CAYMAN RESORT FIGHTING TO PRESERVE ENDANGERED GROUPERS

Released on = February 22, 2005, 2:37 pm

Press Release Author = Naomi De Bruyn

Industry =

Press Release Summary = Guests will even be helping out with conservation efforts to save the seriously endangered Nassau Grouper and other species

Press Release Body = LITTLE CAYMAN ISLAND – Little Cayman Beach Resort is doing everything in its power to help the government and conservation scientists save the seriously endangered Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) and like species.

From volunteering divemasters and donating enriched air (Nitrox) to the research divers, to removing grouper from their menu, the Gold Palm PADI resort wants the
public to be aware of the grouper’s plight. Even their guests will get into the act during the Grouper spawning season this winter by recording species seen on the reef during their dives.

“Sadly, this intelligent, inquisitive fish is being wiped out,” said Sam Baker, Resort Manager. “Grouper have always been a very popular eating fish, but they are
long-lived, and slow to reach peak reproductive capability, so it’s easy for humans to make a hugely negative impact upon their population.”

It is estimated that the Nassau grouper population alone has declined by 60 per cent over the last 30 years*.

“From December to February, we’ll be encouraging our guests to aid in fish-count surveys, which will be a huge help to conservational groups like REEF (the Reef
Environmental Education Foundation) who conduct their “Grouper Moon’ project on Little Cayman each year. After an introduction to local species, divers armed with slates record all the different species of fish that they see, especially groupers gathering on the reef prior to spawning. It’s really simple to do and great fun for the guests to partake in.”

Grouper aggregations and spawning events are a magical experience. Each winter, for a few days each month the fish gather an hour before sunset and take advantage of the full moon’s affects. Crystalline eggs glitter as they rain down from the surface through clouds of sperm, and the cycle is begun once again. It is display of beauty and uniqueness that leaves a permanent mark on those who are lucky enough to witness it.

Groupers will migrate over huge distances to join these aggregations: one Nassau grouper traveled 240 km to spawn. Sadly, the clock-like timing of spawning
activities makes groupers susceptible to over fishing and the largest, most mature fish are often caught. This further limits potential population growth through the removal of mature females, leaving behind the young females that release fewer eggs for fertilization.

Divers and other concerned citizens have lobbied for increased protection of groupers. As a result, in December 2003, legislation was passed to help protect grouper spawning aggregations throughout the Cayman Islands. This summer the American fisheries officials placed a ban on all commercial fishing of a number of grouper species, including the Nassau Grouper.

To assist Little Cayman Beach Resort in grouper preservation, weeklong dive excursions—including fish counting surveys—can be booked by calling 1-800-327-3835 or visiting: www.littlecayman.com.

With over fifty world-class sites around the coast of Little Cayman Island, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 500 types of fish and 100 different kinds of hard and soft corals. The 80° F (26.6°C) water is second to none when it comes to clarity and the calm coastal reef areas make many water sports easily accessible. Bloody Bay Wall – a spectacular marine eco-system is internationally known as one of the best wall diving locations in the world. Readers of Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine voted Little Cayman Island the number one spot in the Caribbean for wall diving in the 2004 Reader’s Choice Awards.

IF YOU GO:
• Little Cayman Beach Resort:1-800-327-3835; www.littlecayman.com
• Brac Reef Beach Resort: 1-800-594-0843 www.bracreef.com
• Reef Divers: 1-800-262-7686; www.reefdivers.ky
• Cayman Airways: 1-800-4-CAYMAN; www.caymanairways.com

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
• The best thing you can do is do NOT eat grouper.
• If you are fishing grouper, the largest females should always be put back.
• No-take fish zones should be respected and poachers reported.
• Respect grouper spawning areas.
• Join REEF; http://www.reef.org/join.html

*SOURCE: International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

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Contact Details = Media Contact:

Chris Higgins
Ph: (250) 884-9541
E-Mail: chris@seasmokepr.com