CCMI celebrates World Oceans Day
A Reefs Go Live broadcast in February this year
(CNS Local Life): The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has organised two events to mark World Oceans Day. Celebrated annually on 8 June, the local commemoration is planned for Saturday 9 June, in the hopes of enabling greater involvement. A March for the Ocean will start at 1pm at Royal Palms on Seven Mile Beach with participants asked to wear the colours of the sea and bring handmade signs saying why they are taking part and why they think oceans are important, explained a CCMI press release.
Organisers say the 15-minute walk to Camana Bay “is in support of common-sense changes and solutions to protect our oceans, which we depend upon for so much”.
Dr Carrie Manfrino, CCMI president and director of research and conservation, said of the march, which will take place around the world on 9 June: “This international awareness event highlights the urgency that the oceans should be protected from human impact. It is also exciting to know that we will not be alone in this effort; others around the world who share our passion for healthy oceans will also be marching on the same day.”
Following the march, registered participants will experience a special “live dive” with educators and researchers in Little Cayman through CCMI’s new programme, Reefs Go Live, at the Camana Bay Cinema.
The broadcast will explore the topic “Can Coral Reefs Be Saved”, and the audience will be taken on a virtual underwater experience in Little Cayman, stated the press release. Viewers will get to see coral reefs with CCMI’s team and learn how everyone can do their part for zero impact on these special habitats. This broadcast is part of CCMI’s International Year of the Reef lecture series.
Dr Manfrino said she wants everyone to leave these events with the idea that their individual actions can help save coral reefs. “At CCMI, our zero impact on coral reefs campaign promotes how we can reduce our impact here in the Cayman Islands by becoming better divers, and also indirectly by using recyclable bags at the grocery stores and returning glass bottles,” she said. “Everyone can do something to help. Working together, we can make a difference to our oceans.”
The public is encouraged to participate in the family-friendly events, both of which are free. To register online, go to the CCMI website.
For more information about CCMI’s research projects as well as other upcoming International Year of the Reef events, go to its website or like its Facebook page.
Category: Environment, Marine Environment
