It promises to be an exciting summer for three young men who have been rewarded for their interest in the conservation of Cayman's marine environment. Owen Foster, Brett Mobley and Arvid Harris have been selected as the winners of the Ogier/Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) Environmental Essay competition, which was organised in support of the CCMI's 'Green Guide to the Caribbean'.
Students were provided with Green Guides as a starting point in their research, and encouraged to use this and other sources to highlight the main issues faced by Cayman's coral reefs and other aquatic life. The contest, which was endorsed by the Department of Education, was open to students between the ages of 14 and 18, offering a range of prizes supporting marine education and encouraging creative solutions to environmental issues.
The essay asked students to consider the following: From our sea-faring heritage to our current standing as a world-class dive tourism destination, Cayman has a long history of making its livelihood from the surrounding ocean. Why, in your opinion, is it important to protect the marine environment? What are the greatest areas of concern for Cayman's marine wildlife and ecosystems, and how would you like to see these addressed? A panel of judges made up of representatives from the Department of Environment, the CCMI and independent marine biologists reviewed the submissions, with scores for each essay being averaged to choose the overall winner.
"We were very impressed by the quality of the submissions to this competition," said Ogier partner, James Bergstrom. "The essays contained a number of strong viewpoints and arguments representing the cultural, economic, financial and environmental aspects of these questions and it is clear that students in Cayman have a firm grasp on the ongoing importance of the marine environment."
The final tally favoured 17 year-old Cayman International School student Owen Foster, whose essay focused on the ongoing protection and repair of coral through innovative cruise moorings and the use of electrolysis to stimulate rapid re-growth of damaged reefs. Owen's essay included a strong independent research component, which should leave him well prepared for the grand prize - a place at the CCMI's Caribbean Sea Camp, sponsored by the Southern Cross Club. The prize will allow Owen to work side-by-side with scientists and marine educators at the Little Cayman Research Facility and take part in ongoing research projects. Sea Camp is a week long event, where each day is fully scheduled with field trips to the reef, discussions with scientists, and other activities to increase students' knowledge of the fish, coral, and other life that inhabits a coral reef.
First runner-up is Cayman Prep and High School student Brett Mobley, who focused on water quality, cruise moorings and mangrove conservation in his persuasive argument for marine protection; a fitting winner for a mangrove adventure tour donated by Cayman Kayaks. The tour, which operates in North Side, will take him through the protected Central Mangrove Wetland, providing insight into the function of this ecosystem as well as the opportunity to see lobsters, nurse sharks, turtles and jellyfish as he moves through some of Cayman's most serene waters.
Rounding out the winners is second runner-up Arvid Harris, also from Cayman Prep, whose essay focused particularly on the plight of the Green Cayman turtle and other oceanic animals, and the effects that depletion will have on Cayman's cultural heritage. For his efforts, Arvid will receive a new 6.0 megapixel digital underwater camera which will allow him to capture the beauty of the marine animals whose cause he advocates.
The organisers also offered their thanks to the companies that furnished prizes for this competition. "The generosity of the Southern Cross Club and Cayman Kayaks has been invaluable in the organisation of this competition," continued Bergstrom. "The prizes offer up amazing experiences which will help these students further their environmental interest."
"Ogier has demonstrated true commitment and generosity towards CCMI's goal to raise public awareness on the environment. The 2008 Green Guide to the Cayman Islands has been an overwhelming success for which we've received dozens of compliments and commendations" said CCMI chief executive officer, Jim O'Neill, of the partnership. Plans are underway for the next installment in the Green Guide series, which is scheduled for distribution in December 2008.
CCMI's Education Mission is to improve our youth's appreciation and understanding of the human connection to the marine environment, and to the conservation issues facing the earth today. CCMI's education and conservation message is designed to impact our children, the broader community and visitors through several programmes, including Ocean Literacy, Caribbean SeaCamp and Eco-Weekends.
About CCMI
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit 501c3 organisation. CCMI was established as an international charitable organisation after becoming incorporated in the Cayman Islands (2002) and in the UK in 2004.
Since its first years, CCMI has proven a valuable asset to the effort of understanding changing coral reef and tropical marine environments, and its research and education programs have established a solid foundation for future reef education and awareness in the Caribbean and for students and researchers from around the world.
A key component of the organisation's strategy was realised in May 2006 with the opening of the Little Cayman Research Center (LCRC). Laboratories, a classroom, dormitory-style and private rooms, and a sustainable off-the-grid bathhouse were the first priorities for building. Easy access to the reefs make this an important research and education center for all of the Cayman Islands and for all the international visiting scientists.
To participate in any of CCMI's programmes, please email CCMI_applications@reefresearch.org.