Issue 110 - July 2024

Bleached But Not Broken: CCMI Reveals The Impact & Future Implications of Record-Breaking Temperature on Little Cayman’s Reefs

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands; 18^th June 2024 – The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record and brought with it the longest and most extreme marine heatwave experienced in the Cayman Islands.

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has been monitoring the impact of this marine heatwave throughout and has just released the results of this monitoring from July 2023 to January 2024. CCMI’s 2023 Coral Bleaching Report Card shows that the coral bleaching in Little Cayman was severe, and comparably more severe than other reefs in the region, this is likely to be attributed to factors including higher coral cover to start with and the presence of more susceptible species that are not present on most reefs with more stressors.

CCMI’s research found that 90% of corals in Little Cayman bleached during the marine heatwave and over 50% subsequently died. Most of the corals that died were ‘weedy’ species, whereas many of the key reef-building, boulder-like species showed lower mortality and higher rates of recovery.

Even with such extreme bleaching, hope is not lost. Coral reefs that are protected from the added pressures of local threats such as pollution and overfishing, such as those in Little Cayman, show improved long-term recovery from disturbance.

Before the bleaching event, coral cover in Little Cayman remained at approximately 20%, compared to 10-15% regionally. CCMI’s pre-bleaching 2023 Healthy Reefs monitoring showed that 90% of these reefs were in good to very good condition. This higher coral cover, along with higher species diversity and healthy fish populations, particularly herbivores, may mean that Little Cayman’s reefs show better long-term recovery than reefs in poorer health. This provides hope for the recovery of these reefs, but the next year or so will be pivotal.

Similarly, 25 years of CCMI’s monitoring data show above-average health of corals, with no reefs recorded in poor health in 2022 or 2023, and stable levels of coral cover, despite the regional decline. Although no one can say for certain how these reefs will recover and fare in the future as climate change impacts intensify, we can say that historically they have shown stability while other reefs in the Caribbean have recorded decline.

Regardless, with the impacts of climate change intensifying, now, more than ever, these reefs need our help. With predictions forecasting that 2024 could be just as hot, CCMI’s research team are seeking solutions to support reef recovery and understand how we can help these reefs survive and adapt through science-based action.

CCMI is taking a multi-faceted approach to helping reefs to survive and adapt to climate change through a combination of cutting-edge research and action. CCMI has been pioneering a resilience-based coral restoration programme in Little Cayman since 2012. This restoration programme has grown over 1,500 corals outplanted over 70m2 of coral onto the reefs of Little Cayman, informed by CCMI’s ongoing research in coral genetics to boost the resilience of corals to stressors such as warmer oceans and coral disease.

CCMI is also researching how mesophotic, or reefs deeper than 30m, can help shallow water corals survive climate change. With National Science Foundation funding, CCMI’s researchers are investigating how corals may adapt to extreme environmental conditions. A recent publication by CCMI’s Director of Research, Dr Goodbody-Gringley, found that coral larvae from shallow-water reefs may be able to settle and survive on deeper reefs, offering hope that these mesophotic reefs could provide refuge for corals if shallow reefs become inhospitable.

To further support this, CCMI has been exploring and documenting previously uncharted mesophotic reefs on seamounts Pickle Bank and 12-mile Bank, off the coast of Cayman. Here, CCMI’s technical divers have found highly productive coral reefs that could provide further hope for maintaining coral biodiversity through climate extremes.

Overall, the impact of last year’s coral bleaching was extreme, not only in Little Cayman but globally, and the summer of 2024 is likely to bring further bleaching. However, the historically stable, healthy and highly diverse reefs in Little Cayman may fare better when it comes to recovery and become a site of hope and re-seeding for other reefs. CCMI is further supporting these valuable reefs through their research and conservation efforts.

As a community, everyone has a part to play in supporting these ecosystems at such a pivotal time. Small lifestyle changes such as eating less meat, switching to renewable energy sources, eating sustainable seafood and supporting environmental initiatives are powerful ways for everyone to make a difference in the future of coral reefs.

Read CCMI’s full report card HERE.

Read the CCMI 2023 Healthy Reefs report card HERE.

