resources

FOI-Publication Scheme

Department of Environment Publication Scheme

Produced in accordance with the Deputy Governor’s Code of Practice

About the publication scheme
Information that may be withheld
Methods of access
Fees and charges
Requests for information outside the publication scheme
Complaints
Categories of information
- About Us
- Strategic Management
- Finance & Administration
- Policies & Procedures
- Decisions & Recommendations
- Lists & Registers
- Our Services

1. About the publication scheme

Every public authority covered by the Freedom of Information Law has a legal duty to maintain a publication scheme.

The purpose of a publication scheme is to make information readily available to the public without the need for specific written requests. Schemes are intended to encourage authorities to proactively publish information, to develop a culture of openness and participation.

The publication scheme lists the information which is readily available to the public. The list is divided into different categories of information as described in Section 7 below, to help you find the documents you are looking for.

This publication scheme commits the Department of Environment to making information available to the public as part of its normal business activities.

The Department of Environment will:

specify the information held by the authority, which falls within category 7 below;
proactively publish or otherwise make routinely available, information which is held by the authority and falls within the categories below;
describe the methods by which specific information is made available, so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public;
list any fees charged for access to information described in this scheme;
publish or otherwise make information available, in accordance with the methods and fees stated in this scheme;
make this publication scheme available to the public;
regularly review and update the information made available under this scheme.

2. Information that may be withheld

The Department of Environment will generally not publish:

information in draft form;
information that is not held by the Department of Environment or which has been disposed of in accordance with a legally authorised disposal schedule;
information that is not readily-available – for example: information that is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is otherwise difficult to access;
information which is exempt under the FOI Law, or otherwise protected from disclosure – for example: personal information; or commercially sensitive information. Records containing exempt matter will be published in a redacted 1 form, where ever it is practical to do so, indicating which exemptions apply.
case-files as created and used by the Enforcement section. These may be available (subject to FOI law exemptions) by application to the Courts Office.
Enforcement patrol schedules
Scientific data collections prior to publication

In maintaining this publication scheme, our aim is to be as open as possible.

However, there may be limited circumstances where information will be withheld from one of the categories of information listed in Section 7: Categories of information.

Information will only be withheld where the FOI Law expressly permits it.

For example: where disclosure would breach the law of confidentiality, infringe personal privacy, harm the Department of Environment’s (or another organisation’s) commercial interests, or endanger the protection of the environment.

Whenever information is withheld, we will inform you of this and explain why that information cannot be released. Even where information is withheld, it may be possible to provide a redacted copy, with the exempt matter edited out.

If you wish to complain about any information which has been withheld, please refer to Section 6: Complaints.

3. Methods of access

Information available under our publication scheme will usually be accessible through the methods described below.

Section 7: Categories of Information provides more details on the information available under the scheme, along with additional guidance on how the information within each category may be accessed.

Online
Many of our documents are published electronically on our website and can be downloaded in PDF format, or members of the public can use our website “Search” facility at www.darrenb36.sg-host.com . If you are still having trouble locating information listed under our scheme please contact Information Manager, Nathan Dack at the number below.

Email
If information is listed in our publication scheme but is not published on the website, we may be able to send it to you by email. You can email us at foi.env@gov.ky to request information. Please provide a telephone number so that we can call you to clarify details if necessary.

Phone
Documents listed in the publication scheme can also be requested by telephone. Please call (345) 949-8469 to request information.

Post
All information listed in the publication scheme will usually be available in hard copy. Requests may be addressed to:

Department of Environment
PO Box 10202
Grand Cayman KY1-1002
Cayman Islands

In your request, please provide your name and address, full details of the information or documents you would like to receive. You may also wish to provide a telephone number so that we can call you to clarify details if necessary. For faster processing, please also include any applicable fee. (See Section 4: Fees and charges for further details.)

Personal visits
In limited cases, you may be required to make an appointment to view information listed in the publication scheme. This will be clearly stated in Section 7: Categories of information, and relevant contact details will be provided in that section.

