The A to Z of the Cayman Islands Marine Parks

Enforcement
A vital part of any successful marine parks management plan is adequate surveillance and enforcement. The Cayman Islands currently has three marine parks enforcement officers operating under the Department of Environment who's job it is to patrol the waters of our marine parks. Poaching is considered a serious offense and is not taken lightly. Stiff penalties are in place to deal with offenders, including a maximum fine of CI$500,000, one year in jail and confiscation of boats and equipment.

Fishing
Reef fish typically are vulnerable to overfishing. They are often predictable in space and time, and their natural curiosity means they are easy targets for line and spear fishermen. Spear fishing requires a licence and is strictly controlled in Cayman waters. The use of spearguns while on SCUBA is not allowed under any circumstances. Line fishing is not permitted in the Environmental Zone or the Marine Parks. Fishing with gill nets, poisons or other noxious substances is also prohibited.

Groupers
Groupers usually live an isolated existence around the Cayman Islands, however after the first full moon in January and for about a month after that they gather together at specific locations to form huge spawning aggregations. Line fishing for groupers at the spawning sites around all three islands is restricted to persons normally resident on the islands.

History
Explore the wrecks under the Cayman Islands. The Marine Conservation Law (1978) created the entire framework for Cayman's marine conservation laws and regulations and is arguably the most important piece of conservation legislation passed in the Cayman Islands to date. Increasing visitor numbers and an expanding population soon meant that more protection was needed. Dive operators and fishermen complained of a decreasing reef health and numbers of reef fish. The pressure of public opinion and the 1984 General Elections all acted to provide the impetus for a first attempts at establishing marine parks. The first attempt met with failure and it was not until March 1986, after an extensive publicity campaign that the Government accepted the plan and the Marine Parks Regulations for Grand Cayman came into effect. One month later Cayman Brac and Little Cayman had marine parks.

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