OUR OCEAN PLANET
OUR OCEAN PLANET
SECTION 11 – CAYMAN ISLANDS AND THE SEA
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11. CAYMAN ISLANDS AND THE SEA
11. CAYMAN ISLANDS AND THE SEA
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11.1 OVERVIEW
11.1 OVERVIEW
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11.1 OVERVIEW
The Cayman Islands are three small islands that lie approximately
241 km (150 miles) south of Cuba and 290 km (180 miles) west of
Jamaica almost in the center of the Caribbean Sea. The Cayman
Islands are composed of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little
Cayman.
Christopher Columbus discovered the islands in 1503 and named
them Las Tortugas after the large sea turtles he sighted in the
surrounding seas. Sea turtles have subsequently become very
important to the cultural heritage of the Cayman people. The islands
were later renamed “Caymanas” from the Carib Indian word for a
crocodile.
With a tradition as shipbuilders, sailors, turtlers, fishermen, and in
rope-making, the people of the Cayman Islands have a long history
of being a resourceful and resilient people.
Once a dependency of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands came under
direct British rule after Jamaica declared independence in 1962.
Granted greater autonomy under a 1972 constitution, the islands
today are largely self-governing and economically self-sufficient.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
The Cayman Islands have many natural attractions. Coral reefs,
beaches and abundant marine life make them a popular destination
for tourists and other visitors for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other
water sports.
Interesting!
The Cayman Islands are most
famous for:
The Cayman Islands are also one of the world's largest financial
centres with several hundred banks and financial institutions, and
tens of thousands of companies that operate through the islands.
Tourism, banking and property have overtaken the traditional trades
of fishing, turtle hunting and shipbuilding.
 Coral Reefs
 Beaches
 Scuba Diving
 Fishing
 Water Sports
 Tourism
 Banking & Finance
 Property
CLIMATE
Tropical. The average temperature is a pleasant 20-23.9°C (6875°F) between mid-December and mid-April with lowest humidity
(tourist peak season). The average temperature for the rest of year
is 28.3°C (83°F). Rainfall is highest from mid-May through October.
The water temperature is about 24°C (75°F) in winter and 29°C
(85°F) in summer with visibility ranging from 21-30 m (70-100 ft).
CAPITAL
George Town, Grand Cayman
POPULATION
40,000 (about 37,000 live in Grand Cayman)
11.1 OVERVIEW
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11.1.1 Geography
All three Cayman Islands are low-lying, flat-topped landmasses
which are the tips of massive submarine mountains that just barely
emerge from the ocean.
Encircling each island are shallow waters and a reef system
harboring a rich diversity of marine life. The world-renowned Seven
Mile Beach and the sheer coral reef walls surrounding all three
islands have made the Cayman Islands one of the premiere tourism
destinations in the Caribbean. At Bloody Bay Wall for example, on
the north shore of Little Cayman, the sea floor ends abruptly at a
depth of only 5.4-7.5 m (18-25 ft) before dropping off to a 1,800 m
(6,000 ft) vertical cliff. Along the face of the wall grows a large
variety of corals, sponges, and other coral reef life.
The bedrock of all three islands is a porous limestone. Although this
is thousands of meters thick, it is built from the external skeletons of
millions upon millions of tiny marine organisms, mostly corals.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
Long before Columbus navigated the three islands on his last
voyage, major tectonic unrest along the boundary of the Caribbean
and North American plates created a ridge from Cuba
southwestward to Nicaragua. This ridge created a series of mounds
across the Caribbean Sea that were close enough to the sunlit
surface for corals to begin to congregate and settle. Slowly, over 40
million years, through several major shifts in the earth’s climate and
dramatic fluctuations in sea levels, the Cayman Islands were
formed.
Even the rock formations that rim the shores are remnants of reefs
that formed only in the last few thousand years as ice melted and
the sea level rose. During times of lower sea level, large caves
formed in the limestone as it dissolved (imagine that underneath the
islands the rocks look like Swiss cheese!)
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11.1 OVERVIEW
Over time, corals built the modern fringing reef up to sea level,
creating a powerful barrier to large waves, protecting the islands
from erosion, and allowing plants to grow.
The reefs and their inhabitants produced sand for the beaches and
provided a barrier for the shallow lagoons. The reefs also play a
significant role in reducing coastal flooding as the sea level
continues to rise. The connection between the reef, sandy beaches
and mangroves that developed are evident.
The three islands also have no rivers that can carry sediment and
nutrients into the sea, which gives the Cayman Islands some of the
clearest waters on Earth. The healthy marine environment of the
Cayman Islands provides inhabitants food, shelter and the very land
that they live on.
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11.1.2 Historical Timeline
1503
For the first century after Columbus happened upon the Cayman
Islands in 1503, the islands were uninhabited by people, the main
inhabitants being turtles. The sun-bleached landscape languished in
near-pristine state, undisturbed but for the occasional sailors
stopping to replenish ship stores on turtles and to refill freshwater
barrels.
Unlike many Caribbean Islands, pre-Columbian artefacts have never
been discovered on the islands. Archaeologists have suggested
that the Amerindians, who had excellent maritime skills, may not
have an interest in permanently settling in the Cayman Islands
because the islands had swamps with mosquitoes and did not have
much fresh water.
1586
Sir Francis Drake's fleet of 23 ships stops for two days at Grand
Cayman. The island is not inhabited but crocodiles, alligators,
iguanas and numerous turtles are recorded.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1655
England captures Jamaica from the Spanish.
1670
Under the Treaty of Madrid, Spain recognizes England's sovereignty
over Jamaica and various other Caribbean islands, including the
Cayman Islands.
No permanent settlers set up house on Grand Cayman until after the
1670 acquisition of the islands and its turtles by the British Crown,
which has held dominion over the three islands ever since. Once
settlers started trickling in from Jamaica in the early 18th Century,
Cayman Islanders quickly established their reputations as worldclass seafarers.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1680–1718
Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”), a notorious English pirate, frequented
the Cayman Islands, reputedly spending quite a bit of time around
Cayman Brac.
1700
Permanent settlement had probably begun by this time with a few
families, notably the Boddens, living on Grand Cayman.
Land grants and records of land transactions discovered in Jamaica,
England and Spain provide a fairly good early history of settlement.
With formal land grants reported from the 1730s–1740s in Grand
Cayman, settlement evidently began at the East End of Grand
Cayman. Historical records indicate Isaac Bodden as the first
recorded inhabitant of Grand Cayman who was born on Cayman
around 1700. The East End district was formerly known as Old
Isaacs. Stories have it that Isaac was the grandson of one of Oliver
Cromwell’s soldiers who helped capture Jamaica in 1655. Other
stories indicate that the first settlers were two soldiers from Oliver
Cromwell’s disbanded army with the names of Walter and Bowden
in 1658.
1734-1742
Five land grants in Grand Cayman are made by the Governor of
Jamaica. Mahogany and logwood are being exported to Jamaica.
Population perhaps 100-150.
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1773
First survey or map of Cayman made by the Royal Navy. Population
is about 400 (approximately half free, half slaves).
1780s
From the 1780s, the Cayman shipbuilding industry produces
schooners and other sea craft for inter-island trade. Cotton, turtles,
sarsaparilla and wood being exported to Jamaica.
1790
Fort George probably constructed to ward off attacks by French or
Spanish pirates.
1794
"Wreck of the Ten Sails" occurs. Ten ships, including HMS Convert,
the navy ship leading a convoy of 58 merchantmen, wrecked off
East End.
1798
First record of a magistrate in Cayman being appointed by Governor
of Jamaica.
1800
By 1800, the population numbered less than 1,000 – of which half
were slaves. After the Slavery Abolition Act (1834) was read at
Pedro St. James in 1835, most freed slaves remained and by 1900
the Cayman population had quintupled.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1820s
Local laws being passed by a self-appointed group of "principal
inhabitants."
1831
Decision to form an elected assembly taken at Pedro Castle on 5th
December. Elections follow on 10th and new Assembly passes first
legislation on 31st December. Population is approximately 2,000.
1835
Governor Sligo of Jamaica lands in Cayman to declare all slaves
free in accordance with the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1834.
1830s
First missionaries from the Anglican and Wesleyan churches visit
and a church is built in George Town.
1830s-1840s
First schools established by the Mico Charity and Wesleyans.
1846
Presbyterian church established by the Rev. James Elmslie.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1863
Act of the Imperial Parliament in London makes Cayman a
dependency of Jamaica (although Cayman had been loosely
"governed" as such from 1670).
1898
Frederick Sanguinetti, an official in the Jamaican Government,
appointed as the first Commissioner of the Cayman Islands.
Cayman will be governed by Commissioners until 1962.
1920
A major Education Act provides for government schools in all
districts.
1937
The first cruise ship (“Atlantis”) visits. This signals the beginnings of
tourism with the first tourist booklet published.
1939-1945
During World War II, a "Home Guard" is formed to provide protection
and surveillance of enemy shipping.
1950s
Until the mid-20th Century, the economy would remain tied to the sea
with fishing, sea turtle fishing and shipbuilding as the main
industries.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1950s
Divers put the Cayman Islands on the international tourist map as
early as the 1950s. A number of hotels open as adventurous
tourists begin to visit the islands.
1953
An airfield is opened in Grand Cayman, eventually replacing the
seaplane service which had operated since the 1940s.
1953
The George Town Hospital is opened. Barclays Bank, the first
commercial bank, opens.
1959
Cayman receives its first written constitution which grants the vote to
women. Cayman ceases to be a dependency of Jamaica.
1962
Following Jamaica's independence from Great Britain, Cayman
chooses to remain a Crown Colony, governed by an administrator
who reports directly to Westminster.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
1966
Cayman Islanders begin fashioning the tax structure that has made
Grand Cayman an economic powerhouse and designing an
infrastructure that has made it a capital of Caribbean tourism.
Landmark legislation is introduced to encourage banking industry.
1970
Population of the Cayman Islands is 10,249 with only 403 visitors.
1972
New Constitution introduced under which Cayman is governed by a
Legislative Assembly, Executive Council and a Governor.
2004
Hurricane Ivan hits Grand Cayman in September, 2004, causing
widespread destruction and halting tourism. A curfew is introduced
to prevent looting. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman do not receive a
direct hit and damage to the two smaller islands is more limited.
TODAY
Population of the Cayman Islands is about 50,000, most of which
live in Grand Cayman.
Historically, the population is an
amalgamation of Jamaican, North American, European and African
roots. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, a large influx of expatriate
workers (from 78 countries and growing) has led Cayman Islanders
to become a minority in their own country. The upside is that the
Cayman Islands have a rich social fabric that celebrates diversity.