Advice and assistance
If you experience any difficulty identifying the information you want to access, please contact:

Information Manager
CIG- Dept. of Environment
Tel: (345) 949-8469
Direct: (345) 244-5972
Fax: (345) 949-4020
P.O. Box 10202, Grand Cayman KY1-1002
email: foi.env@gov.ky

The Department of Environment will adhere to its obligations under Section 10 of the FOI Law, and any requirements relating to disability or discrimination, when providing information in accordance with this publication scheme.

Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that may be legally required. Where the Department of Environment is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.

4. Fees and charges

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum effort and cost to the public. The Department of Environment strives to ensure that fees and charges are clearly explained and kept to a minimum.

There are some publications which the Department of Environment offers for sale. Currently:
“Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands – The Red List” by Frederic J. Burton; $19.95 C.I.
“Flora of the Cayman Islands” by George R. Proctor, $30.00 C.I.

Information which is published online, downloaded through a website, or sent to you by email will be provided free of charge.

Fees may be charged for providing information in paper copy or on computer disc. Charges will reflect the actual costs of reproduction and postage, as described below.

Schedule of Fees

Photocopy Black & White (all sizes) – $1.00 per page;
Photocopy Color (all sizes) – $1.50 per page
Photographs:
- (a)Black & White / Colour (digital photographic print from digital file, scanned hardcopy of existing negative);
  – i) 8 _ x 11 (or smaller) – $5.00
  – ii) 8 1/2 x 14 – $7.50
  – iii) 11 x 17 – $10.00
- (b) Black and white (photocopy or standard pint-out) – $1.00
- (c) Colour (photocopy or standard print-out) – $1.50
Conversion of an analogue audio or video record (e.g., tape or reel to reel) into digital MP3 or DivX file format; an amount that does not exceed the actual costs incurred by the authority, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium (compact disc or DVD).
Transcripts – an amount that does not exceed the actual costs incurred by the authority based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the transcription.
Blue print reproduction – $3.00 per sheet.
Maps and plans – $5.00 per page
Print-out of a digital document or database report Black & White copy (all sizes) – $1.00 per page.
Provision of a digital record (text or image) in standard PDF, JPEG or TIF file format: (a) by email – no charge; (b) on compact disc or DVD – $2.00.
Conversion of a paper record (text or image) into PDF, JPEG or TIF file format; the actual costs incurred by the authority, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium (compact disc or DVD).
Digital text files converted to audio formats for visually impaired – the actual costs incurred by the Computer Services Department, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium.
Posting of record: Where access to the record to which the request relates is to be given in the form of the provision of a copy of the record and the copy provided is, at the request of the applicant, to be send by post or courier, a charge in respect of the posting or delivery of the copy not exceeding the actual cost of post or delivery.
Shipping costs – The Department of Environment will pass on to the requester the actual costs of postage or courier delivery chosen by applicant and a preparation charge of $20.00.
Expedited service: $50.00 non refundable payable on making application.

5. Requests for information outside the publication scheme

Information held by the Department of Environment] that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing. Your request will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Law.

Freedom of Information requests must be made in writing (letter, fax, prescribed form) including in electronic form. Email requests are also acceptable. You don’t have to give a reason why you want the information; however, your request should be specific. Remember that a public agency may not be able to respond to a vague or voluminous request if it may strain available resources. Specific requests will help you get what you want, so try to provide as much information as possible: what kind of document it is, what format is the information in, what date or year was it produced.

6. Complaints

The Department of Environment aims to make our publication scheme easy to use, and to ensure our information is accessible to the public.

If you wish to complain about any aspect of this publication scheme, please contact our Information Manager: (345) 949-8469: or email: foi.env@gov.ky and we will try to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible.

Further information about our complaints procedures can be obtained by contacting a member of our Administrative staff at (345) 949-8469.

You have legal rights to access information under this scheme, and a right to complain to the Information Commissioner if you are dissatisfied with our response.

