DONATE（https://reefresearch.org/support-ccmi/how-to-support-ccmi/donate/）
CONTACT（https://reefresearch.org/contact/） gallery（https://reefresearch.org/gallery/） facebook（https://www.facebook.com/reefresearch） instagram（https://www.instagram.com/reefresearch） youtube（https://www.youtube.com/user/ccmireefresearch） twitter（https://twitter.com/reefresearch）
ABOUT
Celebrating 25 years
ABOUT MENU
CCMI’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
OVERVIEW
OUR IMPACT
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
OVERVIEW
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has been operating in the Cayman Islands since 1998, making 2023 our 25th anniversary year! Since we started, CCMI has worked to fulfill the organisation’s vision of a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reefs through innovating, cutting-edge research programmes, experiential learning opportunities through residential programmes at the Little Cayman Research Centre (LCRC), and ambitious conservation efforts, including the Cayman Islands’ first coral nursery and our empirically based restoration programme. Through strategic planning and development efforts by our team of professionals, CCMI has continued operating uninterrupted through an array of challenging situations and events, including a major hurricane (2004), global financial crisis (2008-09), and the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-21). All of these tested our ability and resolve to adapt and adjust our operations, funding, and programme delivery methods. By successfully navigating these experiences, CCMI has emerged from each challenge stronger, more experiences, and more determined to ensure our important work for a sustainable future for marine ecosystems continues.
But our story is not just the last 25 years; it is also what is ahead for our organisation, projects, and programmes as we look forward to the next 25 years – and beyond. Our team of scientists, educators, and communicators recognise that coral reefs are critically important – yet threatened – ecosystems that require immediate protection. We have big goals and ideas to help us do our part for coral reefs in the face of human-caused and natural pressures, and we want you to join us as head into the next 25 years of work for a sustainable future for coral reefs!
First coral restoration programme in Cayman
CCMI established the first coral nursery & restoration program in the Cayman Islands. We have over 10 years of empirically based restoration best practices.
1500 km of coral grown
CCMI has grown ~1500 km of coral as part of our restoration work. This is the distance of 35 marathons, or the length of the Amazon River!
Empirically based coral restoration
CCMI has out planted over 70 meters(sq) of coral onto the reef since 2012. Our experimental dome out planting methodology has had an 89% survival rate since 2020.
Provided 1500+ local scholarships
CCMI has supported more than 1500 Caymanian students through scholarships to attend primary, secondary, and tertiary level programmes at CCMI.
50+ MSc, PhD, and intern research projects
CCMI has facilitated early-career development for students from more than 18 different international universities.
100+ scientific papers published
Topics of published papers cover aspects of coral adaptation and resiliency under global climate change, with a focus on discovering real solutions to declining ocean health.
Reefs Go Live reaches the world
CCMI has reached more than 200,000 people with Reefs Go Live! These educational broadcasts contribute to ocean literacy, with the intention of broadening ocean stewardship.
$1 million+ invested into field research annually
CCMI invests over $1,000,000 in field research annually. With the help of our sponsors, we contribute to the ongoing monitoring and research that feeds a global network of knowledge.
Visiting researchers
CCMI has hosted over 100 visiting researchers! Both independent and collaborative research takes place, fostering innovation, accelerating scientific discovery, and expanding our impact.
2016 International Symposium host
In 2016, CCMI held the symposium “Can we Save Coral Reefs” in London. Convened by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, it brought together scientists, policy makers, and advocates from around the world.
Launched Women in Ocean Science Award (2019)