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11.1.3 National Symbols
FLAG
The Cayman Islands flag consists of the Union Flag of the United
Kingdom at the top left quarter of a dark blue background with the
Cayman Islands crest appearing at the bottom right quarter.
The Union flag or “Union Jack” is formed from three separate
country flags:
 England; St. George (red cross on white background)
 Scotland; St. Andrew (white x on blue background)
 Ireland; St. Patrick (red x on white background)
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11.1 OVERVIEW
COAT OF ARMS
The Cayman Islands were granted their own coat of arms on 14 May
1958. The arms depict three green gold edged stars on blue and
white wavy lines. This represents the three islands and the blue
lines, the Caribbean Sea.
The red chief above the stars shows the Lion of England which
represents the ties to Great Britain. The turtle is the national symbol
of the Cayman Islands and the rope it stands on represents the
thatch rope industry that is an important part of Cayman's history.
The pineapple at the top of the Cayman Island arms symbolizes the
time when the Islands were a dependency of Jamaica (which was
until 1962 a dependency of Great Britain).
MOTTO
The Cayman Island motto “He hath founded it upon the seas” is from
the Bible. Psalm 24 Verses 1-2 are:
1. The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and
they that dwell therein.
2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the
floods.
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11.1.4 Natural Resources
The Cayman Islands are embedded in an azure, turquoise and
indigo coloured sea. Below these warm waters lie a world of corals,
stingrays, sea turtles and tropical fish. Towering underwater walls,
shipwrecks and reefs have made the Cayman Islands renowned
among scuba divers and snorkellers while mile after mile of pristine
white sand beaches, cliffs and caves are popular with tourists.
In short, the Cayman Islands are blessed with many natural ocean
resources that are highly in demand in today’s world including:
 Coral reefs
 Sandy coasts – white sand beaches, cliffs & caves
 Mangroves
 Sea Food – fish, crustaceans and molluscs
The natural ocean resources support local inhabitants in a variety of
industries such as tourism, shipping and fishing. These resources,
coupled with good government, political stability and strong
relationships with the UK and USA has led to a healthy economy
and, in turn, wealth for Cayman Islanders. These resources will be
described in more detail later.
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11.1 OVERVIEW
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REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.gov.ky – Cayman Islands Government
http://www.gocayman.ky – Cayman Islands
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/3709816.stm - Cayman Islands
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/3710044.stm - Cayman Islands Timeline
http://www.caribbeanbusinesscommunity.com/cayman.asp - Cayman Business Community
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cj.html - Cayman Islands
Gorry, Conner, Kohnstamm, Thomas and Ver Berkmoes, Ryan, Caribbean Islands (Multi Country
Guide), Lonely Planet (2007)
Porter, Darwin and Prince, Danforth, Frommer’s Portable Cayman Islands, Wiley Publishing Inc. (2007)
11.2 CORAL REEFS
11.2 CORAL REEFS
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
11.2 CORAL REEFS
11.2.1 Corals
Although coral heads resemble rocks or plants, they are actually
colonies of numerous marine animals living together.
Corals are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and belong to
the phylum Cnidaria and class Anthozoa.
Corals are members of the same phylum as sea anemones,
siphonophores, hydroids, true jellyfish and box jellyfish because all
these animals have nematocysts (stinging cells) and their bodies are
sac-like with a single opening at one end, which functions as a
mouth and an anus.
Corals are different from other cnidarians because they secrete an
external skeleton around themselves and form colonies that are
usually attached to a hard surface.
Corals are considered the most important part of a reef because of
the long-lasting structures they build and the habitat that these
structures provide for countless reef organisms.
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Interesting!
Relative to the enormous
Great Barrier Reef of Australia,
Caribbean coral reefs have a
lower marine biodiversity.
While Australia’s Great Barrier
Reef has some 350 species of
reef-building corals and 1,500
species of fish, in the
Caribbean there are 60
species of corals and only a
few hundred species of fish.
Scientists conclude that the
Caribbean region is highly
vulnerable to disease and over
exploitation as a direct result.
11.2 CORAL REEFS
HARD VS. SOFT CORAL
Corals can conveniently be considered as either hard or soft
depending on the consistency and nature of their skeletons.
Hard Corals
Hard corals are reef-building corals that secrete a hard external
limestone skeleton. This skeleton remains when the corals die and
forms a base upon which other corals can grow. A coral polyp has
tentacles, and hard coral polyp tentacles are arranged around the
mouth in multiples of six. Hard corals grow in three basic forms:
branching, massive, and plate. Examples include brain coral (a
massive coral), elkhorn (a branching coral), and leaf coral (a plate
coral). In the Cayman Islands alone, 44 species of hard coral can be
found.
Soft Corals
Soft corals produce a flexible skeleton made of a protein called
gorgonin and do not significantly contribute to the building of a reef.
Soft coral polyps have eight tentacles arranged around their mouth
and are classified as octocorals. Examples of octocorals include
common sea fans and sea whips. Octocorals take branching or fanlike shapes that bend and sway with the movement of the water.
Typically, a sea fan blade faces into the prevailing current to help the
coral trap food in the water.
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
ANATOMY
Coral Polyp
A coral polyp or body consists of a sac with a digestive cavity and a
single opening that functions as mouth and anus. The open end of
the polyp is surrounded by tentacles that help filter food into its
central digestive cavity. Nematocysts (stinging cells) on the tentacles
assist the coral in catching prey. The nematocysts paralyze the prey
and the sticky tentacles then deposit the food in the coral's mouth.
Stinging Cells (“Nematocysts”)
Corals (and all cnidarians) have specialized cells that carry stinging
organelles called nematocysts. These specialized stinging structures
are a characteristic of the phylum and are borne in the tentacles and
other body parts. Corals employ these stinging cells to kill prey. The
nematocysts function by a chemical or physical trigger that causes it
to eject a coiled fiber with a barbed and poisoned hook that can stick
into prey. Dead or paralyzed prey is pushed into the coral's oral
opening by the tentacles and digested in the digestive
(gastrovascular) cavity. All undigested food, waste & other
secretions leave through the same oral opening.
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
Coral Skeleton
In the case of the hard corals, each polyp secretes a calcium
carbonate (limestone) cup around itself, which is fused with others to
form boulder or rock-like colonial fortresses. The deposition process
is a slow one, but the efforts of one generation are not lost when the
polyps die, for subsequent generations build over the skeletal cups
of their dead ancestors ever increasing the coral's hold on the reef.
In contrast, the soft coral polyps often secrete a horn-like substance,
called gorgonin, into which the calcium carbonate is embedded. This
arrangement gives the soft corals greater flexibility than their hard
coral counterparts, allowing them to form more pliable, bushy or fanshaped colonies. Because coral reefs are the leftover skeletons of
once-living organisms and are not created by geological processes,
they are called biogenic (“bio” means life and “genic” means create,
so reefs are "created by life").
DIET
Corals are considered to be primarily carnivorous because they eat
other small animals, such as fish, although some corals are
omnivores and eat both plants and animals.
Corals typically feed on animal and plant plankton which are
microscopic in size. There are billions of plankton in the oceans.
Animal plankton is called zooplankton while plant plankton is called
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
SYMBIOSIS
Coral polyps form a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with
algae called zooxanthellae.
Zooxanthellae are known as
endosymbionts because they live inside (endo) the body of a coral
polyp and are part of a symbiotic relationship (symbionts).
Zooxanthellae have both animal & plant features but are usually
considered to be algae since they are able to utilize energy from
sunlight and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen
and sugars (photosynthesis).
When many zooxanthellae live within a coral polyp, they provide the
polyp with extra food and oxygen from photosynthesis, which the
polyp uses to build its skeleton. In exchange, the zooxanthellae are
given a protected place to live and additional carbon dioxide
produced by the coral polyp during respiration.
Different zooxanthellae live with different corals and come in many
different forms and colours. It is the zooxanthellae that give corals
their beautiful colours. When corals are stressed, however, they
eject their zooxanthellae. This makes them white or bleached; this
condition is known as "coral bleaching".
Corals do not generally thrive without their zooxanthellae and may
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
DISTRIBUTION
Coral reefs are generally located in warm tropical and subtropical
regions of the world's oceans between 35°N and 35°S of the
equator. Corals live in shallow, clear, and sunlit sea water at a
temperature between 18°C and 36°C.
There are three primary regions coral reefs are found: the IndoPacific (including the Indian and Pacific Oceans), the Red Sea and
the Western Atlantic (including the Caribbean Sea). About 60% of
the world's coral reefs are found in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea,
25% are in the Pacific Ocean, and the remaining 15% are in the
Western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.
Coral reefs have evolved over millions of years. The reefs of the
Western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea evolved slightly later as
the Atlantic is the youngest of the world's oceans. Today's reefs
represent about 10,000 years of accumulated growth since the end
of the last ice age.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/coral.html - Coral reefs
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Important!
Many of the world’s coral reefs
are dying. Major threats to coral
reefs are pollution (from sewage
and agricultural runoff), dredging
off the coast, collecting of coral
specimens, and sedimentation
(silt or sand from mining or
construction muddies the waters
of a reef and kills coral, which
needs light to live).
Environmental stresses can also
lead to corals being more
susceptible to disease.
11.2 CORAL REEFS
Important!
Zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship with corals and live within a coral polyp. Among other functions,
zooxanthellae also give corals their vibrant colours. However, under certain conditions, zooxanthellae can be
“evicted” from a coral, which causes corals to lose their colour and become white, giving rise to the term "coral
bleaching".
A bleached coral loses a primary source of its food when it ejects its zooxanthellae, and it is more susceptible to
disease and death. If conditions improve, a coral will accept new zooxanthellae, regain its colour, and recover. If
not, a coral may not recover and may even die.
Coral bleaching is a response to stress which are changes in the environment from the coral's ideal living
conditions. The most common stresses that cause bleaching are changes in temperature, salinity, and increased
ultra-violet radiation. Some anthropogenic stresses that may contribute to bleaching include nutrient loading from
land runoff, increased sedimentation, and other forms of pollution.
