Issue 115 - December 2024

The Changing Face of Little Cayman’s Reefs: One Year on From The Most Extensive Global Coral Bleaching on Record

The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record and brought with it the most extensive global coral bleaching event on record. One year on, how are the historically healthy and resilient coral reefs of Little Cayman faring?

As part of the Healthy Reefs Programme, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has been monitoring the reefs of Little Cayman for 26 years. This long-term data set allows CCMI’s researchers to understand trends and changes over time and make informed decisions to protect coral reefs. The results of CCMI’s 2024 annual monitoring surveys show the greatest reduction in coral cover recorded through these surveys through the 26-year monitoring period. Although severe, the news is not all bad.

CCMI’s data show that coral cover reduced from 26% in 2023 to 9.8% in 2024 following the mass coral bleaching event. This is the lowest coral cover recorded in CCMI’s surveys since 1999, with a previous all-time low in 2005 of 15%. This extreme decline can be attributed mostly to ‘weedy’ species, that are fast-growing, but don’t provide as much of the reef structure as larger, slower-growing boulder corals. These boulder corals, which are key reef-building species, bleached but showed higher rates of recovery and less mortality. The Star Corals (Orbicella and Montastrea) showed a minimal decline between 2023 and 2024.

Overall, what does this mean for the reefs? The loss of weedy species means that overall, the reefs will lose habitat complexity and shelter for marine species and a reduction in reef-building species will result in flatter reefs that provide less coastal protection.

Conversely, fish populations in Little Cayman have thrived in recent years, showing consistent increases since 2016 and a dramatic increase in density and biomass in 2024. Large increases were recorded in herbivorous fish, particularly parrotfish, that are crucial for the recovery of the reef ecosystem.

The presence of these herbivorous fish supports coral growth and reef recovery through grazing. These fish manage the levels of macro-algae on reefs, which, if left unchecked, can outcompete corals for space on the reef and hinder coral growth.

During the bleaching event, CCMI’s coral nursery suffered severe mortality, losing over 90 corals. However, using genetic information on every individual in the nursery, CCMI’s researchers could identify the specific genetic makeup, or genotype, of fragments that survived the extreme heatwave. Going forward, these findings of genetic resilience will be incorporated into CCMI’s coral restoration programme to increase the chances of success as the impacts of climate change intensify.

In addition to this resilience-based coral restoration programme, CCMI pioneers cutting-edge research to help reefs to survive and adapt to the pressures of climate change. This summer, CCMI explored and mapped the offshore seamount, Pickle Bank. 45 miles offshore this coral reef habitat is relatively undisturbed by human activity and the diverse, healthy reefs found by CCMI researchers provide hope for the future of reefs in Cayman.

Overall, the decrease in coral cover and health following the 2023 mass bleaching event is the most severe since CCMI’s records began. However, this can be attributed mostly to less thermally tolerant, ‘weedy’ species. These species and others similar are fast-growing and can recover faster than boulder-like species.

There is no denying that the face of Little Cayman’s reefs is changing, however, there is still hope for the overall function that they provide, and that this functional resilience can persist. The main threat to functional resilience is a phase shift, whereby the ecosystem changes from a coral-dominated to a macro-algal-dominated habitat. At this point, it is unlikely that the reef would be able to provide the same services, such as habitat provision for fish and coastal protection from storms. The thriving fish populations in Little Cayman, as a result of protections, will help to maintain the reef in a coral-dominated state.

Continued protection, alongside research and active conservation, is crucial in conserving this ecosystem at such a vulnerable stage in its history to ensure it can persist through the threats of climate change and continue to adapt and acclimatise to a changing ocean.

For CCMI to continue striving to safeguard marine biodiversity in the face of increasing pressures, the support of corporate sponsors that commit to multi-year funding of these essential efforts is invaluable. CCMI would like to express its deepest gratitude to this year’s Healthy Reefs sponsors, Fosters Supermarket, Cayman Island Department of Tourism, Walkers and Knighthead and the Corporate Navigators that make this work possible: Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd, BDO Cayman, Maples Group, Rawlinson & Hunter, LOM, and Ugland Properties.

Read more about CCMI’s Healthy Reefs Programme HERE.

Read more about CCMI’s research HERE.

ABOUT CCMI

CCMI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs, envisioning a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reef ecosystems. We seek to be the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute by delivering cutting edge research, transforming conservation strategy and developing education programmes of excellence – discovering and promoting real solutions to declining ocean health. Our plan is to invigorate key species and understand key ocean processes that drive reef resilience. We support early career scientists who are INNOVATING ways to improve coral reef health. We are TRANSFORMING conservation strategy and work to inspire the CHANGE that is needed to achieve our mission. CCMI are PIONEERS in the region working to reverse the declines of coral reefs.