Physical Address:
3^rd Floor, Anderson Square
64 Shedden Road
George Town
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1375,
Grand Cayman KY1-1108,
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Telephone:
345 747 5402

7. Categories of information

About Us
Strategic Management
Finance & Administration
Policies & Procedures
Decisions & Recommendations
Our Services

ABOUT US

Department of Environment
Cayman Islands Environmental Centre
580 North Sound Road
PO Box 10202
Grand Cayman KY1-1002
Cayman Islands
Telephone: (345) 949 8469
Web site: www.DOE.ky

Ministry
Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce & Environment

Minister
Hon. Wayne Panton

Chief Officer
Mr. Dax Basdeo
3^rd Floor Government Admin. Building
PO Box 110
Grand Cayman, KY1-9000
Telephone: (345) 949 7900
Fax: (345) 949 1790

Director of the Department of Environment
Mrs. Gina Ebanks-Petrie

Deputy Director: Operations & Enforcement
Mr. Scott Slaybaugh

Deputy Director: Research & Assessment
Mr. Timothy Austin

Chief Conservation Officer
Mark Orr
contact: (345) 916 4271

Information Officer
Rebecca Jordison

Records Officer
Shelly-Ann Davis

CIG- Dept. of Environment
Tel:    (345) 949-8469
Fax:    (345) 949-4020
P.O. Box 10202, Grand Cayman KY1-1002
email:   foi.env@gov.ky
Freedom of Information website www.foi.gov.ky

Location and hours	Matters handled
Grand Cayman:
Dept. of Environment – Main Office Cayman Islands Environmental Centre 580 North Sound Road George Town 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays (with the exception of Marine Enforcement Officers on Patrol)	Main staff office & admin Laboratories & workshops Conference Rooms Library (open by appointment) Terrestrial Concerns Licences Lion fish control program & licenses

Little Cayman:
Blossom Village (next to the public park) No scheduled hours – phone 916-7021	Marine Parks Office Marine Enforcement Visiting Scientist accommodation Workshop

Cayman Brac:
Creek 256 Creek Road No scheduled hours – phone 926-0136	Marine Enforcement Office Marine Parks Office

Organisation and functions

The Department of Environment (DoE), under the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce & Environment is the main Government agency responsible for the management and conservation of the environment and natural resources.

The DoE works to facilitate responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands through various environmental protection and conservation programmes and strategies.

The Department of Environment seeks to develop and support environmental citizenship by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of Cayman’s natural environment. Together with other government agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector the DOE has contributed to the structure, programmes and funding of environmental education in the Cayman Islands.

Cayman Islands Environmental Project for the Tourism Sector (CEPTS) was a joint project between the Department of Environment and the Department of Tourism which works with the tourism sector to implement Environmental Management Systems with the goal of reducing facilities’ environmental impact through energy and water conservation, and reduction of waste streams. The programme has resulted in a number of properties successfully achieving Green Globe status.

The Departmental Organisational Chart and job descriptions are available upon request.

Technical Review Committee (TRC)

The Department is charged with advising the Central Planning Authority (via the Planning Department) on land-based development applications and Cabinet (via the Ministry of Environment) on coastal works applications, on behalf of the National Conservation Council. The in-house Technical Review Committee (TRC) meets each week to review such applications and provide advice to the relevant agency in the form of a technical review. The TRC comprises the Director, the two Deputy Directors, the Senior Environmental Assessment Officer, the Sustainable Development Research Officers and the Terrestrial Resources Unit Manager. The TRC meetings are often attended by developers and applicants seeking advice on minimizing and mitigating the environmental impacts of a proposal, or requiring advice regarding sustainable development practices.

The TRC is responsible for reviewing coastal works applications, which relate to works that extend seaward from the Mean High Water Mark (MHWM). The TRC issues a Coastal Works Review to the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce & Environment., for all coastal applications which it is consulted upon. These Reviews provide comments on the proposed development or works, recommendations on how to minimize the environmental impacts of the works (including suggested conditions to be attached to the Coastal Works License should permission be forthcoming) and recommendations on royalty, environmental mitigation and admin/monitoring fees, as appropriate. The TRC Reviews are then utilized by the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce & Environment, when preparing their own Reviews to Cabinet, which assists in Cabinet’s determination of each coastal works project.

Boards and Committees

National Conservation Council

The National Conservation Council is established by and to facilitate the goals of the National Conservation Law. The Department of Environment is a member of and provides administrative services to the National Conservation Council. Many of the activities carried out under the Law – issuing permits, species protection rules, national parks and other protected areas – will be conducted under the auspices, direction or permission of the National Conservation Council. The Council may be reached via email, ConservationCouncil@gov.ky.

