As the emergent peaks of massive underwater mountains rising from the deep Cayman Trench, our three Cayman Islands have very narrow and shallow coastal shelves before the sea floor plunges steeply to depths of thousands of feet.

Cayman’s small size and narrow coastal shelves mean our marine natural resources and biodiversity, although significant, are concentrated into a limited area relative to larger countries with longer coastlines and broader continental shelves. Our reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves are small in size but extremely important for our islands’ coastal protection, fish nurseries, bird habitats, tourism, rain cycles, carbon storage and so much more. Without robust protection in place, these areas could easily be overused, damaged or lost.

It was for these reasons the Department of Environment began the process of identifying significant ecologically sensitive areas around our islands that could serve as safe havens and that were especially important to the community. After years of research and public consultation, our first Marine Parks came into law in April 1986, covering around 15% of our islands coastal area with no-take zones, placing Cayman at the forefront of marine conservation both regionally and globally.

Our fish stocks and coral reefs are precious resources. Cayman’s Marine Park Regulations specify no-take zones and species protections including catch, size and take limits which are the foundation of marine protection in the Cayman Islands. Respecting the rules helps ensure we can continue to fish and enjoy a healthy marine environment for generations to come. 

Download the ‘CaymanDoE’ app from your app store or refer to the Marine Parks Brochure below to know the rules wherever you are in the Cayman Islands.