects of the negative image the media portrays of sharks as well as the constant targets placed on their backs as they are hunted for their fins. It is said that tens of millions of sharks are killed every year, creating a rapid decline in shark populations. In comparison, only 5-8 people are reported as being killed by sharks per annum. Primarily, sharks are killed for this fins, to make Shark Fin Soup. The practice of killing sharks for their fins is abhorrent. Thankfully, many countries have united together to standup for sharks and place a ban on shark fin soup, and ban the cruel practice of shark finning altogether. There are many conservation organizations working to protect sharks such as Fin Free, Shark Savers, Wild Aid, Shark …

Eco Documentary: Fragile Cayman

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Photo Credit: Michael Maes (Spotted Eagle Ray) Yesterday I had the privilege of watching an incredible Eco Documentary called Fragile Cayman directed and produced by Michael Maes, a fellow environmental enthusiast.  Michael  is also a diver and photographer extraordinaire, here in the Cayman Islands.  His short but powerful documentary, which was featured in the Cayman Islands Underwater Film Festival of 2012, is comprised of  absolutely stunning cinematography and a montage of incredible shots, which truly capture the essence and beauty of our ocean- specifically in Cayman waters.  The scene with the stingrays at Stingray City was just lovely! The Spotted Eagle Ray just gorgeous, my absolute favorite scenes. For me, it was like watching a silent movie, just a story told through motion pictures accompanied by instrumental music.  Watching the film you can’t help but question, why on earth would anyone not want to save the environment and protect the ocean.  Just watching the amazing footage you are completely mesmerized by the fundamental beauty that is our ocean and the marine life which resides there.  …