Science & Nature
Damage to planet ‘dire’ says UN report
(CNS): A dangerous combination of climate change, pollution, mass extinctions and a growing human population are described in the latest disturbing report from the United Nations, as world leaders met in Kenya for the 4th Environmental Assembly this week. The report states that “damage to the planet is so dire that people’s health will be […]
Seaweed bloom could decline next month
(CNS): Following a record-breaking year of prolonged and abundant Sargassum bloom in the Atlantic and Caribbean seas in 2018, the start of 2019 has seen similar levels floating in the ocean and washing up on regional beaches. But experts from the University of South Florida say that by April, the amount of seaweed transported from […]
Cull off target as iguanas set to breed
(CNS): Cullers have exterminated almost 450,000 green iguanas since October, when the nationwide initiative to get the exploding population of pests under control was launched. But the early targets set by the Department of Environment are now falling off just as the summer breeding season approaches. From an estimated 1.5 million greens roaming Grand Cayman […]
Divers find dead shark in ghost net
(CNS): The Department of the Environment is asking people to alert them to any ghost nets they see dumped in local waters after another dead shark was found by divers in Grand Cayman’s North Sound. The 4-foot long reef shark had become tangled in the discarded netting and was fished out by divers from Silver […]
CULL takes bite out of lionfish population
(CNS Local Life): Cayman United Lionfish League (CULL) organised another successful tournament aimed at reducing the numbers of this invasive species while raising awareness of the dangers the fish pose to Cayman’s marine ecosystem. Seven teams took part in the 28th cull this past weekend, with the theme specially for March: “In like a lionfish, […]
Fossils reveal unique Cayman mammal species
(CNS): Ancient remains of animals eaten by crocodiles here in the Cayman Islands have revealed three species of previously unknown mammals that were indigenous to these islands, however the small furry creatures have been extinct for around 300 years. The fossilised bones were collected from caves, sinkholes and peat deposits across the islands between the […]
DoE to spell out safe handling of marine life
(CNS): With increasing reports of the mishandling and abuse of marine animals, such as starfish and stingrays, the Department of Environment is introducing definitive guidelines to help tour operators protect the species that are under increasing stress. Mishandling them could spell trouble for tour operators, who could lose their licence or face prosecution for the […]
NCC presses on with land protection
(CNS): The National Conservation Council has recommended another ten environmentally important sites, nominated by the community, be protected under the conservation law, following a public consultation period. The ten sites cover all three islands and include a diversity of natural habitats, from wetlands to primaeval forest. Following Wednesday’s meeting, the council voted to present the […]
Rivers says Barkers proposal ‘not acceptable’
(CNS): The representative for West Bay South, Tara Rivers, has said that an application by Handel Whittaker for a coastal works licence in relation to a controversial proposed development in the Barkers area is “not acceptable”. In contrast to comments made on Monday by her Cabinet colleague, Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell, who predicted a successful […]
Local lobster off menu as season closes
(CNS): After three months of indulging in tasty local lobster, the dish will be off the menu tomorrow as the season comes to an end today. From midnight Thursday, no one may take, purchase, receive or possess lobster from Cayman waters until the season opens at the end of November. The closed seasons for various […]
DoE warns against Barkers seagrass removal
(CNS): The Department of Environment has said that removing more than four acres of turtle grass in Barkers will adversely affect essential habitat for protected species, that it will destroy live coral and lead to beach erosion, among many other problems. Following comments by the tourism minister that a controversial coastal works application by the […]
