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health and biodiversity. Led by Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, the team studied Pickle Bank and 12-Mile Bank, finding healthy pillar coral and potential refuge for marine life.">
health and biodiversity. Led by Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, the team studied Pickle Bank and 12-Mile Bank, finding healthy pillar coral and potential refuge for marine life.">
News Staff">
Cayman islands Seamounts Offer Hope for Coral Reefs Amid Global Decline
Table of Contents
- Cayman islands Seamounts Offer Hope for Coral Reefs Amid Global Decline
- Exploring the Depths: A First-of-Its-Kind Expedition
- A Beacon of Hope for Coral Reefs
- Finding of Healthy Pillar Coral Sparks Excitement
- Seamount Composition and Strong Currents
- Mapping and DNA Analysis for a Extensive Understanding
- The Importance of Coral Reefs to the Cayman Islands Cayman islands’ Coral Reef Hope: A Deep Dive into Seamount Sanctuary
Little Cayman —
A scientific expedition exploring underwater mountains, or seamounts, off the coast of the Cayman Islands has uncovered encouraging signs of coral health and biodiversity. The research, led by Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, director of research at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), focused on Pickle Bank and the 12-Mile Bank.These seamounts rise at least 3,000 feet from the sea floor. The study,conducted at depths of 100 to 150 feet,marks the first time these seamounts have been studied by scientists using scuba gear,providing a unique look into these relatively untouched ecosystems.
The Cayman Islands’ seamounts, largely unknown, are now at the forefront of marine research. These underwater formations are being examined for their potential to serve as refuges for coral reefs, which are facing unprecedented threats worldwide. The expedition, spearheaded by the Central Caribbean marine Institute (CCMI), aims to understand the unique characteristics of these seamounts and their role in preserving marine biodiversity.
Exploring the Depths: A First-of-Its-Kind Expedition
Jack Johnson, a scientist with the Central Caribbean marine Institute in Little Cayman, emphasized the novelty of the research approach. This is the first time that either of these two seamounts have been researched by scientists using scuba gear,
Johnson stated, highlighting the significance of CCMI’s ongoing work. The team employed specialized equipment to navigate the challenging depths.
To reach the depths required for the study, the scientists utilized advanced diving technology. We used closed circuit rebreathers and other specialist technical diving equipment, because this is below the safe recreational diving limit,
Johnson explained. this equipment allowed the team to safely explore and document the marine life thriving on these underwater mountains.
A Beacon of Hope for Coral Reefs
With coral reefs in global decline, these isolated seamounts offer a glimmer of hope. Their distance from land-based pollution sources, such as pesticides and fertilizers, may provide a sanctuary for corals. These pollutants contribute to coral decline and increase their vulnerability to disease. Johnson emphasized the critical role of coral reefs in marine ecosystems.
Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the world’s sea floor and yet they are home to 25% of all marine life.
Jack johnson, Central Caribbean Marine Institute
The urgency of this research is underscored by the severe coral bleaching events that have impacted reefs worldwide, including those in the Cayman Islands. The world’s reefs are in trouble,
Johnson noted. Notable global bleaching events linked to warming sea-surface temperatures occurred in 1998, 2010 and 2015 and regrettably, Cayman’s reefs were not spared. In the shallow marine habitat in little Cayman, live coral coverage decreased from 25% in 2023 and dropped to just 9% in 2024.
Finding of Healthy Pillar Coral Sparks Excitement
One of the most exciting discoveries during the research dives was the presence of a healthy pillar coral. This species is notably vulnerable to stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), and only a few specimens are known to exist in Grand Cayman.The discovery was met with enthusiasm by the research team.
It was a cause for great festivity for the dive team when they came across this example of a healthy pillar coral.
Jack Johnson, Central Caribbean Marine institute
The absence of SCTLD on the seamounts further fueled optimism. They didn’t see any signs of the stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) on the banks,
Johnson reported. This disease has been decimating the hard corals, especially in Grand Cayman and throughout the Caribbean region, and we know that pillar corals are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to this disease, so it made us feel hopeful that these offshore banks are providing a safe refuge for genetic diversity.
Seamount Composition and Strong Currents
The research revealed that the seamounts, at the depths studied, are primarily covered in marine algae, with coral representing only a small percentage of the sea floor. What they found in the 100- to 150-foot range at 12-Mile Bank and the Pickle Bank is that these seamounts are primarily covered in marine algae with coral representing just 3% to 4% of the sea floor,
Johnson explained.
The strong currents prevalent on the seamounts pose a challenge for coral growth. The seamounts are typically affected by strong currents, which makes it hard for juvenile corals to secure a foothold on the seabed and, in fact, the currents were so strong that the researchers ended up using underwater scooters to enable the scientific studies,
johnson said. These currents necessitate the use of specialized equipment to conduct research effectively.
Mapping and DNA Analysis for a Extensive Understanding
In addition to visual surveys and coral assessments, the researchers collected water samples for DNA analysis and collaborated with a mapping team to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the seamounts.
We can take these water samples back to the laboratory, and it is indeed possible to extract the DNA and actually identify the different species of fish that have recently been swimming in the water column on the bank,
Johnson explained. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will be processing this data from the environmental DNA.
The mapping efforts provide a detailed visual depiction of the seamounts’ topography. Additionally we were joined by a mapping team from the University of Delaware, and they used sonar technology to create three-dimensional maps of the banks, at less than 3-foot resolution,
Johnson added. These maps will aid in future research and conservation efforts.