In response to an unprecedented crisis facing local marine ecosystems, Sustainable Cayman, in partnership with the Global Coral Reef Alliance, has announced the launch of the Eden Rock BioRock Pilot Project. Supported by Darwin Plus Local (Project Ref: DPLR6\1034), this initiative marks the first time safe, extremely low-voltage (SELV) electro-mineral accretion technology will be tested in the Cayman Islands to explore its potential to support coral growth and improve reef resilience.
Following the devastating 2023 mass-bleaching event and continued ocean warming, Grand Cayman’s coral cover dropped to just 6% by 2025 (The Cayman Islands Department of Environment). Facing disease, sedimentation, and thermal stress, local reefs are deteriorating faster than they can naturally recover. The Eden Rock BioRock Pilot aims to evaluate an innovative restoration tool that could complement existing marine conservation efforts and help protect the natural ecosystems underpinning Cayman’s coastal protection, fisheries and tourism economy.
How BioRock Technology Works
Located in the shallow waters just offshore from Eden Rock Dive Centre, the pilot features a small, low-lying steel-mesh secured structure. A safe, extra-low-voltage electrical current encourages naturally occuring mineral growth, forming a limestone coating over the structure. BioRock technology has been used internationally in coral restoration initiatives where it has demonstrated coral growth rates 2 to 6 times faster than natural controls, along with significantly higher survival rates during severe bleaching events.
Building Local Expertise & Community Leadership
Sustainable Cayman is pleased to announce the appointment of Ziva Costa as Project Lead for the Eden Rock BioRock Pilot.
An 11th-generation Caymanian and passionate marine advocate, Ziva brings local knowledge, diving experience and a strong commitment to protecting Cayman’s marine environment.
In her role, Ziva will coordinate project implementation, work with technical specialists and local partners, oversee monitoring activities and support community engagement.
“I’m excited to help bring this innovative project to Cayman and to be part of an initiative that combines scientific research with practical opportunities for local involvement,” said Costa. “Our reefs are an important part of our natural heritage, and this pilot offers an opportunity to learn, build local expertise and explore new approaches to their restoration.”
Working alongside Ziva, internationally recognised marine scientist Dr. Tom Goreau, President of the Global Coral Reef Alliance and a pioneer of BioRock technology, will provide scientific and technical guidance.
A central component of the project is developing local capacity through practical training and apprenticeship opportunities to master BioRock installation, maintenance, and monitoring.
The initiative will focus on:
"This pilot is about testing innovative tools while equipping our community with practical, hands-on experience," said a spokesperson for Sustainable Cayman. "Eden Rock provides an accessible setting for scientific learning, local training and public engagement as we explore new approaches to protecting Cayman’s reefs.”
The project will progress through permitting, installation, training and monitoring to evaluate structural performance, ecological growth with findings helping to inform future coral reef restoration initiatives.