The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is bringing the science out of the lab and into the Grand Cayman community through a series of public outreach events this week. Designed to empower action for the future of the ocean, the schedule features a marine sustainability communications workshop, in-school visits by professional science communicators, a free public lecture, and the annual fundraising gala, Festival of Seas.
Building on 2025’s outreach efforts by Doug Allan OBE and Uli Kunz, who reached more than 1,000 people across the Cayman Islands through a series of similar events, CCMI continues finding new, engaging opportunities to develop ocean literacy in the Cayman Islands and expand important efforts to protect marine biodiversity for the future.
WHO: CCMI team, local stakeholders, ocean enthusiasts
WHY: To connect the Cayman community with marine science, helping connect people to nature and inspiring them to be ocean stewards and raising critical funds to support ongoing research and education initiatives
1. WORKSHOP: Marine Sustainability & Environmental Communications (Kate Holden, CCMI CEO)
WHEN: Tuesday, 27th October; 4 pm – 6:30 pm
WHERE: Signal House, Cayman Enterprise City (Plexy’s Auditorium)
COST: Free
REGISTER: https://donate.reefresearch.org/commsworkshop
DETAILS: Led by CCMI’s CEO Kate Holden, this workshop will explore how marine sustainability issues can be communicated in ways that help people understand environmental challenges, develop a sense of connection and concern, and feel able to respond. Ideal for professionals, environmental NGOs, corporations, and tourism-related businesses.
2. PUBLIC REEF LECTURE: Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Combating misinformation with science, education, and laughter (Dr Ellen Prager and Dave Jones)
WHEN: Thursday, 29th October, 6 pm – 7 pm
WHERE: Signal House, Cayman Enterprise City (Plexy’s Auditorium)
COST: Free
REGISTER: https://donate.reefresearch.org/Reeflectureoct2026
DETAILS: Festival of Seas speakers, Dr Ellen Prager and Dave Jones will present this free public event focused on combating misinformation with science, humour, and dialogue.
3. FUNDRAISING GALA: Festival of Seas: Gothic Tides
WHEN: Saturday, 31 October; 6:30 pm -11:45 pm
WHERE: Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
COST: Individual tickets: CI $325 ea; table of 10: CI $3,250
TICKETS: events@reefresearch.org
DETAILS: CCMI’s largest annual fundraiser. This haunted gala, held on Halloween, will feature an evening of gothic elegance and ocean-inspired celebration, complete with fine dining, live and silent auction, raffles, Gothic Depths collaborative exhibit (with CI DOE), and a special keynote address by Dr Ellen Prager and Dave Jones.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Interview opportunities available on request with CCMI leadership and visiting speakers. Photos of community events, science communication, and photos of attendees from wide range of the Grand Cayman community in ‘gothic glam’ attire.
Advance RSVP requested through the registration links provided for the two free public events as seating is limited. Please email events@reefresearch.org to inquire about media credentials to receive photo access to Festival of Seas: Gothic Tides.