Marine Conservation Board

The Marine Conservation Board ceased to operate with the repeal of the Marine Conservation Law, being replaced with the National Conservation Law and National Conservation Council.

Aggregate Advisory Committee

The Aggregate Advisory Committee (AAC) is a multi-agency technical group consisting of members from National Roads Authority, Water Authority, Planning Department and Department of Environment. Each agency is an equal partner with DoE being the administrators at this time. The AAC functions to advise the Central Planning Authority on the provision of construction aggregate and fill material with the objective of ensuring that a sufficient supply remains available while reducing environmental impact from quarries, excavation and dredging. The AAC was formed in 2002 and meets as necessary. As the AAC frequently reviews private business proposals the meetings are not open to the public. Copies of the Central Planning Authority’s Aggregate Policy, The Study for the Provision of Aggregate and Fill Material, and AAC Organisational Policy are available upon request.

Beach Review and Assessment Committee, and the Environment and Coastal Zone Management Committee are both defunct and therefore not sitting committees. Information about them and DOE’s past participation on them can be found on our website or are available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions at the Department of Environment are usually not for us at all and are as a result of a similarly named department. We receive many calls regarding garbage collection: this is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health. Neither are we responsible for rodent issues; insect infestations; garden bonfires; derelict cars nor strange odours. For any such enquiries please contact: evh@gov.ky or call 345 949 6696.

Frequently asked questions which are relevant to this department are typically in respect of Fishing Seasons, and the island wide Marine Parks. We produce a leaflet titled: ‘National Conservation Laws and Regulations’. This is available from our offices; on-line via our website; or the information can be referenced in the current Cayman Islands Services Directory produced by Cayman Yellow Pages.

When is lobster/conch season?

Lobsters: 1 March through 30 November. No one may take lobsters from Cayman waters during these months. No one may purchase, receive or possess lobsters taken from Cayman waters during these months.

Conch: 1 May through 31 October. No one may take conch from Cayman waters during these months. No one may purchase, receive or possess conch taken from Cayman waters during these months.

May I take home a conch shell?

Conch shells, a popular tourist souvenir, are taken from Cayman waters as a by-product of local fishing for their meat. Because acquisition of the shell is incidental to this activity, and because there are currently laws in place to limit the amount of conch fished in Cayman waters, the export of a small number of shells (no more than three) by individuals as souvenirs does not require a CITES export permit. This is in line with the international policy formulated by the Parties to the Convention and the governing CITES Secretariat in Geneva.

Who may catch fish?

No license is required for catch and release fishing.

Please see our website for current rules and regulations relating to Marine Activities. www.darrenb36.sg-host.com.

How do I make an FOI request?

If you wish to make a request for information then you should contact the Information Manager listed above. Requests may also be made through our Government assigned email address foi.env@gov.ky . Requests must be in writing (letter, email or facsimile) and must include your name and an address (either postal or e-mail). Please be as specific as possible about the information you would like, as this will help us to respond promptly. Where possible, please include a contact telephone number so we can call to discuss your request if necessary.

We will respond to your request as soon as possible upon receipt. The Law requires public authorities to provide allowable information within 30 calendar days, allowing an extension of an additional 30 calendar days if needed. We are obligated by law to always acknowledge receipt of all FOI requests made to the Information Manager and we are also obligated to let you know if there is a need to extend the deadline. For detailed advice on what type of information may be exempt, please see the FOI Unit website.

How is Climate Change being addressed by the CI Government?

The National Climate Change Committee published its consensus-based (final draft) Climate Change Policy, which was the product of three years consultation convened under the Enhancing Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change (ECACC) project funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) with technical support provided by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). The Policy is based on an extensive technical review contained in the Green Paper – ‘Climate Change Issues for the Cayman Islands: Towards a Climate Change Policy’ (2010), which is the most comprehensive reference document to date on the potential implications of climate change for the Cayman Islands’ economic, social and environmental sectors.