Issue 110 - July 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – July 2024 – Issue 110

NEWSROOM

Back to the Bay: Southern Sea Otter Conservation Efforts in Northern California

The southern sea otter, or California sea otter, is one of three endangered subspecies of sea otter found in a small area near central California. Despite government protection, this species has been endangered for over sixty years, unable to make significant population growth in almost thirty years. Read more…

Choking The Seas: How Marine Debris is Reshaping Ecosystems

Millions of pounds of plastics enter the ocean, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems have had to evolve rapidly to survive these changes. If climate change and plastic pollution continue to increase at these rates, marine ecosystems may no longer be able to keep up with the changes. Read more…

Actions to Strengthen Marine Turtle Conservation Agreed at UN Meeting in Tanzania

Governments, scientific experts and stakeholders gathered over four days in an international meeting that ended today to discuss pressing conservation issues for marine turtles in the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia region. Read more…

CCMI Reveals The Impact & Future Implications of Record-Breaking Temperature on Little Cayman’s Reefs

CCMI’s 2023 Coral Bleaching Report Card shows that the coral bleaching in Little Cayman was severe, and comparably more severe than other reefs in the region, this is likely to be attributed to factors including higher coral cover to start with and the presence of more susceptible species that are not present on most reefs with more stressors. Read more…

Book Suggestion: The Arctic in Peril, A Photographic Journey Through a Changing Landscape

The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White banner

In “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White,” Sebastian Copeland invites us on an extraordinary visual journey to the heart of a vanishing world. Through his lens, we witness the raw beauty and delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem, a landscape of ethereal ice formations, vast tundra, and resilient wildlife. Read more…

Dive in with The Reef-World Foundation: “Drops in the Ocean” Campaign Sweeps Across the UK!

The Reef-World Foundation, a leading non-profit dedicated to coral reef conservation, today announced the exciting launch of its new campaign, “Drops in the Ocean,” which went live on Monday, 17 June across the UK. This impactful campaign receives a significant boost. Read more…

The Sea Serpent and Limits to Growth

The learned men of the Boston Natural History Society had studied their Bestiaries, ancient, illustrated volumes of all the animals, and set out for Gloucester’s high rocky shore to survey the seascape. There, they found what they were looking for. Read more…

G20 CORDAP & KSLOF Forge Historic Partnership to Combat Coral Reef Decline

This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to harness the unique strengths and resources of both organizations to enhance coral reef conservation and restoration efforts on a global scale. Read more…

Scientists on a research expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) have located Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight, offering potential insights into the conditions that led to the development of life on Earth. Read more…

Wild Women Expeditions Voted Best Adventure Tour Operator in the 2024 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards

Wild Women Expeditions has been voted ‘Best Adventure Tour Operator’ in the 2024 edition of the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The leader in women’s adventure travel takes the top spot for the second year running, and the third time overall, having won this category in 2021 as well. Read more…

The Parrot & the Igloo, Exposing the History of Climate Change Denial

In “The Parrot and the Igloo,” David Lipsky embarks on an ambitious initiative to untangle the complex history of climate change denial. With a deft hand, he weaves together a narrative that is both informative and captivating, exposing missed opportunities, deliberate misinformation, and the intricate dance between science and politics. Read more…

Saudi Arabia Shows Initiatives, Bolstering Ocean Sustainability & Biodiversity Conservation at High-Level Event

Saudi Arabia Shows Initiatives ARTICLE BANNER

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir took part in the High-Level Event on Ocean Action, held in the capital of Costa Rica, San José, from June 7-8, at the head of the Kingdom’s delegation. Read more…

Feature Destination

Geneva ranks among the top five European destinations for 2024

Geneva Tourism is delighted to announce that the iconic Swiss city has been named one of Europe’s leading destinations to visit in 2024 by European Best Destinations – the most visited travel and culture website in Europe with 8 million visitors annually. Read more…

World Oceans Day Highlights Immediate Protection Measures Needed

UN World Oceans Day, celebrated on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York, focused on “opening minds, igniting senses, and inspiring possibilities” to protect marine life worldwide. Read more…

A Traveler’s Guide to Discovering the Charm of Geneva

For many, Geneva may not immediately come to mind as a bustling tourist destination compared to other European cities. It lacks sandy beaches and a certain youthful exuberance, but what it offers is a rich cultural tapestry. Read more…

