The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is inviting the Cayman Islands community to celebrate World Ocean Month this June through a series of educational events, inspiring conversations, and opportunities for meaningful engagement with ocean conservation.
Anchored by World Ocean Day on 8 June, the month will bring together students, educators, scientists, businesses, ocean advocates, and members of the public to learn more about Cayman’s marine environment and the actions that can help protect it for future generations.
"Healthy oceans support healthy communities, thriving economies, and resilient ecosystems," said CCMI CEO Kate Holden. "World Ocean Month provides an opportunity to celebrate our connection to the marine environment while highlighting the important role science, education, and conservation play in safeguarding our ocean future. When it comes to progressive discussions about sustainability, emotional connection is absolutely key. So, we are encouraging everyone to ramp up their love of the ocean this month."
As the global community enters the final years of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), CCMI remains committed to turning evidence into action through research, education, and conservation initiatives that support both local and global ocean health.
World Ocean Month activities begin on Friday, 5 June, with CCMI's annual Reefs Go Live broadcast at the Camana Bay Cinema.
This year's programme, "Coral Reefs and Us: Our Island Guardians" will connect audiences directly to Little Cayman's reefs through a live underwater experience while exploring the critical role coral reefs play in supporting food security, livelihoods, coastal protection, culture, and community wellbeing.
The event is free and open to the public, with participation available both in person and virtually.
On World Ocean Day, Monday, 8 June, CCMI will host a special community Reef Lecture featuring Nicole Rotelle, Research Assistant and Coral Restoration Programme Lead at CCMI.
Titled "The Story of the First Coral Nursery in the Cayman Islands" the presentation will explore the history and significance of CCMI's coral nursery, established in 2012 as the country's first coral restoration facility. Today, the nursery safeguards more than 290 fragments of critically endangered staghorn coral and plays an important role in restoration and conservation efforts.
The lecture will take place at the Cayman Catboat Club and is free to attend with advance registration.
Throughout the month, CCMI will celebrate the personal connections people have with the ocean through a special World Ocean Day video project entitled "I Love the Ocean Because..."
Featuring voices from the Cayman Islands and around the world, the video brings together scientists, students, divers, conservationists, community leaders, and ocean enthusiasts who share what the ocean means to them and why its protection matters.
The video will premiere during the Reefs Go Live broadcast on 5 June before launching publicly across CCMI's social media channels on World Ocean Day.
Later this month, CCMI will formally launch the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards, recognising Cayman Islands businesses that demonstrate leadership in marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
Named in honour of the late Doug Allan, OBE, the internationally acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and passionate advocate for the natural world, the awards will celebrate organisations that are helping build a more sustainable future through environmental leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
Award categories will recognise companies demonstrating excellence in community partnerships, operational sustainability, and long-term environmental vision. Winners will be announced at CCMI's Festival of Seas: Gothic Tides gala on 31 October at Hotel Indigo.
Throughout World Ocean Month, CCMI will continue sharing stories, scientific discoveries, educational resources, and opportunities for community engagement designed to strengthen understanding of Cayman's marine environment and inspire positive action.
"The challenges facing our ocean are significant, but so too is our collective ability to make a difference," said Holden. "Every person who learns, participates, advocates, or takes action becomes part of a growing community working toward a healthier ocean future."
Members of the public are encouraged to register for upcoming events and follow CCMI throughout June for World Ocean Month updates and activities.
At CCMI, every day is dedicated to the ocean. The final years of The Ocean Decade represent an opportunity to accelerate conservation impact, strengthen scientific understanding, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. CCMI invites companies and individuals to play a defining role in shaping what comes next through attendance at Festival of Seas on 31 October and annual giving programmes. Commitments through 2030 sustain core programmes and seed new projects with long-term impact investment. Support a healthy ocean future for the Cayman Islands and beyond; become an Ocean Decade Partner.
For more information about how to get involved, events, and updates, visit www.reefresearch.org, sign up for e-newsletters or follow @reefresearch on social media.