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
11.2.2 Coral Reef Life
Cayman Island coral reef life is rich and diverse. It consists of many
animals including:
CORALS
Hard corals – brain coral, elkhorn coral, staghorn coral
Soft corals – sea fans, sea whips
SPONGES
Tube sponges
Vase sponges
Basket sponges
CRUSTACEANS
Crabs – hermit crabs
Shrimps
Lobsters – Caribbean spiny lobsters (adults)
MOLLUSCS
Cephalopods – octopus, squid, nautilus
Conch – queen conch
ECHINODERMS
Sea stars
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
FISHES
The Cayman Islands boast about 350 species of fishes including:
Bony Fish Families:
Angelfish – French angelfish, grey angelfish, queen angelfish
Butterflyfish – spotfin butterflyfish, four-eyed butterflyfish
Damselfish – sergeant majors
Goatfish
Grunts – French grunts, smallmouth grunts
Jacks – lookdowns, permits
Moray eels – green morays
Parrotfish – stoplight parrotfish, blue parrotfish
Sea basses – sea basses and groupers
Snappers – yellowtail snapper
Surgeonfish
Tarpon
Triggerfish – queen triggerfish
Wrasses
Cartilaginous Fish Families:
Eagle rays – spotted eagle rays
Stingrays – southern stingrays
Nurse sharks
Requiem sharks – bull shark, sandbar shark, whitetip reef shark
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
The following highlight some of the animals that are found on
Cayman Island reefs and are of particular interest.
QUEEN CONCH
The queen conch (Strombus gigas) grows to an average adult length
of 25.4 cm (10 in). From birth, it creates a hard shell to protect its
soft body. The mantle, a layer of skin surrounding the foot and lining
the shell wall, discharges calcium carbonate as a liquid which
hardens to form the shell. The inside of the shell is a beautiful pink
colour. A conch shell grows in a clockwise spiral until a lip begins to
form. The lip forms the base of the shell and helps prevent a conch
from being overturned. Once the lip forms, the shell ceases most of
its growth in length but it continues to thicken with age. Queen
conch is a popular sea food. Indeed, demand for it is so great that,
even with protection, conch is widely over-exploited and threatened
in much of the Caribbean.
SOUTHERN STINGRAY
The Southern stingray (Dasyatis americana) is a cartilaginous fish
with a body that is almost a perfect rhombus shape. It can reach a
length of 1.5 m (5 ft) across disk and is usually a bottom-dweller that
lies buried in sand except for the eyes. It has a whip-like tail with a
venomous spine at the base of its tail. Like all stingrays, it bears live
young. The southern stingray eats clams, mussels, and oysters and
has flattened teeth which are suitable for crushing shellfish.
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11.2 CORAL REEFS
BLUE PARROTFISH
The blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) has a sky to royal blue body,
a blunt snout and a parrot-like beak from fused teeth. It eats corals
and algae and swims using its pectoral fins. The blue parrotfish can
reach a length of almost 122 cm (4 ft) but it is usually much smaller
with a length of 61 cm (2ft)
TARPON
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are large, powerful, predatory silvery
bony fish. They have large mouths with protruding lower jaws and
they have large scales on their body. They are considered important
game fish and can reach a length of 2.4 m (96 in) and weigh 136 kg
(300 lb)
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/queenconch.html - Queen Conch
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11.3 SANDY COASTS
11.3 SANDY COASTS
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11.3 SANDY COASTS
11.3 SANDY COASTS
11.3.1 Beaches, Cliffs, Caves & Blowholes
BEACHES
The Cayman Islands are blessed with miles and miles of white-sand
beaches. Coral reefs are a major source of white sand beaches.
The white sand consists of crushed shells and limestone from coral
skeletons, which are ground down and excreted by parrotfish. Some
of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Cayman Islands
include Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, the southwest coast
on Cayman Brac and Point of Sand on Little Cayman.
CLIFFS
Probably the most famous cliff in the Cayman Islands is the “Bluff”, a
dramatic, wedge-shaped limestone formation that rises from the
flatlands of the west end of Cayman Brac to a height of 42.6m (140
ft) traveling the length of the island before plunging into the sea.
The word “Brac” comes from a Gaelic word for bluff. The Bluff is
made of marine limestone and is estimated to be 25 million years
old.
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11.3 SANDY COASTS
CAVES
The Cayman Islands are riddled with caves – which in previous
years were sometimes used as hurricane shelters. The islands
themselves are limestone which is very soft. With time and the
incessant waves, the limestone has become eroded in many places
forming caves and caverns. The islands have been likened to holey
“cheese”. Underwater, there are many dive sites to see these
caves, caverns, tunnels, and grottoes such as Eden Rocks and
Devil’s Grotto off Grand Cayman. Above land, caves can be seen in
Cayman Brac.
BLOW HOLES
“Blow holes” are holes in the rock formation formed by wave erosion
that produce huge spouts of water when waves hit and force water
through the hole. They can be seen on the East End of Grand
Cayman.
38
11.3 SANDY COASTS
11.3.2 Sandy Coast Life
Cayman Island sandy coast life is also rich and diverse. It consists
of many animals including:
CRUSTACEANS
Crabs – hermit crabs
Shrimps
Lobsters – Caribbean spiny lobsters (adults)
ECHINODERMS
Sea stars
Sea urchins
REPTILES
Sea turtles – green, loggerhead, hawksbill
39
11.3 SANDY COASTS
The following highlight some of the animals that may be seen on
Cayman Islands beaches and are of particular interest.
SEA URCHIN
Sea urchins are echinoderms.
They are round, spiny and
herbivorous invertebrates that graze on algae and detritus from
grass beds and rocky areas. Many sea urchins have long, sharp
spines on their backs, which protect them from predators such as
fish, crabs, moray eels and sea otters. However, their underside is
often spineless and they are vulnerable to attack from that side if the
predator can turn the sea urchin over.
SEA TURTLE
Sea turtles are large air-breathing reptiles with paddle-shaped foreflippers and a number of other adaptations that make them perfectly
at home in the ocean. Today, only seven species remain worldwide
– green, loggerhead, hawksbill, flatback, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley,
and leatherback turtle. Although they may live their entire life at sea,
sea turtles must return to the land to nest. Under cover of darkness,
a female will drag her body across a sandy beach where she will dig
a nest and deposit about 100 eggs in the warm sand. After about 60
days of incubation, the eggs will hatch and the hatchlings will make
their way back to the sea.
40
11.4 MANGROVES
11.4 MANGROVES
41
11.4 MANGROVES
11.4 MANGROVES
11.4.1 Mangroves
Mangrove trees are found in many sub-tropical and tropical areas of
the world growing along sheltered coastlines. Mangrove wetlands
form an important link between the land and the sea.
In the Cayman Islands, three types of mangroves are found in
wetlands – red, white and black – each of which has adaptations for
tolerating the high level of salt and lack of oxygen that would
ordinarily kill other plants. These woody, seed-bearing plants range
in size from small shrubs to tall trees.
Mangroves have many important functions including providing the
basis of the food web upon which the marine creatures feed, acting
as a nursery for small fish and juveniles, protecting land from the
effects of storms and surges, and filtering the water of sediment
resulting in the clear waters surrounding Cayman.
42
11.4 MANGROVES
Mangroves provide an ideal habitat for birds, fishes and many
invertebrate species. For example, Cayman’s parrots nest in black
mangrove trees. Fish live amongst the roots of red mangroves,
hiding from larger fish and feeding on smaller fish and creatures that
also live in the tree roots. Juvenile turtles and lobsters live in the
sanctuary offered by the root systems and shallow water areas.
Invertebrates, such as the mangrove oyster, crabs, snails and
shrimps, also live on the submerged mangrove trees and roots.
Mangrove wetlands also have other essential functions. The dense
and strong root systems protect against the large waves and storm
surges that Cayman can experience during hurricanes and other
storms. The roots also help stabilize muddy and soft sediments that
would be stirred up by wave activity which would cause shoreline
erosion and murky waters devoid of marine life. They dampen wave
energy and protect the Cayman coastlines. Mangrove wetlands also
absorb vast quantities of fresh water from heavy rains, and release it
slowly and harmlessly into the marine environment. This means that
by the time rain water reaches the reef, it has been filtered by the
mangroves and the sediment stirred up by the storm has settled.
Mangrove ecosystems are also very important providers of nutrients
that feed into surrounding ecosystems, making them healthier and
more productive.
43
11.4 MANGROVES
Interesting!
Mangroves have several adaptations that allow them to survive in an inhospitable environment. Black and white
mangroves have special roots that grow vertically above the ground and act like snorkels. These roots allow the
tree to absorb oxygen from the air when the ground is covered with salt water and the soil is low on oxygen.
Black mangroves also excrete excess salt out through their leaves which can often be seen as salt crystals on
the leaves. Red mangroves are the best adapted for living in salt water and can usually be found nearest the
sea, often actually growing in the water. The roots of red mangroves resemble stilts and they allow the tree to
stand in the water. They reproduce through large seeds called “propagules”, which look like darts, hanging from
the ends of their branches. Each propagule is a small plant with roots already growing on it. When a propagule
falls from the parent tree, it can grow directly in the muddy sediment or it can float along until the root end
weighs it down into the correct position for it to grow.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/mangroves.html - Mangroves
44
45
11.4 MANGROVES
11.4.2 Central Mangrove Wetland
Grand Cayman's Central Mangrove Wetland is critical to the
ecological health of Grand Cayman. The Wetland is part of a largescale water flow system that filters and conditions the surface and
shallow ground water which flows into North Sound.
The Wetland also provides a flow of nutrients into North Sound by
constant tidal flushing of the mangrove fringes and by occasional
overflows of accumulated rainwater from the whole Central
Mangrove basin. These nutrients form the base of a complex food
chain from the Turtle Grass and shrimp mounds in Little Sound,
through to the snappers and lobsters which move from the
mangroves to the reef. North Sound’s entire ecosystem is bound to
the Central Mangroves and it would collapse if the Wetland was ever
destroyed.
West Indian whistling duck, Grand Cayman parrots, snowy egrets
and many other native birds depend on the Central Mangrove
Wetland for food, shelter and a breeding area. Crustaceans, insects
and other invertebrates inhabit the Wetland, along with fish,
hickatees, agouti and many other animals. Red, black, white and
buttonwood mangroves are found along with dry land trees such as
mahogany and wild fig.
