Pathogens on dive gear may survive for extended periods and can be transferred among reefs on subsequent dives and potentially transmitted to reefs internationally.
Disinfect your water gear if you are arriving internationally to the Cayman Islands and before traveling between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.
Disinfecting guidelines for scuba and snorkel gear were introduced as a measure to help prevent the spread of SCTLD around Grand Cayman coral reefs after it was first discovered in June 2020. Despite efforts to stop the spread by removing sick corals, closing dive sites, disinfecting dive gear, and even applying experimental antibiotic paste to sick corals, SCTLD spread completely around Grand Cayman within 18 months.
In August 2025, SCTLD was confirmed on the reefs along the western most tip of Little Cayman. Dedicated efforts from the public, stakeholders and sister islands dive operators to keep dive/snorkel gear and boat bilge water from contaminating sister island reefs likely led to the 5-year delay in SCTLD reaching Little Cayman. Lessons learned from the spread of SCTLD in Grand Cayman form the basis of disinfection response protocols.
Together we can slow the spread of SCTLD
PLEASE USE AND SHARE THESE DISINFECTION GUIDELINES
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