The Cayman Islands’ Climate Change Policy outlines interventions to be implemented over the next few years that are required to address priority adverse impacts of climate change to be faced by these Islands. Additionally, the Climate Change Policy contains measures required to curb greenhouse gas emissions from activities that contribute to the problem of continued climate change. This Climate Change Policy recognizes that the combined actions of responding to the inevitable impacts of a changing climate (adaptation) and reducing further contributions to climate change (mitigation) are cost-effective and urgently needed in order to ensure low-carbon climate-resilient development in the Cayman Islands.

The final draft Policy is awaiting Caucus and Cabinet review.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Administering the authority’s operations at the organisational level; developing business plans and corporate policy; setting long-term goals and objectives; evaluating the agency’s overall performance and progress towards established targets; managing programs to improve business processes and ensure consistent service delivery; preparing or revising laws and other regulatory instruments that affect the authority’s functions and responsibilities; obtaining legal advice from external sources.

Governance: Legislation and International Conventions

Local Legislation:

* Endangered Species Protection and Propagation Law (1999 revision)
* Animals Law (2003 revision)
* Merchant Shipping Law (2008 revision)
* Merchant Shipping (Marine Pollution) Law , 2001 [available for view at DoE or purchase from the office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly]
EIA Directive, 2016
Endangered Species (Trade and Transport) Law, 2004

(* These items of legislation can be emailed to enquirers upon request.)

Marine Conservation Law (2013 Revision) – Repealed
- Marine Conservation Directives (2003 Revision) – In Force
- Marine Conservation (Amendment) Directives, 2009 – In Force
- Marine Conservation (Grouper Spawning Areas) Notice, 2011- Repealed
- Marine Conservation (Marine Parks) Regulations (2007 Revision) – Partially In Force
- Marine Conservation Regulations (2004 Revision) – Partially In Force
- Marine Conservation (Turtle Protection) Regulations (2008 Revision) – Repealed
- Restricted Marine Areas (Designation) Regulations (2003 Revision) – In Force
- Marine Conservation (Fishing Licences) Regulations, 2003 2003 In Force (DoE Note: not enforced, contrary to Bill of Rights provisions)

National Conservation Law, 2013 – Partially In Force (as at 15th August 2016 only sections 46 and 47 are NOT in force)
- National Conservation Law, 2013 (Commencement) Order, 2014 – In Force
- National Conservation Law, 2013 (Commencement) Order, 2015 – In Force
- National Conservation Law, 2013 (Commencement) Order, 2016 – In Force
- NATIONAL CONSERVATION COUNCIL NOTICES, 2016 – In Force
  - INTERIM FISH CONSERVATION PLAN
  - DIRECTIVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS SECTION 43, NATIONAL CONSERVATION LAW
  - GUIDANCE ON PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
  - GUIDANCE NOTE ON THE USE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND, SECTION 47, NATIONAL CONSERVATION LAW
- National Conservation (General) Regulations, 2016 – In Force
  - DoE Note: These Regulations contain Species Conservation Regulations and Amendments to Marine Conservation Law Regulations to bring them in line with the National Conservation Law
- National Conservation (Fees and Forms) Regulations, 2016 – In Force
- National Conservation Council (Licence and Permit) Directives, 2016 – In Force

(As reported by and available from the Judicial Administration website, January 2016)

International Conventions for environmental conservation extended to the Cayman Islands

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention)
International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operations (OPRC)
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (Intervention Convention)
International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC)
International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (Fund Convention)
Convention on Biological Diversity http://www.cbd.int/convention/convention.shtml
Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) http://www.ramsar.org
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.shtml
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change / Kyoto Protocol http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/background/items/2853.php

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Financial management *

Finance and Accounting
Annual Budgets
Registry of Fixed Assets
Grant funding
Monthly Cabinet Output Invoices
Financial statements; Half-yearly / quarterly reports
Accounting procedures; Contracting procedures
Board members allowances and expenses
Ministerial expenditure
List of current tenders, contracts or quotations; Recently-awarded contracts

Administration *

Insurance policies
Job vacancies; career opportunities
Records management file plan or classification scheme
DoE Disaster Control Plan
Training and Safety
Human Resources
Press Releases
FOI services

*Copies can be obtained upon request from Information Manager

Human Resource Management

Annual Salary Scale for Salaried Staff – (1 July 2015)
* Public Service Management Law (2013 Revision)
Complete set of laws for Cayman Islands Civil Service) and Personnel Regulations (20136 Revision)
Schedule One of the Personnel Regulations: A document describing Employment Terms and conditions (2013 Revision)
Public Servant Code of Conduct for Civil Servants (December 2007)
The DoE Officer Safety and Use of Weapons – SOP’s 15 Dec. 2015

(* These laws/regulations are available for viewing at our offices by appointment.)

CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR ADMINISTRATION SECTION

Classes of Information	Restrictions & Accessibility to information
CIG/Internal to Government Cabinet reports & recommendations	FOI requests concerning this type of information should be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture

Personnel / Human Resource records.	Access to personal information is restricted to the relevant personnel.

Financial information i.e. accounts, budget, Grant Agreements	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. Access is restricted for personal information or if information is being used for recommendations or investigation.

Vendor Files CIG/local/overseas	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law.

Equipment & Purchasing	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law.

Records Management

Under guidance from CINA, records are managed in accordance with:

Chief Secretary’s Code of Practice on Record Management
Freedom of Information Law 2007
National Achieve and Public Records Law

POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Policy documents may be obtainable upon request from Information Manager

National Environmental Policy
National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
Coastal Works Policy
Aquaculture Policy
Internal Complaint Review Procedure
*Diving Policy
*Boating Operations and Workshop Policies
*Workplace Rules: Enforcement Handbook

* Documents pending review and approval of Ministry

DECISIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

National Conservation Council – meeting minutes
Fisheries Licencing permits
TRC reviews & recommendations for Coastal Works and Planning applications
Ocean Disposal Permit

OUR SERVICES

The Cayman Islands Department of Environment’s mission is to facilitate responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands through a variety of environmental protection and conservation strategies and programmes.

With a permanent staff compliment of 37 employees the Department of Environment is divided into four (4) main sections.

Administration Section
The Administration Section handles much of the routine clerical work including accounting, filing, routing public inquires to the appropriate DOE staff, managing the front desk and providing secretarial to other members of staff.

Enforcement Section
The Enforcement Section works primarily with the enforcement of the Marine Conservation Law to ensure that Marine Park Regulations and other environmental laws are adhered to on a daily basis.

The Enforcement Section spends a significant proportion of their time conducting routine patrols of the marine environment. In cases of infractions of the law that require prosecution the Marine Enforcement Officers must assist in the preparation of case files for the Legal Department including collecting evidence, taking statements and attending Court.

The Marine Enforcement Section remains on standby 24 hours a day and is often called upon to assist in search and rescue operations for vessels or people in distress around Cayman waters.

CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR ENFORCEMENT SECTION

Classes of Information	Restrictions & Accessibility to information
Case Files	The majority of this information can not be accessed by the public, even through FOI law, if it is being used for investigation/evidence purposes. Application to the Courts office may be made for closed files.
Log book copies	The majority of this information can not be accessed by the public, even through FOI law, if it is being used for investigation/evidence purposes; or if it contains details of surveillance schedules.
Public Relations – correspondence re Marine Law queries, etc.	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request or through FOI law.

Operations Section

The Operations Section deals extensively with the day-to-day maintenance of the Cayman Islands’ Marine Parks System, including the installation and routine maintenance of over 350 Public Moorings, Marine Park boundary markers and signs.

The Operations Section is also primarily responsible for the maintenance of the Department’s vehicles, boats and other technical equipment employed in all aspects of DOE work. Additionally the Operations Section staff provides field and logistical support to DOE research projects as well as functioning as the primary marine pollution response team for oil spills and other pollution events.

CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR OPERATIONS SECTION

Classes of Information	Restrictions & Accessibility to information
Public Moorings	Lists of mooring provided for public use on each island is freely available
Marine Pollution	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. Access is restricted for personal information or if information is being used for recommendations or investigation.

Research and Assessment Section

The Research and Assessment Section is comprised of three units: the Marine Resources Unit, the Terrestrial Resources Unit and the Sustainable Development Unit. The Marine Resources Unit is responsible for the design and implementation of the Department’s marine and coastal research agenda with a main emphasis on research projects that deal with local management issues such as the conservation of local fisheries or other natural resources, as well as providing aquaculture support and development services.