SEA GRASS
11.4 MANGROVES
46
The Wetland covers an area of about 8,500 acres and is almost entirely in its natural state. It is largely
covered by a canopy of trees, which absorb sunlight and radiate part of that energy as heat, warming the
air near the leaves. This air becomes saturated with water vapour, evaporating from the leaves pores
and from the ponds below. Warm saturated air rises above the Central Mangrove Wetland and can form
clouds, which are carried west by the prevailing winds to rain on the central and western districts of
Grand Cayman. This process is believed to contribute greatly to western Grand Cayman's rainfall, which
is 40% higher than the eastern districts. Without the Wetland, George Town and West Bay could be as
dry as East End.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/centralmangrove.html - Central Mangrove Wetland
11.4 MANGROVES
11.4.3 Mangrove Life
Cayman Island mangrove life consists of many plants and animals
including:
PLANTS
Red Mangrove
Black mangrove
White mangrove
Buttonwood mangrove
Mahogany
Wild fig
CRUSTACEANS
Crabs – hermit crabs
Shrimps
Lobsters – Caribbean spiny lobsters (juveniles)
MOLLUSCS
Mangrove oyster
FISH
Juvenile reef fishes
Bonefish
47
11.4 MANGROVES
REPTILES
Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii) – “hickatee”
Sea turtles
BIRDS
Cayman parrots
West Indian whistling duck
Frigate birds
MAMMALS
Agouti
48
11.4 MANGROVES
The following highlight some of the particularly interesting animals
that are found in Cayman Islands mangroves:
CARIBBEAN SPINY LOBSTER
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) gets its name from
the sharp spines that adorn its hard outer shell and antennae. Their
bodies have 19 segments. The first 13 segments are fused together
forming a rounded outer shell or carapace. The head region of the
carapace contains the eyes, long whip-like antennae, flexible
antennules and jaws. The thorax contains five pairs of spindly legs
with the last 6 segments forming the abdomen and tail fan.
Caribbean Spiny Lobsters are brown with four cream coloured spots
on the dorsal surface of the abdomen and much smaller cream
spots scattered over the rest of its body.
To avoid capture, lobsters always face their potential predators. In
this position they are best able to use their large abdominal muscles
and tail fan to rapidly propel them backwards and away from an
advancing predator. An additional defence mechanism is their
ability to break off an appendage when caught. Once free from a
predator's grasp the lobster can flee to safety and, in time, re-grow
its missing appendages.
49
11.4 MANGROVES
WEST INDIAN WHISTLING DUCK
The West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) is the
largest (48-58 cm) and darkest of its genus. It has a long black bill,
long head and longish legs. It has a pale foreneck and light brown
face. The crown, back, breast and wings are dark brown to black,
and the rest of the underside is white with heavy black markings. All
plumages are similar, except that juveniles are duller and have a
less contrasted belly pattern. The birds are mostly nocturnal and
secretive, inhabiting wooded swamps and mangroves, where this
duck roosts and feeds on plant food including the fruit of the Royal
Palm.
The West Indian Whistling Duck is widely scattered throughout the
West Indies including a large breeding population in the Bahamas,
and smaller numbers in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Antigua and
Barbuda, and Jamaica. It is largely sedentary, apart from local
movements which can be 100 km or more. Nests have been
reported in tree cavities, on branches and on the ground under
thatch palms and other dense bushes. The usual clutch size is 1016 eggs. It habitually perches in trees, which gives rise to its
specific name.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/cariblobster.html - Caribbean Spiny Lobster
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/wiwduck.html - West Indian Whistling Duck
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_Whistling_Duck - West Indian Whistling Duck
50
11.5 LAND
11.5 LAND
51
11.5 LAND
11.5 LAND
11.5.1 Land
The Cayman Islands are not particularly lush and the land wildlife
isn’t as diverse as her coral reefs and mangroves. Nonetheless,
several interesting plants and animals are found, some of which are
endemic to the Cayman Islands.
Mahogany was once plentiful but this has been mostly logged.
Poisonous plants species include maiden plum (a weed with rashcausing sap), lady’s hair or cowitch (a vine with fiberglass-like barbs)
and the manchineel which produces skin-blistering sap. Other
indigenous species are cochineal, which can be eaten or used as a
shampoo, and pingwing, whose barbed branches were once used
as natural fencing.
With nearly 200 native winged species, the islands offer outstanding
bird-watching. Examples include parrots, boobies, yellow-bellied
sapsuckers, herons and egrets. Some of these can be seen at the
National Trust Parrot Reserve on Cayman Brac or the Booby Pond
Nature Reserve on Little Cayman. Reptiles include green sea turtles
and blue iguanas with many common geckos and lizards. Mammals
include several species of bats which live in Cayman Islands caves.
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53
11.5 LAND
11.5.2 Land Wildlife
Cayman Islands plants and animals include:
PLANTS
Mahogany
Maiden Plum
Lady’s Hair (“Cowitch”)
Manchineel
Cochineal
Pingwing
CRUSTACEANS
Crabs – hermit crabs
REPTILES
Iguanas – blue iguana, rock iguana
Common geckos and lizards
BIRDS
Cayman parrots
Boobies – red-footed boobies
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers
Herons
Egrets
MAMMALS
Bats
Agouti
Interesting!
Periodically, especially after a
rain shower, hundreds of hermit
crabs may be seen walking
across Little Cayman roads.
Local residents try to avoid
squashing them as they drive or
cycle past but the crabs are so
numerous it is difficult to do.
11.5 LAND
The following highlight some of the particularly interesting land
animals that are found in the Cayman Islands:
LITTLE CAYMAN ROCK IGUANA
The Little Cayman Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis) is a
subspecies of the Cuban Rock Iguana and is found only on Cayman
Brac and Little Cayman. This large lizard is grey-brown with black
markings. It has red eyes and a row of spines which run from the
back of the head to the tip of the tail. They are vegetarian and
mostly eat fruits, flowers and leaves. The male is larger than the
female and has powerful jaw muscles giving it a strong bite. Adults
of 1.5 m (5 ft) in length from nose to tail are not uncommon. They
are generally not sociable and tend to live alone. When threatened,
iguanas turn themselves sideways, draw themselves up as high as
possible on their legs and flatten their bodies laterally so that the
area they expose to their opponent is as large as possible.
Males and females behave differently during the mating season
(usually the first two weeks in May). The female selects an area
which is suitable for her nest and has enough food to sustain her. In
contrast, males roam widely and can cover the territories of many
females, ready to mate with each as they come into season. Much
of their time is spent fighting and warding off rivals, which means
that the largest and strongest of the males mate most frequently.
This behaviour continues into late May when females cease to be
receptive and the males gradually lose interest.
54
11.5 LAND
Six weeks after mating, the female will excavate her nest in a patch
of earth and lay 15-20 eggs. The tunnel leading to the egg chamber
is filled in and hidden under leaves, grasses and other debris. The
female then guards her nest site for a few more weeks to ensure the
safety of her offspring.
After an incubation period of about ten weeks, the iguanas start to
hatch. At birth they are about 20 cm (8 in) long. The hatchlings wait
until all siblings have hatched before exiting the nest using their
combined strength to dig their way to the surface. Once out in the
open, they quickly scatter into the undergrowth. Each must then
fend for itself. The young iguanas are very vulnerable to birds and
snakes (their main predators) at this stage, although they grow
extremely fast.
Most of the problems facing Cayman's iguanas are human related.
Both domestic and feral cats and dogs kill iguanas. Coastal nesting
habitat is also being taken over for housing development while
increasing road traffic also kills several iguanas every year.
Ultimately, the people of the Cayman Islands must decide whether
they wish to keep the iguana and other vulnerable wildlife around
them, and what limitations on development they are willing to accept
to make this possible.
55
11.5 LAND
PARROTS
The two Cayman Islands' parrots are subspecies of the Cuban
Parrot (Amazona leucocephala). Both subspecies are endemic to
the Cayman Islands and are found nowhere else in the world.
Cayman's parrots have iridescent green feathers with darker edges
over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and
brilliant blue wing feathers which are only visible when the bird is in
flight. The tail has blue outer edges, with some red and yellowish
green underneath.
The Grand Cayman Parrot (Amazona leucocephala caymanensis)
has a pink flush to its whitish forehead. The male is slightly larger
and more brightly coloured than the female. Juvenile birds have
yellowish foreheads, gradually becoming more washed with pink as
they mature. The Central Mangrove Wetland's fringe of black
mangrove woodland is the single most important breeding habitat for
this parrot.
The Cayman Brac Parrot (Amazona leucocephala hesterna) is
slightly smaller, with more black trim on its green feathers. The
crown is pure white, and there is a large maroon area on the
abdomen. Although it used to inhabit Little Cayman, it is now found
only on Cayman Brac. The Cayman Brac Parrot has the smallest
range of any Amazon parrot and is one of the rarest.
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11.5 LAND
57
Cayman’s parrots feed on sea grapes, red birch berries and the flowers, seeds and berries of many other
native plants. They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and are most active in the early
morning or just before sunset. They have a wide range of calls. The Cayman Brac Parrot is quieter, has
different calls and is quite secretive.
Cayman's parrots mate for life and use the same nesting sites over and over again. They nest in
mangrove or dry forest, in hollow trees, laying 1-5 eggs every spring. The eggs hatch after about 24
days. The young remain in the nest for about eight weeks and are able to fly by mid-summer.
Parrots face many dangers in the wild. Storms may destroy their food and nesting sites. Human
development is destroying many trees, which provide nesting sites and food. There is also a market for
young parrots and robbers will sometimes chop down nesting trees to reach the young birds, many of
which die soon after capture. Hawks and owls are natural predators but the parrot now also has to
contend with rats and cats that have been introduced by humans to the Cayman Islands.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/parrots.html - Cayman Islands Parrots
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/bats.html - Bats
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/blueiguana.html - Blue Iguana
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7388256.stm - Giant Iguana Slaughter
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/rfboobies.html - Red-Footed Boobies
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/lc-rockiguana.html - Little Cayman Rock Iguana
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
58
59
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
11.6.1 Cayman Sea Sense
The ocean provides Cayman Islanders and her visitors with many
types of seafood including crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, and
fish. Some are particularly popular but they may also be threatened
both locally and on a world-wide scale.
As a result, the Cayman Islands National Trust has implemented a
project called “Cayman Sea Sense”. The primary goals of the
Cayman Sea Sense initiative are to educate the general public about
fisheries and aquaculture issues facing our oceans and raise
awareness about the impact that the choices we make have on
sustainable fisheries management practices when we purchase
seafood products. It also seeks to lessen the impact of the Cayman
Islands restaurant industry on the world’s fragile ocean resources.
The Cayman Sea Sense project is a sustainable seafood education
program. It helps local chefs and restaurant owners reduce the
number of non-sustainable seafood items on their menus. The use
of a Cayman Sea Sense icon on a menu also allows consumers to
choose sustainable seafood options as certified by the Cayman Sea
Sense Team.
The following lists some of the best choices for sustainable food,
some alternatives and some items to avoid (the full list can be
obtained from the seafood guide link below)
Important!
Sustainable seafood is:
A species that is abundant and
resilient to fishing pressures.
A species that is well managed
with a comprehensive
management plan based on
current research.
