HISTORY Founded in 1998, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is guided by its mission to conduct and facilitate research, education, conservation and outreach that will sustain marine diversity for future generations. The organization is incorporated as a US 501(c)3 non-profit organization (ID# 22-3609293), a UK charity (# 1104009) and a Cayman Islands charity. From its inception, CCMI has proven a valuable asset in the effort to understand changing coral reef and tropical marine environments. CCMI programs provide a solid foundation for education and awareness for students and researchers both in the Caribbean and around the world.
PRESIDENT One of our signature research programs was led by CCMI's President and Director of Research, Dr. Carrie Manfrino. Her team of marine scientists completed the first and largest regional expedition to understand the distribution and structure of the reef communities around all three Cayman Islands. This study continues to provide a reference for current and future research.
LITTLE CAYMAN RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC) A key component of the organization's strategy was realized in May 2006 with the opening of the Little Cayman Research Center. Laboratories, a classroom, dormitory-style and private rooms, a sustainable off-the-grid bathhouse, and easy access to the reefs make this an important new research and education center.
RESEARCH Research is fundamental to our mission and, at the Little Cayman Research Center, our goal is to better understand what is causing the declines in the health of our reefs and what could contribute to a more resilient reef. Our goal is to reduce the major threats by humans to coral reefs. Partnerships with institutions such as the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes CCMI an important international site providing real-time oceanographic and weather data that will help understand the effects of climate change and stress on reefs globally.
EDUCATION CCMI provides leadership in undergraduate and professional marine ecology and conservation field-oriented education so that students gain a better understanding of critical issues facing tropical marine ecosystems. We are training a new generation of leaders, researchers, resource and policy managers. Our Ocean Literacy and Awareness message is designed to improve the understanding of the actions needed to reverse environmental degradation.
Adres: PO Box 10152
Grand Cayman, KY1-1002 Cayman Islands
