Cayman Islands Department of Environment

14/06/2026

Hydra explores Cayman's mesophotic reefs

Research vessel Hydra is wrapping up after a month‑long scientific mission in Cayman waters. The expedition was researching one of the ocean’s least explored zones: the mesophotic reef - the middle ground between our familiar shallow reefs and the deep sea. The visit is part of a five‑year regional initiative led by the marine research organisation Inkfish.

DoE marine biologists, Paul Chin, Claire Fletcher and Cody Panton joined the team for the Cayman leg for 2 weeks working alongside the Inkfish researchers collecting genetic samples from coral colonies, conducting fish surveys using baited remote underwater stereo-video systems and exploring depths between 150 and 900 metres using submersibles.

Read the Compass story:
https://www.caymancompass.com/2026/06/06/research-vessel-hydra-exploring-cayman-waters/

Visit the expedition blog:
https://sites.google.com/view/cayman-islands-2611

14/06/2026

🐚 The secret life of conch

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to queen conch behaviour, and the conch tracking project gave our team a front row seat to witness it firsthand.

The tags and biologgers didn’t seem to interfere with the conchs’ natural behaviour. Given that conch are used to things growing on them, this makes sense. Macroalgae and even corals naturally attach to and grow on conch shells, so a little extra equipment didn’t slow them down at all.

In the field, many snails were "conch-ed" in the act as the team witnessed burying, copulating, and even egg laying all from tagged conch! The egg laying is also a timely reminder of why it’s now closed season for conch, they’re busy making the next generation.

🐚 Stay tuned for updates on the movement data.

Photos: Steph Gunby

12/06/2026

🦜 Rescued Parrot: Meet Beanie

Beanie the parrot was found by a kind community member with a broken wing, in urgent need of care. Thanks to the quick response and collaboration between the Department of Environment (DOE) and Island Veterinary Services (IVS), Beanie is now receiving the treatment and support needed on the road to recovery. 💚

This rescue is a great reminder of the impact we can have when we look out for our wildlife and work together as a community.

If you come across an injured wild animal, please report it to the relevant authorities so they can get the help they need.

IVS ParrotRescue 🐾

11/06/2026

Sick nurse shark advisory

Attention divers! Please be on the lookout for this sick nurse shark last seen at Ronnies Nemesis dive site on Tuesday 2nd June.

The shark is estimated to be 1.5m (5ft) in length and has noticeable bumps on its head and left side.

Please report sightings immediately to the DoE on 949-8469 during business hours or anytime by email to [email protected].

Please share!

08/06/2026

🌊 World Ocean Day: Understanding Our Seas to Protect Our Future

This World Ocean Day, we’re celebrating 40 years of marine protected areas — the reason we still have fish, conch, and lobster to catch today. But if we want to be able to fish for generations to come, we need to understand our oceans even better.

Through the Blue Belt Programme, we’re expanding our knowledge of Cayman’s far‑offshore waters and deep‑sea fisheries so we know what species of fish we are eating and where exactly it is coming from. This knowledge will help us make informed choices about how to fish sustainably.

READ the 10 Year Blue Belt Impact Report!
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a2576428e85b4e5346ac04e/10_Year_Blue__Belt_Impact_report_final.pdf

But ocean health is about more than fisheries. Around the world, coral reefs are in crisis, and Cayman is no exception. Thanks to a generous donation from Fosters Group in 2023, we built a coral spawning lab and started learning how to grow more resilient corals in our changing climate world. We’re thrilled to share that the lab will soon expand, allowing us to grow more corals for longer so they become bigger, stronger, and better prepared for life back on the reef.

This work takes dedication, precision, and a whole lot of passion — and we’re deeply grateful for the support that makes it possible.

On World Ocean Day, we’re reminded that protecting the sea isn’t a once‑a‑year effort. It’s a long‑term commitment to science, stewardship, and sustainable choices. By working together, we can ensure Cayman’s oceans remain vibrant, productive, and full of life for the generations to come.

Learn more:
https://doe.ky/40-years-of-marine-parks-in-the-cayman-islands/

💙 Healthy oceans, healthy future 🇰🇾

05/06/2026

At the DoE everyday is World Environment Day!

🌱 Caring for our environment is more than a single date on the calendar — it’s an ethos that must guide our decisions every day.

🌊 Our protected areas - from mangrove wetlands and ancient dry forests to coral reefs and our Marine Parks - are not just beautiful spaces. They are the life‑support systems that keep our islands healthy and thriving.

When we safeguard habitats, we safeguard human health, community resilience, and the natural services that make life in Cayman possible:

💧 Clean air and water

🛡️ Storm protection and flood control

🌳 Habitat for native and endemic wildlife

🐟 Food security and sustainable livelihoods

🤿 Recreation, wellbeing, and cultural identity

🧠 But sustainability doesn’t happen once a year. It requires consistent, decision‑making that values long‑term environmental resilency as much as short‑term gains. It means planning, policy, and everyday choices that recognise nature as a partner — not an afterthought.

🤝 By working together — government, businesses, communities, and individuals — we can build a Cayman Islands that is as resilient and productive for people as it is for the environment that sustains us.

🇰🇾 Because when nature thrives, so do we. 🌎💙

Learn more about Cayman's incredible native species and habitats!

www.doe.ky
www.conservation.ky
www.youtube.com/CaymanIslandsDOE

03/06/2026

What does tracking queen conch involve?

Swipe for an inside look into the recently completed queen conch tracking project🐚

The team tagged 37 queen conch across 6 sites and tracked their movements for just over two weeks. This adds to a growing picture of better understanding conch movement behaviour in and out of our Marine Protected Areas.

Collaborator:

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

50th Cayman parrot rehabilitated and released!

Hurley, the 50th Cayman parrot to be rehabilitated by the Department of Environment in partnership with the was released in full health just in time for World Parrot Day this Sunday May 31st!

Since its opening in 2020, the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary has accommodated Cayman Parrots in need of care and rehabilitation. Every bird that comes into our care has a different story. Some have been hit by cars, some are injured in territorial fights, while others have endured storms or hit power lines. The majority of rescue cases, however, have been surrendered or confiscated parrots, often young birds, that have been taken illegally from their nests and parents' care.

Each and every parrot receives specialised, individual care at the Parrot Sanctuary through close collaboration with veterinarians and Department of Environment staff.

Rehabilitation takes time, patience, and teamwork — from medical treatment and safe housing to careful monitoring and preparation for release. The goal is always the same: to give each parrot the best possible chance of returning to the wild where it belongs.

Fifty releases are more than a statistic. It represents resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting Cayman’s parrots, one bird at a time.

21/05/2026

If you've got 5 minutes take the DoE Shark Quiz!

Test your sharky knowledge & give your feedback about shark research & protection in the Cayman Islands!