A species that is harvested in a
method that ensures limited bycatch on non-target and
endangered species
A species that has a method of
catch which ensures there is
limited habitat loss associated
with the harvesting method
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11.6 OPEN OCEAN
BEST CHOICES
GOOD ALTERNATIVES
AVOID
Clams, Mussels, Oysters (Farmed)
Crab: Dungeness, Stone
Halibut: Pacific
Herring: Atlantic/Sardines
Mackerel: King*, Spanish*
Salmon (Alaska, Wild)
Striped Bass (Farmed or Wild*)
Trout: Rainbow (farmed)
Tuna: Albacore (US, BC, T)
Tuna: Skipjack (T)
Clams, Oysters* (Wild)
Conch (Farmed)
Crab: Blue*, King (Alaska)
Lobster: US/Maine
Mahi mahi: Local/US
Snapper: Yellowtail (Local/US)
Squid/Calamari
Swordfish (US, L)*
Turtle: Local (F)
Wahoo: Local/US*
* Limit consumption due to
concerns about mercury & other
contaminants. www.gotmercury.org
W=wild F=farmed T=troll/pole caught
BC=BritishColumbia TC=trawl caught
L=longline Imported=outside the US
Chilean Seabass/Toothfish*
Conch: Local, Wild
Crab: King (Imported), Snow
Groupers*
Lobster, Spiny (Caribbean)
Monkfish
Salmon (Farmed, including Atlantic)*
Scallops: Sea (Mid-Atlantic)
Sharks*
Shrimp (Imported, Farmed or Wild)
Snapper: (except Yellowtail)
Swordfish (imported)*
Tuna: Bluefin, Albacore, Bigeye,
Yellowfin (L)*
Turtle (W)
Whelk: Local
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/seasense.html - Cayman Sea Sense
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/documents/CSSSeafoodwatchcard08.pdf - Seafood Guide 2008
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/seasense/seafood.html - Sustainable Sea Food
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp - Monterey Bay Seafood Watch
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
11.6.2 Cayman Islands Marine Conservation Laws
The following summarizes some of the Cayman Islands Marine
Conservation Laws pertaining to catching seafood:
Lobsters
• Closed Season March 1 through November 30
• Six inch tail minimum size
• Catch limit: 3 per person or 6 per boat per day whichever is less
• Only spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) may be taken
Conch
• Closed Season May 1 through October 31
• Catch limit: 5 per person or 10 per boat per day whichever is less
• No one may purchase or receive more than five conch from
Cayman waters per day
Whelks
• Closed Season May 1 through October 31
• Open season catch limit – 2½ gallons in the shell or 2½ lbs of
processed whelks per person per day
• Chitons, Periwinkles and Bleeding Teeth may not be taken from
Cayman waters at any time
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11.6 OPEN OCEAN
Echinoderms
• Sea stars, sea eggs/urchins, sea cucumbers, sand dollars etc. may
not be taken from Cayman waters at any time.
Nassau Groupers
• Size limit: Twelve inch minimum size limit applies throughout
Cayman waters year round.
• Exceptions:
• Designated Grouper Spawning Areas are protected - no one may
take Nassau grouper from any of the Designated Grouper Spawning
Areas.
• No one may spearfish or set a fish-pot within a one-mile radius of
any “Designated Grouper Spawning Area” from 1 November through
31 March.
Sea Turtles
• No one may disturb, molest or take sea turtles in Cayman waters
without permission from the Cayman Marine Conservation Board
• Possession of turtle eggs is prohibited
• For licensed fishermen, closed season is 1 May through 31
October
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11.6 OPEN OCEAN
11.6.3 Open Ocean Life
Some of the open ocean life around the Cayman Islands includes:
FISH
Blue marlin
Wahoo
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Mahi mahi
The following highlight some of the particularly interesting animals
that are found in the open ocean near the Cayman Islands:
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64
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
BLUE MARLIN
The blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is the largest of the Atlantic
marlins and one of the biggest fish in the world. Females, which are
significantly larger than males, can reach 4.3 m (14 ft) in length and
weigh more than 900 kg (1,985 lb). Females can live up to 27 years
in the wild.
Native to the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific,
and Indian Oceans, blue marlins are among the most recognizable
of all fish. They are cobalt-blue on top and silvery-white below with
a pronounced dorsal fin and a long, lethal spear-shaped upper jaw.
They are so-called blue-water fish, spending most of their lives far
out at sea. They are also highly migratory and will follow warm
ocean currents for thousands of kilometres.
Blue marlins prefer the higher temperature of surface waters,
feeding on mackerel and tuna, but will also dive deep to eat squid.
They are among the fastest fish in the ocean, and use their spears
to slash through dense schools, returning to eat stunned and
wounded victims.
Their meat is considered a delicacy, particularly in Japan, where it is
served raw as sashimi.
Although not currently endangered,
conservationists worry that they are being unsustainably fished,
particularly in the Atlantic.
Interesting!
It is a blue marlin that the old
fisherman battles in Ernest
Hemingway's classic story “The
Old Man and the Sea”.
11.6 OPEN OCEAN
ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the largest,
fastest and most beautiful of the world’s fishes. Their torpedoshaped, streamlined bodies are built for speed and endurance.
Their colouring (metallic blue on top and shimmering silver-white on
the bottom) helps camouflage them from above and below. Their
voracious appetite and varied diet pushes their average size to 2 m
(6.5 ft) in length and 250 kg (550 lb) although they can reach twice
this size.
Atlantic bluefins are warm-blooded, a rare trait among fish, and are
comfortable in the cold waters off Newfoundland and Iceland, as well
as the tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean
Sea, where they go each year to spawn. They are among the most
ambitiously migratory of all fish, and some tagged specimens have
been tracked swimming from North American to European waters
several times a year. They can live 15 years in the wild.
They are prized among sport fishermen for their fight and speed,
shooting through the water with their powerful, crescent-shaped tails
up to 70 kph (43 mph). They can retract their dorsal and pectoral fins
into slots to reduce drag. Some scientists think the series of “finlets”
on their tails may reduce water turbulence.
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11.6 OPEN OCEAN
Bluefins attain their enormous size by gorging themselves almost
constantly on smaller fish, crustaceans, squid, and eels. They will
also filter-feed on zooplankton and other small organisms and have
even been observed eating kelp. The largest tuna ever recorded
was an Atlantic bluefin caught off Nova Scotia that weighed 679 kg
(1,496 lb).
Bluefin tuna have been eaten by humans for centuries. In recent
years demand and prices for large bluefins soared worldwide,
particularly in Japan, and commercial fishing operations found new
ways to find and catch these sleek giants. As a result, bluefin
stocks, especially of large, breeding-age fish, have plummeted,
and international conservation efforts have led to curbs on
commercial takes. Nevertheless, at least one group says illegal
fishing in Europe has pushed the Atlantic bluefin populations there
to the brink of extinction.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/bluefintuna.html - Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/bluemarlin.html - Blue Marlin
66
Interesting!
We often say that reptiles or fish
are cold-blooded and mammals are
warm-blooded. However, many
scientists try not to use these terms
because they are not precise and,
in some cases, inaccurate.
More precisely, some animals, such
as mammals are able to regulate
their body temperature above that
of the environment’ – these animals
are “homeothermic” – which means
they are able to keep their body
temperature constant. In contrast,
animals, such as most reptiles and
fish, cannot regulate their body
temperature and are called
“poikilothermic”. These animals rely
on warmth from the sun and the
environment to warm them up.
While most reptiles and fish cannot
regulate their body temperature,
there are exceptions. For example,
the Leatherback turtle is a reptile
that is able to regulate its
temperature while the bluefin tuna
is a fish that is able to do so.
11.7 DEEP OCEAN
11.7 DEEP OCEAN
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11.7 DEEP OCEAN
11.7 DEEP OCEAN
11.7.1 Bloody Bay Wall & Cayman Trench
BLOODY BAY WALL
While humans have dived and explored many parts of the top 45 m
(150 ft) of the Cayman Islands coral reefs, we still do not know a
great deal about the deep Cayman reefs.
In 2007, however, the U.S. National Oceanographic & Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) began a project called the “Cayman Islands
Twilight Zone Expedition” to study deeper parts of Little Cayman’s
Bloody Bay wall.
Researchers found that while the diversity of reef-building corals
decreased with increasing depth, many sponges, soft corals,
tunicates, and low-light adapted primary producers were still
abundant. Thus, as light becomes limiting in the deep reef, fewer
hard (reef-building) corals are able to survive but many species of
soft corals and black corals serve the same functional role as habitat
and/or food. This may be due to the importance of a coral’s
symbiotic algae in reef building and the reduced photosynthesis due
to reduced level of sunlight.
These deep reef communities were also recognized as important
nursery habitats and/or refuges for many species of reef fish and
invertebrates. Destruction of these important habitats may therefore
increase the degradation of shallow-water reefs while understanding
these unusual communities might help the recovery efforts
Important!
The ocean’s Twilight Zone lies
between 200m-1,000m (656 ft3,300 ft) and denotes the region
where the sunlight’s penetration
is at its limit.
In contrast, the NOAA studies
were actually carried out at
much shallower depths than
200m (656 ft) and are still in the
Photic Zone.
11.7 DEEP OCEAN
CAYMAN TRENCH
The Cayman Trench (or Bartlett Trench) is a massive submarine
trench located on the floor of the western Caribbean Sea between
Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Trench extends from the Windward Passage at the
southeastern tip of Cuba toward Guatemala. This relatively narrow
trough lies approximately from east-northeast to west-southwest. It
has a maximum depth of 25,216 ft (7,686 m) and is the deepest
point in the Caribbean Sea.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/07twilightzone/background/plan/plan.html
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/cayman-islands-twilight-zone-2007-extreme-scuba-diving/3257178298
http://encarta.msn.com/map_701579054/cayman_trench.html - Cayman Trench Map
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11.7 DEEP OCEAN
11.7.2 Deep Ocean Life
Some of the deep ocean life found in the deep ocean near the
Cayman Islands include:
MOLLUSCS
Giant squid
FISH
Six-gill shark
The following highlight some of the particularly interesting animals
that are found in the deep ocean:
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11.7 DEEP OCEAN
GIANT SQUID
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) remains largely a mystery to
scientists despite being the biggest invertebrate on Earth. The
largest giant squid ever found measured 18 m (59 ft) in length and
weighed nearly 900 kg (1,984 lb). Like other squid, they have eight
arms and two longer feeding tentacles that bring food to their beaklike mouths. Their diet likely consists of fish, shrimp, and other squid
and some suggest they might even attack and eat small whales.