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Journeys With Purpose – Visit South Africa

From the golden beaches of Durban to the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Kruger National Park’s sweeping plains, South Africa offe s a holistic fusion of nature, history and adventure. Spend a week exploring the vibrant capital and venture to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views, or head to the whale-watching capital of the world, Hermanus, for your chance to sight these beautiful mammals. A variety of exceptionally biodiverse private reserves and national parks offers brilliant game viewing and opportunities for off-beat discovery, where travellers can stay in everything from the most authentically rustic fly-camp to the highest echelon of exclusive luxury. Check camera traps, monitor wildlife, trim rhino horns and enjoy fireside chats with expert researchers and wildlife scientists under South Africa’s expansive star-studded sky. START YOUR JOURNEY.

Hosted journey: The Great Karoo

Gain unprecedented access to the conservation pioneers rewilding South Africa’s Great Karoo. The journey sees you tracking lions, engaging firsthand with the cheetah reintroduction programme and learning from the greatest conservation pioneers of South Africa, while enjoying exceptional African cuisine and luxury lodgings.

Create your own private journey

Are you curious about our natural world? Bespoke journeys are entirely tailor-made to each guest, based on their interests, passions and practical travel plans. Speak to our specialist team to begin planning your private journey to South Africa. CREATE A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE.

Conservation impact

Our Impact Pledge is our commitment to support the advancement of pioneering conservation projects through direct donations with every journey. In 2023, and our second calendar year, we raised and directed over $50,000 to grassroot conversation projects. We do this by created hosted and private conservation travel experiences in South Africa and around the world.

YOUR IMPACT: PEOPLE AND PROJECTS WITH PURPOSE

PEOPLE WITH PURPOSE: SARAH AND ISABELLE TOMPKINS.

Mother-daughter team, Sarah and Isabelle Tompkins, are dedicated to protecting the Great Karoo, South Africa, and reintroducing species to their 67,000 acres of restored and protected land, with an aim to expand this protected area to 3 million acres in the near futurel.

Originally from Johannesburg, Sarah and husband Mark Tompkins had known the Great Karoo as a desolate place that had lost all its wild beauty and abundant wildlife. In 1997, the Tompkins visited Monkey Valley farm and fell in love with its green and lush landscape following the recent rains. The couple decided to buy it, removed fencing and livestock and let the land recover for a few years before turning it into their rewilding passion project.

Today, over a quarter of a century later, Sarah runs the reserve with daughter Isabelle, who has inherited her parents’ drive to expand and protect the beautiful, semi-arid lands of the Great Karoo, holding the belief that humans should be “a part of nature, not apart from it”. JOIN A JOURNEY WITH SARAH & ISABELLE.

PLACES WITH PURPOSE: SAMARA.

Once a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem of grasslands, South Africa’s Great Karoo sadly lost most of its wildlife to farming, fences and firearms. In 1997, Joburg-born Sarah and husband Mark Tompkins began their mission to restore the land to its former glory and founded a private game reserve, Samara Karoo. The Tompkins have since regenerated 67,000 acres of wilderness, and engaged in an ambitious programme of animal reintroduction, including the first wild cheetah back in the region in 125 years, the first elephants in over a century and, most recently, the first lions in 180 years. MORE PLACES WITH PURPOSE.

PROJECTS WITH PURPOSE: SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS.

Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.

Issue 115 - December 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – December 2024 – Issue 115

National Geographic Explorer Thomas Peschak to Receive 2025 Eliza Scidmore Award for Outstanding Storytelling

Award-winning photographer and National Geographic Explorer Thomas P. Peschak will receive the National Geographic Society’s 2025 Eliza Scidmore Award for Outstanding Storytelling for his long legacy of conservation storytelling at National Geographic and beyond. Read more…

The Changing Face of Little Cayman’s Reefs: One Year on From The Most Extensive Global Coral Bleaching on Record

Manta Ray Magic: Witnessing a Feeding Frenzy in the Great Barrier Reef – Photography by Aliya Siddiqi

While working at an island that’s known as “the home of the manta ray,” it’s easy for most of us staff to get jaded at seeing one or two manta rays…per day. Maybe they do a quick cruise past, or maybe a stop at the cleaning station. Read more…

Upstream: The Last Journey of Chum Salmon

Tucked in the northwesternmost corner of the United States is an impressive waterway known as the Puget Sound, a massive body of water formed by saltwater canals reaching into Washington State. Locals will tell you that, in autumn, the rivers come alive with Salmon. Read more…

The Iris Project: Enabling Young People to Protect and Restore Nature

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, young people are stepping up as the change-makers we need. The Iris Project is at the forefront of this movement, shining a light on young people leading the way in protecting and restoring our planet. Read more…

