[Coral-List] Subject: Grand Cayman- Coral reefs

[Steve Mussman]

   Hi Croy,
   I would like to make it known that my comments relating to the declining
   conditions of Grand Cayman's coral reefs were not meant as an indictment of
   the DOE. I know that there are many dedicated individuals working within the
   department who share my concerns and that they often work tirelessly in an
   attempt to change the downward trajectory. Unfortunately that doesn't always
   seem to translate into effective government policies, increasing public
   awareness and change for the better. Again, the DOE is not the culprit here,
   but decisions like the advancement of plans to build a new cruise ship
   berthing pier seem to me to be wrong minded if the ultimate goal is to bring
   about a revitalization of GC's declining coral reef ecosystem. The article
   that precipitated this thread
   (https://caymannewsservice.com/2016/03/dart-seeks-to-dig-up-7mb-beachrock/)
   just seemed to point out yet another potential indiscretion. On the other
   hand, your announcement of a planned enhancement of MPAs and no-take zones
   is encouraging. I just hope this doesn't prove to be too little, too late.
   Warm Regards, Steve
   -----Original Message-----
   >From: "McCoy, Croy"
   >Sent: Mar 14, 2016 5:03 PM
   >To: "coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov"
   >Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Subject: Grand Cayman- Coral reefs
   >
   >My post is in reference to this thread....
   http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/coral-list/2016-March/016687.html
   >
   >Croy
   >
   >Hi  Steve  & Sarah, the Department of the Environment, Cayman Islands
   Government Is committed to protecting the reefs around Grand Cayman, Cayman
   Brac and Little Cayman. Cayman has had an enforced Marine Parks system since
   1986, protecting all corals since 1978 including no taking of any marine
   life, via legislation. We have done much to protect our reefs, establishing
   365 boat moorings around our 3 islands, prohibiting boat anchoring; only
   allowing vessels less than 60 feet (~18 metres) to anchor in sandy areas
   providing no grappling hooks are used, and neither the anchor, rope or chain
   contacts our coral reefs. Any violations of the Law carry fines of $500,000
   Cayman dollars maximum (~600,000 USD) and one year in jail. Upon conviction,
   forfeiture of the vessel or other equipment may also be ordered. However,
   the  population of the islands has doubled and tourism quadrupled, and
   coastal and economic development has grown since the original national
   marine parks system was e
   > stablished in 1986. Furthermore, we have many other management strategies
   and  laws  in  place that offer protection and conservation of species
   associated with coral reefs to ensure ecosystem integrity, and function,
   including protection of marine habitats. The Cayman Islands are not immune
   to the widespread coral reef degradation seen across the Caribbean, but
   where possible, the Department of the Environment have actively pursued
   managing and protecting them for decades. More recently, the Cayman Islands
   Government passed our new National Conservation Law which established a
   National Conservation Council which is a lead body made up of a wide cross
   section of the general public, including stake holders, insuring decisions
   made capture all interest and produce well informed decisions in the best
   interest of the country in reference to the protection of our coral reefs.
   Many members of coral list may also be unaware that following an extensive
   assessment and consultation ac
   > ross all 3 islands, an enhanced Marine Protected Area system has been
   planned which should protect ~50% of all marine habitats of the narrow shelf
   of the Cayman Islands as no-take marine Reserves. This project has been
   conducted by the Department of the Environment Cayman Islands Government
   working with Bangor University (UK) and The Nature Conservancy (USA).
   >
   > More details are available on our website http://www.doe.ky/ or Darwin
   Cayman:       http://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/project/18016/      &
   http://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/project/EIDPO045/
   >_______________________________________________
   >Coral-List mailing list
   >Coral-List at coral..aoml.noaa.gov
   >http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list