They manoeuvre their massive bodies with fins that seem diminutive
for their size. They use their funnel as a propulsion system, drawing
water into the mantle, or main part of the body, and forcing it out the
back. Giant squid (and colossal squid) have the largest eyes in the
animal kingdom, measuring some 25 cm (10 in) in diameter. These
massive organs allow them to detect objects in the lightless depths
where most other animals would see nothing.
The deep-sea habitat has made them difficult to study and almost
everything known about them is from carcasses that have washed
up on beaches or been hauled in by fishermen. Even their range is
not completely clear but giant squid carcasses have been found in
many of the world's oceans.
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11.7 DEEP OCEAN
SIX-GILL SHARK
The six-gill shark (Hexanchus griseus) has, as its name implies, six
gill slits and a spiracle. It also has a long caudal (tail) fin and is
coffee-coloured to brown or greyish on its back and paler below.
The six-gill shark mainly lives in deep water. It is a large shark that
can reach 4.9 m (16 ft) in length and weigh 590 kg (1,300 lbs)
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.caymannetnews.com/article.php?news_id=7501 – Giant squid found off Little Cayman
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Traditional industries in the Cayman Islands were heavily dependent
upon the ocean and included:
1. Fishing
2. Turtle hunting
3. Shipping and ship-building
Many of these traditional industries have been supplanted by
modern industries which include:
1. Tourism
Tourists are attracted to the tropical climate and clear blue water of
the Cayman Islands and pursue a variety of water sports and
activities including:
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling & Swimming
• Beaches
• Fishing
• Other Water Sports
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands are renowned for a particular type of scuba
diving called wall diving. “Walls” are steep drop-off areas on a reef
that are situated close to and, therefore, easily accessible from
shore. Beautiful corals and a wide variety of reef inhabitants are
found here. This combination makes wall diving very popular with
scuba divers and snorkellers. One of the most famous walls in the
world in Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman. Another type of diving
takes place at Stingray City. This shallow stretch of sandy sea floor
in Grand Cayman’s North Sound is the meeting place for stingrays
that have grown accustomed to a free meal. Swimmers, snorkellers
and divers can feed stingrays food such as squid and ballyhoo. The
Cayman Islands are also renowned for white sand beaches such as
Seven-Mile beach in Grand Cayman. Game fishing is also very
popular along with a variety of other water sports.
2. Property Development
Many parts of the Cayman Islands are undergoing property
development.
• Residential development – condominiums, vacation homes
• Commercial development – hotels, businesses
• Industrial development – factories
3. Banking
Grand Cayman is the world’s fifth largest financial center and has
over 700 banks and other financial institutions.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
11.8.1 Places Of Interest
GRAND CAYMAN
1. Beaches, Swimming & Snorkelling Sites
Some of the most renowned beaches and snorkelling sites include:
• Seven Mile Beach
• Stingray City/Sandbar – stingrays
• Devil’s Grotto – tunnels & tarpons
• Wreck Of The Cali – masted schooner
2. Dive Sites
Grand Cayman has approximately 160 dive sites. Some are
teeming with marine fish and life while others are noted for their
shipwrecks or their dramatic drop-offs to the deep. Some of the
most renowned include:
• Orange Canyon
• Trinity Caves – narrow passageways and small canyons
• Eden Rock Dive Centre
• Stingray City/Sandbar – stingrays
• Tarpon Alley – tarpons, hawksbill turtles, barracudas
• Eagle Ray Rock
• Snapper Hole – tunnels & caverns with snappers & tarpons
• Babylon – pinnacle and wall
Interesting!
In some respects, Seven Mile
Beach is the archetypal
Caribbean beach with soft
white sand, warm waters, and
beautiful sunsets. Today,
much of its length is occupied
by hotels, condominiums and
shops, and it can be crowded
in spots although there are still
many areas which are
untouched.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
3. Boatswain’s Beach (formerly Cayman Turtle Farm)
The main functions of the farm are to provide the local market with
edible turtle meat, thus preventing the need to hunt turtles in the
wild, and to replenish the waters with hatchling and yearling turtles.
During Pirates Week (early November), baby turtles are released
from the farm into the open ocean. Visitors today can see about 100
circular concrete tanks in which the sea turtles exist in various
stages of development. The farm also has sharks, fishes, and birds
on display.
4. Cayman Islands National Museum
The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in George Town.
It is a museum for the lore, history and memorabilia of the Cayman
Islands. The exhibits feature over 2,000 items depicting the natural,
social and cultural history of the Cayman Islands. Exhibits focus on
some of the hardships suffered by Cayman Islanders prior to tourism
and modern-day financial services industries. There is also a three
dimensional map depicting a panorama of the undersea mountains
and canyons which surround the Cayman Islands and a great
interactive presentation of the undersea world of Cayman.
Interesting!
Although it is found on fewer
menus these days, sea turtle still
remains the national dish. These
days, it is farm-raised and served
in soups and stews or as a
braised steak.
Interesting!
The word “boatswain” is
pronounced “bo’sun”. A
boatswain is a ship’s petty officer
that is typically in charge of
equipment and the work of the
crew.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
5. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
This park offers visitors a short walk through wetland, swamp, dry
thicket, mahogany-tree stands and patches of orchids and
bromeliads. The trail is 1 km (0.67 mile) long. You may see
hickatees (freshwater turtles), Grand Cayman parrots or the Grand
Cayman blue iguanas.
6. Mastic Reserve & Mastic Trail
The Mastic Trail is about 3.2 km (2-mile) long. A wide variety of
plants and animals unique to the Cayman Islands live in this area
where the woodland has evolved undisturbed for 2 million years.
The Mastic Trail passes through a variety of habitats including black
mangrove wetland, stands of royal palms and silver thatch palms,
abandoned agricultural land and extensive ancient dry forest. Along
the trail, walkers can see rare trees such as cedar and mahogany as
well as a mastic tree. In June, the wild banana orchid blooms on the
trailside. A rich abundance of birds also inhabit these forests,
including Cayman's native parrot, the West Indian woodpecker and
Caribbean dove. Butterflies, lizards, snakes (not poisonous), frogs,
large hermit crabs and the carton nests of termites are a few of the
other animals walkers may encounter.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.boatswainsbeach.ky – Boatswain’s Beach
http://www.grandcayman4u.com/attractions/boatswains-beach.htm - Grand Cayman Attractions
http://www.destination.ky
http://www.pedrostjames.ky/ - Pedro St. James
http://www.museum.ky – Cayman Islands National Museum
http://www.botanic-park.ky – Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/mastic.html - Mastic Trail
http://www.gocayman.ky/content/view/47/117/ - Interactive & Searchable Map of Cayman Islands
http://www.caymanlandinfo.ky/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.main&id=94
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
CAYMAN BRAC
1. Beaches, Swimming & Snorkelling Sites
Some of the most renowned beaches and snorkelling sites include:
• Southwest Coast
• White Bay
2. Dive Sites
Cayman Brac has about 41 dive sites marked with moorings. Some
of the most renowned include:
• Strawberry Sponge Wall – strawberry vase sponges
• Wreck of the Captain Keith Tibbetts – Russian frigate
• Anchor Wall – 3 m (10 ft) anchor embedded in mini-wall
3. The Bluff
The “Bluff” is a towering limestone plateau rising 42 m (138 ft) above
sea level, covering the eastern half of Cayman Brac.
4. Caves
More than 170 caves honeycomb the limestone heights of the island
including Rebecca‘s Cave, Peter’s Cave, Bat Cave and Skull Cave.
Some caves are at the Bluff’s foot; others can only be reached by
climbing over jagged limestone rock. One of the biggest is “Great
Cave” which has a number of chambers. Harmless fruit bats cling to
the roofs of the caverns.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
5. West End Point Overlook
At the far western point of Cayman Brac is the West End Point
Overlook. It is ideal for bird-watching and wonderful sunsets.
6. Westerly Ponds Trail
The two ponds along this trail near the southwest end of Cayman
Brac are ideal for observing the life of wetland fowl. Boardwalks
have been cut across some of the marshes which allow small
viewing sections.
7. Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail takes about 3 hours to walk. It starts at Spot
Bay in the eastern end of the island. You can follow the trail up the
northeast face of the Bluff. En route, you will pass the entrance to
Peter’s Cave, which was once used as a hurricane shelter. As you
continue along the trail, you will see Peter’s Outlook, which offers a
panoramic view of Spot Bay. Two lighthouses can be seen on the
trail – one modern and the other from the 1930s.
82
Interesting!
A lighthouse is a tower building
or some framework that sends
out light from a system of
lamps and lenses (or, in older
times, from a fire). It is an aid
for navigation and piloting at
sea. Lighthouses also provide
coordinate location information
for small aircraft travelling at
night.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
8. Cayman Brac Parrot Reserve
Perhaps the best nature trail on Cayman Brac is the Parrot Reserve
in the centre of the island which runs for about 1.6 km (1 mile). You
may see the endangered Cayman Brac parrot while on the trail.
9. Cayman Brac Museum
The Cayman Brac Museum is located in Stake Bay. It is a small but
interesting museum with a collection of Caymanian antiques
including pieces rescued from shipwrecks and objects from the 18th
century.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/bracparrot.html - Cayman Brac Parrot Reserve
84
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
LITTLE CAYMAN
1. Beaches, Swimming & Snorkelling Sites
Some of the most renowned beaches include:
• Point of Sand
• Owen Island
• Bloody Bay Wall
• Jackson Bight
2. Dive Sites
Little Cayman has about 57 dive sites marked with moorings. Some
of the most renowned include:
• Bloody Bay Wall
• Mixing Bowl
• Jackson Bight
3. Booby Pond Nature Reserve
The Booby Pond is a 1.9 km (1.5 miles) long, brackish mangrove
pond that is home to the Cayman Islands’ only breeding colony of
magnificent frigate birds. In addition, the red-footed boobies that live
in the pond are the Caribbean’s largest booby breeding colony.
4. Little Cayman Research Centre
The Little Cayman Research Centre (LCRC) is a marine research
station managed by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute. School
children and others groups are welcome to visit and see some of the
work carried out by marine scientists through prior appointment with
the LCRC Station Manager.
Interesting!
On Little Cayman, iguanas have
right of way.
Interesting!
Owen Island is found just off the
shore of Little Cayman (180 m or
590 ft.) and is easily accessible by
ocean kayak, rowboat or a strong
swimmer. These 4.4 hectares (11
acres) boast a white-sand beach
and a blue lagoon and is wonderful
for swimming or snorkelling.
Interesting!