Rolex Celebrates our Planet’s Poles, Mountains and Forest

Today, this network of pioneers is shedding light on the challenges we all face in a changing climate. Spread across the world, the explorers and researchers are showing how fundamentally linked the earth’s myriad landscapes are and how vulnerable they have become. Read more…

Journeys With Purpose – Kids on Safari: Frequently Asked Questions

Being able to experience a truly wild family holiday is a bucket-list adventure for most, but can require a little more forethought when planning. This article, and the expertise of our specialist team, is aimed to take the guesswork out of taking your kids on safari so you can look forward to enjoying a memorable family vacation. Read more…

Journeys With Purpose – Visit South Africa

Journeys With Purpose – Rewilding the Karoo: A Journey Through Samara

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Great Karoo, Samara Karoo Reserve offers a testament to the remarkable power of rewilding. This 67,000-hectare landscape once overgrazed and fragmented by farming, now thrives as a haven for biodiversity, blending science, sustainability, and community-driven conservation. Read more…

Oh Buoy! Curtin & NASA Unlock Ocean Secrets from Space

Curtin University has joined forces with NASA, the University of Miami, San José State University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology on a new-generation satellite mission to study the colour of the ocean from space, providing vital information about ocean health and its role in climate regulation. Read more…

Ocean of Threads: A Fusion of Fashion, Art, and Marine Conservation

Larnaka, Cyprus – In an inspired convergence of art, marine environmental awareness, and community engagement, artist Michalis Pantelidis has collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and the Larnaka Tourism Board for the project “Ocean of Threads”. Read more…

Book Suggestion – The Secrets of The Open Sea: A Review of “Into The Great Wide Ocean”

Sönke Johnsen’s “Into the Great Wide Ocean” provides a clear and accessible exploration of the pelagic ocean between the surface and the seafloor. Looking beyond the familiar parts of coastal ecosystems, Johnsen, a professor of biology at Duke University, focuses on the unique challenges and evolutionary adaptations of life in the open sea. Read more…

Dive into Action This Holiday Season: Double the Difference for Coral Reefs

The Reef-World Foundation – international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative – has been selected to join the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Double your donation to The Reef-World Foundation in the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge. The charity is taking part in the Christmas Challenge to raise £4,000 in just 1 week. Read more…

NOAA Advances Efforts to Identify Aquaculture Opportunity Areas

NOAA Fisheries released two draft programmatic environmental impact statements (PEIS) to support the identification of proposed Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in Southern California and the Gulf of Mexico. The public is invited to review and submit comments on the draft statements from November 22, 2024, through February 20, 2025. Read more…

The International SeaKeepers Society Hosts the Annual Founders Event 2024

The International SeaKeepers Society hosted its Annual Founders Event at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Guests celebrated the remarkable achievements of the evening’s honorees, including 2024 SeaKeeper of the Year, Guy Harvey, and 2024 NextGen Awardee, Shireen Rahimi. Read more…

Hope for Right Whales

Researchers have identified four components of hope. The first is setting realistic goals and identifying realistic pathways to achieve them. Mental fortitude in the face of daunting circumstances is needed to achieve goals. The fourth is support from others, fellowship, and teamwork to overcome adversities met along the way. Read more…

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According to the fossil record, cetaceans — whales, dolphins and their relatives — evolved from four-legged land mammals that returned to the oceans beginning some 50 million years ago. Today, their descendants are threatened by a different land-based mammal that has also returned to the sea: humans. Read more…

Time to Normalize Seafood as Part of Our Shared Wildlife

This concept is nothing new, but it is high time we officially normalize it. Years ago in the early 2000s, during a brown bag session at Conservation International, I overheard a comment that caught my attention. These lunchtime sessions, where colleagues shared their work informally, were typically casual, and I was only half-listening. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Weekly Newsletter and Jobs List

Signing up for our free weekly newsletter and jobs list will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs board.

To sign up for free, click here or email us.

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.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

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Feature Destination

Journeys With Purpose – Kids on Safari: Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take my children on safari?

Immersing your children in nature, reconnecting them with the natural world, deeping their awe and respect for wildlife and new cultures – all of these are reasons why taking your children on safari is a wonderful idea. Whether they’re three, thirteen or on the cusp of thirty, some of the most impactful memories your family will form will happen when they’re ‘out in the bush’ and disconnected from the usual technology and distractions of everyday life. Whilst it may require a bit of research to find the right camps and lodges that will cater to your childrens’ age or special requirements, we work with a wealth of incredible family-orientated partners, and our specialist team is on hand to offer their expert recommendations to take the guesswork of planning.

EXPLORE SAFARI DESTINATIONS

What is the minimum age for kids on safari?

