All posts tagged: protect the reef

People Protect What They Love

Published by

“People protect what they love, they love what they understand and they understand what they are taught.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau, The quote above has always resonated with me. It’s true, people protect what they love. Growing up in the Cayman Islands I learned from an early age that our oceans, marine life, and coral reefs are one of the greatest treasures and assets we have been bestowed custodians of. We have a moral obligation to protect and preserve the precious coral reefs surrounding our islands. After all, our coral reefs are the very heart of Cayman. From a young age, in school, we are taught that Cayman has always had a strong and deep connection to the ocean. Our Coat of Arms has the words, “He Hath Founded It Upon The Seas” inscribed.  For many of us, these words serve as a reminder that our past, present, and future is and always will be linked to the ocean. The generations before us built our heritage on this strong connection to the ocean.  The Cayman Islands heavily …

Coral Reefs: The Ocean’s Treasure

Published by

(Photo Credit: Swim For The Reef) Why do we need to protect coral reefs? Simply put, coral reefs are some of the most diverse and extremely valuable ecosystems on the Earth.  We cannot afford to lose coral reefs.  Coral reefs have an intrinsic value to both the environment and mankind. Did you know? Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species. – National Ocean Service Education Coral Reefs: The Treasure of the Sea The ocean is full of wonder and enchantment.  Coral reefs are the treasure of the sea. Divers and snorkelers from all around the world flock to countries that have the privilege of being blessed with magnificent coral reefs.  For instance, Australia’s very own Great Barrier Reef.  One of the largest reefs in the world.  On the other side of the hemisphere, the caribbean has an incredible diving and snorkeling experience to offer.  Specifically, the Cayman Islands, are well known for their …