The Booby Pond on Little Cayman
is home to some 7,000 birds of
different types, including blacknecked stilts, West Indian whistling
ducks, egrets, herons, boobies and
magnificent frigate birds.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/boobypond.html - Booby Pond Nature Reserve
http://www.reefresearch.org – Central Caribbean Marine Institute/Little Cayman Research Centre
86
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
11.8.2 Threats
The Cayman Islands are vulnerable to a variety of threats from both
natural and human causes as follows:
NATURAL THREATS
(1) Small
The Cayman Islands are relatively small and quite vulnerable as a
result. For example, even a relatively small oil spill or similar
ecological disaster, could completely destroy one or all of the
islands. As a result, it is absolutely imperative that there is great
protection of each island through legislation and careful planning.
(2) Hurricanes
While the ocean is perhaps the greatest providers of natural
resources to the Cayman Islands, it can also be a destructive force.
For example, hurricanes, which are formed in the ocean, are a
continued annual hazard to the Cayman Islands.
(3) Low-Lying
The Cayman Islands are low-lying and parts of it can be severely
flooded during storms and hurricanes.
Interesting!
In September 2004 Hurricane
Ivan pounded Grand Cayman
island with winds of up to 322
kph (200 mph). A national
disaster was declared. After it,
the offshore finance industry
was able to quickly resumed
operations but the rebuilding of
homes and other buildings –
70% of which were damaged –
took much longer.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
88
(4) Limited Freshwater
One serious concern is that there are no natural fresh water
resources. Thus, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater
catchments. As a result, it is sometimes necessary to ration or very
carefully monitor water consumption in the Cayman Islands.
HUMAN THREATS
Humans pose many threats to the Cayman Islands mangroves and
coral reefs:
(1) Mangroves/Wetlands
In the Cayman Islands, the major problem affecting mangrove
habitats is humanity's desire to convert mangrove areas into
residential, commercial or industrial developments. Over the last 25
to 30 years, rapid growth of Cayman's population and tourism
industry have resulted in a substantial amount of land development,
particularly on Grand Cayman. One of the major problems is the
destruction of mangrove swamps to accommodate canal and
waterfront real estate.
Interesting!
Grand Cayman's Central
Mangrove Wetland is so critical to
numerous natural ecological
processes that the Cayman
Islands National Trust considers
the Wetland’s long term protection
to be one of the fundamental
requirements for the well-being of
future generations in the Cayman
Islands.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
(2) Coral Reefs
Corals are susceptible to human activities including:
(a) Fishing
Fishing has both direct and indirect effects on coral reefs. Modern
fishing practices have overtaxed the reef environment to the point
where many species of fish can no longer sustain their populations.
In some cases, it is the removal of a fish that causes harm. For
example, parrotfish play an important role in algae grazing. When
parrotfish are removed, corals can be overwhelmed by algal growth.
This is an indirect cause of coral mortality. In other cases, it is the
technique used for fishing that is physically or chemically destructive
to the coral, such as the use dynamite or cyanide which kills fish and
destroys reefs. These techniques are direct causes of coral
mortality.
(b) Anchors
When boat anchors are used correctly, they may not harm anything.
However, all too often, people drop anchors directly on top of reef
structures. This can break off pieces of coral and destroy the thin
layer of live tissue on the coral heads. Other invertebrates are also
vulnerable to anchor damage. At one dive site, an area the size of
five tennis courts was destroyed by the anchoring of a cruise ship.
The area in George Town Harbour where cruise ships normally
anchor is now almost entirely bare rock. Even small boat anchors
are dangerous. While they individually may cause less damage,
there are also more of them, so the overall damage mounts up.
89
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
(c) Pollution
"Pollution" can mean many different things but essentially it is the
negative effect from by-products of human civilization that change
the natural environment. Pollution can take almost any form and
there are many forms that affect coral reefs including sewage,
runoff, warm water, fresh water, plastics, and noise.
(d) Disease
Coral diseases have increasingly become a problem over the last
twenty years or so. Both the number of corals that are infected by
disease and the number of different types of diseases are
increasing. We know almost nothing about what causes diseases in
coral. For example, it is unclear where the diseases came from or
how they evolved. In most cases, a large number of different
organisms can be found in the infected area. It is difficult to
determine whether these organisms are the cause of the infection or
just taking advantage of the weakened coral. However, it is believed
that human effects may have made corals more susceptible to
infection.
Interesting!
The porous limestone substrate
enables fluids to be transported
quickly from land to sea.
Chemicals, pesticides, sewage,
waste, and water flows almost
directly into the sea and can
potentially kill otherwise healthy
corals and reef organisms.
11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
(e) Increasing Carbon Dioxide Levels & Temperatures
Increasing carbon dioxide levels and slightly warmer temperatures
are affecting coral reefs worldwide. Coral reefs are temperature
sensitive and even a small rise in water temperature can lead to
bleaching. Bleaching is not always fatal but, when the temperature
is consistently higher, the coral may bleach repeatedly. Each time a
coral bleaches, it has a greater chance of dying and it may lose
more and more tissue. This problem is compounded with the
already-stressed coral's higher susceptibility to disease.
The
increased carbon dioxide level has another possible negative effect
on coral reefs. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide causes an
increase in dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean. This change in
the chemical makeup of seawater is thought to hinder a coral's
ability to build its skeleton. It is possible that many reefs are no
longer growing. Reefs are subject to erosion and without healthy
coral growth there is nothing to counter this attrition.
(f) Dredging
Dredging, or the removal of silt from the ocean bottom, is a common
practice used to keep channels open for boats. One common type
of dredge is a suction dredge in which a boat acts like a giant
vacuum cleaner removing silt from the channel bottom as it travels
over a chosen area.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
In many places, channels must be dredged regularly otherwise they
will fill with silt making the waterway impassable. This repeated
dredging increases the water’s turbidity (the amount of silt
suspended in the water). The silt that is stirred up by the dredging
process will eventually settle again possibly on a coral reef.
However, corals need clean, clear waters to survive. If a coral is
covered with silt, it has to remove it. It must use its tentacles to pass
the particles to the edge of the coral head. This takes extra energy
and stresses the coral. Thus, corals in turbid waters are more
susceptible to disease and bleaching.
An additional negative effect of dredging is the loss of sea grass
beds. Sea grass beds hold sediment in place, which keeps the water
clean and clear. When a channel is dredged through a sea grass
bed, sediment is disturbed and loose sediment is left behind.
Without the sea grass to hold it in place, the sediment can be
churned up by boats and stormy weather, again increasing the
water's turbidity and the likelihood of disease and bleaching in
corals.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.reefresearch.org/ccmi_website/outreachconservation/outreachconservation_03.htm
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/centralmangrove.html - Central Mangrove Wetland
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
11.8.3 Conservation
The following outlines some of the measures that are being taken to
protect the natural environment of the Cayman Islands:
(a) Mangroves/Wetlands
The implementation of the Marine Parks system has afforded some
of Cayman's mangroves limited protection from the onslaught of
development. However, currently, the only forms of protection
offered to the mangroves themselves are the designated mangrove
buffer zones, National Trust ownership and some Animal
Sanctuaries.
Approximately 1,500 acres of the Central Mangrove Wetland is
protected through the Marine Parks Law, forming part of the
Environmental Zone which has been in effect for Little Sound and its
fringing mangroves since 1986. Efforts are now underway to
increase the area of the Wetland under protection, through
conservation land purchase.
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11.8 HUMANS AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
(b) Coral Reefs
In order to protect the reefs, many of the areas around Grand
Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are protected as marine
parks (e.g. Bloody Bay Marine Park in Little Cayman).
In spite of this, however, the reefs are not completely safe. Some
threats, such as pollution, may occur a significant distance from the
marine park and still pose a threat.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.reefresearch.org/ccmi_website/outreachconservation/outreachconservation_03.htm
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/centralmangrove.html - Central Mangrove Wetland
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9 ACTIVITIES
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9.1 Cayman Islands
CORE ACTIVITY
(a) What do the three stars on the Cayman Islands coat of arms represent?
(b) What types of natural ocean resources are found in the Cayman Islands?
(c) What highly precious naturally resource is lacking in the Cayman Islands?
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
97
ANSWERS
(a) What do the three stars on the Cayman Islands coat of arms represent?
The three stars represent the three Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
(b) What types of natural ocean resources are found in the Cayman Islands?
• Coral reefs
• Sandy coasts – white sand beaches, cliffs & caves
• Mangroves
• Sea Food – fish, crustaceans and molluscs
(c) What highly precious naturally resource is lacking in the Cayman Islands?
There is limited freshwater. One serious concern is that there are no natural fresh water resources.
Thus, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments. As a result, it is sometimes
necessary to ration or very carefully monitor water consumption in the Cayman Islands.
11.9 ACTIVITIES
98
11.9.2 Coral Reefs – Stingray City
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
(a) Organize a class field excursion to visit Stingray City and snorkel or swim there
(b) While there, ensure that the students obtain the following information:
• A description and drawing of a stingray
• Species of stingray found in Stingray City
• Find out where “sting” on a stingray is located
• Find out where a stingray’s eyes, mouth and gill slits are located
• What food did the student feed the stingrays?
(c) Write a short report on what the each student saw and did. Topics should include the information
gathered while they were on the field trip. In addition, they should discuss the following:
• Discuss any negative consequences of allowing people to interact with wildlife in this way
11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9.3 Sandy Coasts – Sea Turtles
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
(a) Organize a class excursion to visit Boatswain’s Beach. Contact
Boatswain’s Beach to organize details and obtain prices.
(b) While there, ensure that the students obtain the following
information:
• A description and drawing of a sea turtle
• Species of sea turtles found at Boatswain’s Beach
• Species of sea turtle in the world today
(c) Write a short report on what the each student saw and did.
Topics should include the information gathered while they were on
the field trip. In addition, they should discuss the following:
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Boatswain’s Beach
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.boatswainsbeach.ky
99
Important!
Teachers – please be advised that
Boatswain’s Beach (formerly
Cayman Turtle Farm) may be a
sensitive topic. Boatswain’s Beach
is a commercial venture that farms
sea turtles for human consumption
as well as for a variety of turtle
products (e.g. shells, jewelry, etc).
While the consumption and use of
sea turtles have long been part of
Cayman tradition, it is also true that
sea turtles worldwide are
endangered and people are moving
away from these traditions. Many
practices at Boatswain’s Beach are
not supported internationally. For
example, tourists that purchase
turtle products cannot import them
into the United States – the
products will be confiscated and
thus it is a waste. On the other
hand, Boatswain’s Beach does
release sea turtles into the wild and
provides an opportunity to learn
more about turtles.
11.9 ACTIVITIES
100
11.9.4 Mangroves
ACTIVITY
(a) Organize a class excursion to visit the mangroves. Contact the Cayman Islands National Trust to
organize the details and to obtain prices.