Different reserves and lodges have different rules when it comes to minimum age restrictions. This decision may be influenced by factors such as whether the property is fenced and if it has interconnecting rooms or family suites etc. As infants typically aren’t allowed on game drives and other safari activities, some safari camps have babysitting and childcare infrastructure in place. Many reserves and camps will require families with children to book exclusive use of a vehicle for game drives, whilst others automatically provide one, included in the daily rate, at the time of booking.

With activities such as bug safaris, wildlife monitoring walks, lessons on how to identify tracks and scats, bow and arrow creation, and even creative, hands-on culinary classes with the camp’s chef available for those too young to step out on a bush walk or other certain safari activities, there will be plenty to keep the young ones entertained and engaged even from back at camp!

Leaning on the wealth of personal knowledge our Africa specialists have of specific properties will be hugely beneficial when selecting, or ruling out, the right camp or lodge for your children.

SPEAK WITH A SPECIALIST

Which safari activities can children participate in?

Safari drives are normally available for children as young as six, or even younger when your family books an exclusive-use vehicle. Typically, children need to be at least 16 years old to venture out on longer walking safaris with expert guides and rangers, and this age limit is applicable for most primate trekking experiences too.

However, these limits are not a hard and fast rule. In some East African regions, families can take children as young as 12 on particular chimpanzee treks. On certain private reserves, bush walks are possible for younger children at the discretion of the staff and parents, and can be adjusted to take place within the camp vicinity or staying near to the game vehicle when out in the bush. When you discuss your family safari with one of our specialists, be sure to share your hopes for the adventure. Perhaps your kids have always dreamt of being the next David Attenborough and would love to enjoy as intrepid exploration as possible? Perhaps they would feel more comfortable watching the wildlife from a vehicle? Whatever the preference, our team will work to craft the most special experience possible, recommending the camps, reserves and lodges that will be most appropriate for your family.

CREATE A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

SPEAK WITH A SPECIALIST

Further safari information it’s great to know…

FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

There is typically a smaller proportion of interconnecting rooms and family suites at properties. Due to their being in shorter supply, their availability moves quickly, especially over peak season, so it’s important to try to plan well in advance to ensure your preferred accommodation still has availability. Private or exclusive-use villas are another wonderful option as they tend to come with private vehicles and chefs, enabling you to eat and enjoy your activities with greater flexibility, at your own schedule.

MALARIA

Sometimes, it’s easier to not even have to think about malaria than to arrange for your family to take the appropriate prophylactics. In this case, there are numerous malaria-free reserves across South Africa that have superb child-friendly accommodation and offer world-class safaris. Just let the team know if this is your preference!

LIGHT AIRCRAFT

Combined safari-circuits are a wonderful way to make the most of travel to this beautiful continent. These itineraries tend to visit multiple reserves or national parks where light aircraft flights are required to cover the long distances. As well as this, certain camps are simply so remote or inaccessible via other forms of transport that light aircraft travel is essential to reach them. These vessels are unpressurised and fairly cosy, factors that are worth considering for nervous flyers or small children who may experience discomfort as a result.

GAME DRIVES

Whilst a game drive is leagues apart from most car journeys, with exciting sightings to be looked forward to around every corner and the scents and sounds of the bush around you, it’s worth thinking about how long your children are comfortable staying still for. Going to the bathroom will require finding the nearest bush, and kids will need to be able to be quiet and stay still if instructed to do so by the rangers, so as not to disturb nearby animals or other guests.

SAFETY

As mentioned earlier, some camps and lodges are fenced whereas others are not. Unfenced lodges may well have free roaming wildlife moving through camp, including big cats or other large fauna like elephants. As a result, and because lots of predators such as hyenas and leopards are active after dark, guests won’t be allowed to leave their rooms at night, unless accompanied by a ranger. Depending on the camp set up, you will also likely be escorted back to your room by a ranger after dinner. Some families prefer fenced camps for the added safety, so be sure to mention this to your travel specialist when discussing your journey.

COMBINING YOUR SAFARI WITH A BEACH EXTENSION

Safari and shorelines – this makes for a wonderful combination of activities and destinations and is easy to arrange across Africa. In East Africa, pop over to Zanzibar or enjoy relaxation and marine sports along Kenya’s Diani beachfront. In Southern Africa, round your adventure off with a few days in Mauritius, Seychelles, or Mozambique. After the early starts and excitement of safari, a few days of tranquil relaxation and oceanic exploration are sure to round your trip off brilliantly.

CULTURE

At Journeys With Purpose, people are at the heart of everything we do – from the team leads and camp staff to local communities. We believe that journeys that offer true immersion and opportunities for education leave the most lasting impression, creating a positive impact that will stay with both your family and those they meet for years to come. Whether you’re curious about introducing your children to the local culture or eager to learn from researchers and conservationists, we’ll recommend the destinations and properties where we can arrange genuine, authentic and memorable moments with key storytellers for your children.

EXPLORE IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

Article by Lara Webster