ASEAN & UNDP Launch Joint GEF-Funded Marine Conservation Project

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the governments of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, kick start this year’s World Ocean Day celebration with the launching and inception of the GEF-funded joint marine conservation project – Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS)–on 6 June 2024. Read more…

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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

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Book Suggestion

Book Suggestion: The Arctic in Peril, A Photographic Journey Through a Changing Landscape

In “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White,” Sebastian Copeland invites us on an extraordinary visual journey to the heart of a vanishing world. Through his lens, we witness the raw beauty and delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem, a landscape of ethereal ice formations, vast tundra, and resilient wildlife.

The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White: Book Cover

Copeland’s photographs are not merely stunning works of art; they are a poignant testament to the alarming pace of climate change. His images of melting glaciers, receding sea ice, and altered animal migration patterns serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need for climate action. Each photograph tells a story of transformation and loss, showcasing the vulnerability of this pristine wilderness to the effects of human activity.

But “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White” is not simply a lament for a disappearing landscape. Copeland’s narrative goes beyond the visual, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between humans and nature. He delves into the history of Arctic exploration, the challenges faced by indigenous communities, and the geopolitical implications of a rapidly changing Arctic. His words paint a picture of a region at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges yet brimming with potential for resilience and adaptation.

The book’s poetic prose and striking imagery combine to create an immersive experience that transports readers to the heart of the Arctic. Copeland’s passion for this fragile ecosystem is evident on every page, as he shares his reflections and insights gained from years of exploration and advocacy.

“The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White” is a compelling demonstration of the power of photography to inspire change. It is a visual symphony that awakens our senses, challenges our assumptions, and compels us to protect this extraordinary place before it’s too late. As Dr. Jane Goodall eloquently states in her foreword, this book is “a powerful and moving tribute to a region that is both awe-inspiring and deeply vulnerable.”

About The Author

With approximately 6,000 miles under his skis in the polar regions, Sebastian Copeland has led numerous expeditions to the North and South Poles on foot. Noted as a photographer “who has produced works that are of outstanding artistic merit and communicate messages of urgent global significance,” Copeland has addressed audiences at the UN, universities, and many Fortune 500 companies to warn of the systemic transformations taking place in the polar regions and their geopolitical consequences. In 2017, Men’s Journal named Copeland one of 25 of the world’s top adventurers of the last 25 years. The Arctic completes a polar trilogy comprising Antarctica: The Waking Giant (2020) and Polar Explorations (2022). Copeland was named four times Photographer of the Year. In 2019, he was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron in the National Order of Merit; and the National Order of Arts and Letters. Dr. Jane Goodall, known for her landmark chimpanzee study, is the most recognizable figure in conservation today.

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Book Suggestion

Book Suggestion: The Parrot & the Igloo, Exposing the History of Climate Change Denial

Lipsky’s journey begins with the early warnings of global warming, highlighting the missed signals and the rise of a professional lying apparatus that has cast doubt on the scientific consensus. He meticulously traces the origins of this disinformation campaign, revealing how the same tactics used to deny the dangers of cigarettes and acid rain were employed to undermine climate science.

Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Lipsky exposes the human element of climate change denial, delving into the motivations and consequences of inaction. He questions the role of media, corporations, and politics in shaping public opinion and hindering meaningful action. By unravelling the tangled web of denial, Lipsky empowers readers to critically assess the information presented to them and to seek the truth about the climate crisis.

The book serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to confront the urgency of the situation and to challenge the misinformation that has stalled progress. Lipsky’s unique perspective, honed through his experience as a writer and professor of narrative, allows him to present complex issues in a clear and accessible manner, making the book a compelling read for both experts and newcomers to the topic.

“The Parrot and the Igloo” is not just a historical record but also a call to action. It encourages readers to engage with the issue, to question the narratives presented to them, and to seek the truth about climate change. Lipsky’s engaging writing style and insightful analysis make this book an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It is a timely and essential contribution to the ongoing discussion about climate change, offering a unique perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking.

By exposing the tactics of climate change denial and highlighting the urgent need for action, Lipsky’s book empowers readers to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis. “The Parrot and the Igloo” is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of a daunting global crisis.

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