(b) While there, ensure that the students obtain the following information:
• A description and drawing of the mangroves and mangrove plants
• What kinds of mangrove plants are there
• What adaptations do the mangrove plants have
• What animals are found in the mangroves – e.g. fish, reptiles, birds, mammals
(c) Write a short report on what the each student saw and did. Topics should include the information
gathered while they were on the field trip. In addition, they should discuss the following:
• Why are the mangroves important?
• What threats are the Cayman mangroves under?
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/edu.html - Education programs
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/mastic.html - Mastic Trail
11.9 ACTIVITIES
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11.9.5 Land
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
(a) Organize a class excursion to visit either (i) Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Garden, or the (ii) Mastic
Reserve/Trail. Contact the Cayman Islands National Trust to organize the details and to obtain prices.
(b) While there, ensure that the students obtain the following information:
• A description and drawing of some of the plants and animals
• What plants are found?
• What animals are found – e.g. reptiles, birds, mammals
(c) Write a short report on what the each student saw and did. Topics should include the information
gathered while they were on the field trip.
11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9.6 Open Ocean
CORE ACTIVITY
(a) What is sustainable seafood?
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103
11.9 ACTIVITIES
(b) Check off the following items sea food that you have eaten:
o Clams, Mussels, Oysters (Farmed)
o Crab: Dungeness, Stone
o Halibut: Pacific
o Herring: Atlantic/Sardines
o Mackerel: King*, Spanish*
o Salmon (Alaska, Wild)
o Striped Bass (Farmed or Wild*)
o Trout: Rainbow (farmed)
o Tuna: Albacore (US, BC, T)
o Tuna: Skipjack (T)
o Clams, Oysters* (Wild)
o Conch (Farmed)
o Crab: Blue*, King (Alaska)
o Lobster: US/Maine
o Mahi mahi: Local/US
o Snapper: Yellowtail (Local/US)
o Squid/Calamari
o Swordfish (US, L)*
o Turtle: Local (F)
o Wahoo: Local/US*
o Chilean Seabass/Toothfish*
o Conch: Local, Wild
o Crab: King (Imported), Snow
o Groupers*
o Lobster, Spiny (Caribbean)
o Monkfish
o Salmon (Farmed, including Atlantic)*
o Sharks*
o Shrimp (Imported, Farmed or Wild)
o Snapper: (except Yellowtail)
o Swordfish (imported)*
o Tuna: Bluefin, Albacore, Bigeye, Yellowfin (L)*
o Turtle (W)
o Whelk: Local
•Limit consumption due to concerns about mercury & other
contaminants. www.gotmercury.org
W=wild F=farmed T=troll/pole caught BC=British Columbia
TC=trawl caught L=longline Imported=outside the US
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
(c) Obtain a copy of the Cayman Sea Sense Seafood Guide (see link below). Which of the previous food
items are “best choices”, “good alternatives” or “to be avoided”?
BEST CHOICES
GOOD ALTERNATIVES
AVOID
(d) What sea food are you eating that you could avoid?
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/documents/CSSSeafoodwatchcard08.pdf - Seafood Guide 2008
11.9 ACTIVITIES
105
ANSWERS
(a)
What is sustainable seafood?
A sustainable seafood species is:
•
abundant and resilient to fishing pressures
•
well managed with a comprehensive management plan based on current research
•
harvested in a method that ensures limited by-catch on non-target and endangered species
•
that has a method of catch which ensures there is limited habitat loss associated with the
harvesting method
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
(b) Check off the following items sea food that you have eaten:
o Clams, Mussels, Oysters (Farmed)
o Crab: Dungeness, Stone
o Halibut: Pacific
o Herring: Atlantic/Sardines
o Mackerel: King*, Spanish*
o Salmon (Alaska, Wild)
o Striped Bass (Farmed or Wild*)
o Trout: Rainbow (farmed)
o Tuna: Albacore (US, BC, T)
o Tuna: Skipjack (T)
o Clams, Oysters* (Wild)
o Conch (Farmed)
o Crab: Blue*, King (Alaska)
o Lobster: US/Maine
o Mahi mahi: Local/US
o Snapper: Yellowtail (Local/US)
o Squid/Calamari
o Swordfish (US, L)*
o Turtle: Local (F)
o Wahoo: Local/US*
o Chilean Seabass/Toothfish*
o Conch: Local, Wild
o Crab: King (Imported), Snow
o Groupers*
o Lobster, Spiny (Caribbean)
o Monkfish
o Salmon (Farmed, including Atlantic)*
o Sharks*
o Shrimp (Imported, Farmed or Wild)
o Snapper: (except Yellowtail)
o Swordfish (imported)*
o Tuna: Bluefin, Albacore, Bigeye, Yellowfin (L)*
o Turtle (W)
o Whelk: Local
•Limit consumption due to concerns about mercury & other
contaminants. www.gotmercury.org
W=wild F=farmed T=troll/pole caught BC=British Columbia
TC=trawl caught L=longline Imported=outside the US
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
(c) Obtain a copy of the Cayman Sea Sense Seafood Guide (see link below). Which of the previous food
items are “best choices”, “good alternatives” or “to be avoided”?
BEST CHOICES
GOOD ALTERNATIVES
AVOID
Clams,
Mussels,
Oysters
(Farmed)
Crab: Dungeness, Stone
Halibut: Pacific
Herring: Atlantic/Sardines
Mackerel: King*, Spanish*
Salmon (Alaska, Wild)
Striped Bass (Farmed or Wild*)
Trout: Rainbow (farmed)
Tuna: Albacore (US, BC, T)
Tuna: Skipjack (T)
Clams, Oysters* (Wild)
Conch (Farmed)
Crab: Blue*, King (Alaska)
Lobster: US/Maine
Mahi mahi: Local/US
Snapper: Yellowtail (Local/US)
Squid/Calamari
Swordfish (US, L)*
Turtle: Local (F)
Wahoo: Local/US*
Chilean Seabass/Toothfish*
Conch: Local, Wild
Crab: King (Imported), Snow
Groupers*
Lobster, Spiny (Caribbean)
Monkfish
Salmon (Farmed, including Atlantic)*
Scallops: Sea (Mid-Atlantic)
Sharks*
Shrimp (Imported, Farmed or Wild)
Snapper: (except Yellowtail)
Swordfish (imported)*
Tuna: Bluefin, Albacore, Bigeye,
Yellowfin (L)*
Turtle (W)
Whelk: Local
* Limit consumption due to
concerns about mercury &
other contaminants.
www.gotmercury.org
W=wild F=farmed T=troll/pole caught
BC=BritishColumbia TC=trawl caught
L=longline Imported=outside the US
11.9 ACTIVITIES
(d) What sea food are you eating that you could avoid?
N/A
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/documents/CSSSeafoodwatchcard08.pdf - Seafood Guide 2008
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
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11.9.7 Deep Ocean
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
(a) Organize a class excursion to the Cayman Islands National Museum. The Natural History Exhibit
begins with a dramatic 3-D map depicting a panorama of the undersea mountains and canyons which
surround the Cayman Islands. Then students can take a short walk through a microcosm of Cayman's
natural habitats. There are marvelous displays of corals and limestone rocks which form these islands.
Cayman’s undersea world comes to life through an interactive laser-disk presentation that makes it seem
like you are looking through a submarine porthole.
(b) While there, ensure that the students obtain the following information:
• What animals are found in the deep sea – e.g. fish, crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs
• What are some adaptations deep sea creatures have?
• At what depths are these deep sea creatures found?
• What is the maximum depth of the Cayman Wall? Cayman Trench? The ocean?
(c) Write a short report on what the each student saw and did. Topics should include the information
gathered while they were on the field trip.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.museum.ky/ - Cayman Islands National Museum
11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9.8 Places Of Interest
CORE ACTIVITY
(a) Find on a local map the
following places and label the
picture with them:
Grand Cayman
• QE II Botanic Park
• East End
• Bodden Town
• North Side
• Rum Point
• Pedro Castle
• North Sound
• Stingray City/Sandbar
• Tarpon Alley
• Boatswain’s Beach
• Hell
• George Town
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
Cayman Brac
• Spot Bay
• Northeast Point
• Stake Bay Point
• Cedar Point
• Beach Point
• Stake Bay
• West End Point
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
Little Cayman
• Bloody Bay Point
• West End Point
• Jackson’s Point
• Owen Island
• Blossom Village
• Snipe Point
• East Point
• Point of Sand
(b) Have each student select
one favorite place and write a
report about it. The student
should discuss what is there
and explain why he/she likes the
place so much.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.gocayman.ky/content/view/47/117/ - Interactive & Searchable Map of Cayman Islands
http://www.caymanlandinfo.ky/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.main&id=94
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
ANSWERS
(a) Find on a local map the
following places and label the
picture with them:
Grand Cayman
• QE II Botanic Park
• East End
• Bodden Town
• North Side
• Rum Point
• Pedro Castle
• North Sound
• Stingray City/Sandbar
• Tarpon Alley
• Boatswain’s Beach
• Hell
• George Town
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
Cayman Brac
• Spot Bay
• Northeast Point
• Stake Bay Point
• Cedar Point
• Beach Point
• Stake Bay
• West End Point
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
Little Cayman
• Bloody Bay Point
• West End Point
• Jackson’s Point
• Owen Island
• Blossom Village
• Snipe Point
• East Point
• Point of Sand
(b) Have each student select
one favorite place and write a
report about it. The student
should discuss what is there
and explain why he/she likes the
place so much.
N/A
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
http://www.gocayman.ky/content/view/47/117/ - Interactive & Searchable Map of Cayman Islands
http://www.caymanlandinfo.ky/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.main&id=94
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
11.9.9 Threats
CORE ACTIVITY
(a) What types of natural threats are there to the Cayman Islands?
(b) What types of human threats are there to the Cayman Island mangroves?
(c) What types of human threats are there to the Cayman Island reefs?
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11.9 ACTIVITIES
117
ANSWERS
(a) What types of natural threats are there to the Cayman Islands?
(1) Small
(2) Hurricanes
(3) Low-Lying
(4) Limited Freshwater
(b) What types of human threats are there to the Cayman Island mangroves?
In the Cayman Islands, the major problem affecting mangrove habitats is humanity's desire to convert
mangrove areas into residential, commercial or industrial developments.
(c) What types of human threats are there to the Cayman Island reefs?
(1) Fishing
(2) Anchors
(3) Pollution
(4) Disease
(5) Increasing Carbon Dioxide Levels & Temperatures
(6) Dredging