Reef Preservation

The value placed upon the preservation of the coral reefs around the Islands is reflected in the section of the law which makes it an offence for anyone without a license to cut, carve, injure, mutilate, displace or break any underwater corals, plant growth or formation.

Anyone who breaks off a piece of coral to take home as a souvenir of his/her Cayman vacation is therefore breaking the law -- as well as failing to take into account the important fact that it will take many years for that growth to be replaced. Many, if not most, corals grow at a rate of less than half-an-inch a year; so if the underwater beauty which has taken centuries to develop is to remain for the future enjoyment of everyone in Cayman, residents and visitors must act responsibly.

All must realise that it is not possible for them to take home a sample of the beauty they find in the sea. Not only is this illegal, but they must realise what would be the result in a few years if everyone wrenched off a sea fan or broke off a piece of staghorn coral.