Reef Recovery, Grand Cayman

On 27th August 2014 a Carnival cruise ship dropped anchor in the wrong location just off the coast of Grand Cayman, destroying the reef in several places.

Until recently, those in power were playing the blame game and refusing to take responsibility for the damage caused; with Carnival blaming the pilot boat for incorrect instructions and the pilot boat blaming the cruise ship captain. Therefore, it had been left to teams of divers and ocean conservationists to start to repair and restore the reef.

The Cayman Magic Reef Recovery Project recently held a Fundraising event in George Town which was run by passionate volunteers and raised over $34,000.

I sold T-shirts to raise funds

Yesterday, Carnival Cruise Line pledged $100,000 to the National Trust of the Cayman Islands for the ongoing coral reef restoration.“We hugely value the beautiful reefs and pristine environment that make the Cayman Islands so extraordinary,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “When you consider that coral reefs cover less than 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, we understand the paramount importance of preserving and protecting them.”

As a diver participating in the project, the first time I dropped down and saw the damage caused I was shocked and upset. The sheer scale of destruction was worse than I had imagined. The Cayman Islands are one of the world’s top diving destinations and its marine ecosystems are home to a spectacular array of vibrant fish and coral species. The Island welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit to dive and snorkel in the country’s crystal clear waters on its renowned coral reefs.