The Terrestrial Resources Unit (TRU) is a growing and dynamic unit. It focuses on the monitoring and management of species and habitats on land and the conservation and protection of our unique biodiversity. TRU is thus overseeing a vast array of species and ecosystems and since the passing of the NCL one of the main tasks at hand is establishing a framework from which illegal destruction and taking of terrestrial biodiversity can be controlled and the law enforced. The TRU promotes transparency and public education is high on the agenda. Environment breaks, radio interviews and the bimonthly magazine ‘Flicker’ is ongoing to display the findings and results from visiting scientists as well as from TRU’s research and project updates. ‘Flicker’ is aimed at promoting terrestrial environmental awareness in the Cayman Islands and gives people the opportunity to make their work publicly accessible and citable. Anyone undertaking research (students, interns, visiting scientists) is invited to submit their findings and several overseas scientists, who have carried out work in Cayman, have already submitted papers. ‘Flicker’ has a multinational readership, and interest is growing. All issues are made freely available on the web, check www.darrenb36.sg-host.com or DoE on Facebook for further information.

The Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) at the DOE was set up in July 2006 to spearhead the formation of a national policy-level strategy for sustainable development. This was in reaction to the expanding advisory nature of the DOE on environmental best practices and obligations under various Multilateral Environmental Agreements that require integration of physical, economic, social and environmental development planning policies. To date the SDU has worked on a National Sustainable Development Framework, draft National Conservation Law, the draft Grand Cayman Development Plan, revised National Tourism Management Policy, Go East Initiative, National Assessment of Living Conditions study and Public Health Review, the Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean (ECACC) project, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, and continues to advise on planning and coastal works applications. The SDU’s focus is on providing advice and recommendations on environmentally sustainable (or “green”) development practices and procedures to the Cabinet, the Central Planning Authority and the general public. The Unit is also the focal point for Climate Change adaptation and mitigation planning and plays the leading role with respect to environmental assessment functions in the department’s Technical Review Committee

CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR RESEARCH SECTION

Classes of Information	Restrictions & Accessibility to information
Aquaculture Policy and Files. Diversification. Water Quality/Pond surveys/Quarry pit monitoring. Fish kills. Conch surveys. Exotic aquatic imports.	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request.
Environmental Impact Advice	FOI requests concerning this type of information may need to be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture.
Marine Animal Sightings Project	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request.
Sustainable Development Unit Files	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. Access may be restricted if information is being used for recommendations or investigation.
Technical Review Committee files	FOI requests concerning this type of information may need to be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture.
Terrestrial Section Files	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request.
Turtle ResearchGeneral Educational Material	The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request.

The Department of Environment staff members work to produce a range of brochures, newsletters, reports and leaflets with the aim of providing general information to the public. These are normally available, free of charge, for pick-up at the DoE offices, or on line through links on our website.

List of Brochures, Newsletters, Reports and Research Papers from the Department of Environment

National Climate Change Working Group
Climate Change Workshop Report
Design and Construction Guidelines for Docks
Guidelines for a reef clean-up
DoE – DEH. Do you know the difference?
DoE Sighting Program
Flicker
Guide to Submitting Application for Coastal Works
Marine Park Regulations & National Conservation Law
Marine Turtles and Lighting Management
Public Moorings
Reducing Your Office Footprint
Tompkins and Hurlston (2003): Report to Government on Adaptation Lessons Learned
Tompkins and Hurlston (2005): Natural Hazards & Climate Change
Welcome to the Darwin Initiative
Wetlands

* ‘Flicker’ is aimed at promoting terrestrial environmental awareness in the Cayman Islands. Flicker will give people the opportunity to make their work publicly accessible and citable. Short communications, reviews, essays and notes re welcomed. Anyone undertaking research (students, interns, visiting scientists) is invited to submit their findings. Some overseas scientists, who have carried out work in Cayman, have already submitted papers. It’s a great way to communicate the results of small projects, which may be overlooked by large scientific journals, and helps promote conservation research in the Cayman Islands. Flicker already has a multinational readership, and interest is growing. Check www.darrenb36.sg-host.com for further information.

(Please note: this is a periodic publication produced when resources allow.)