(CNS): The Department of Environment’s marine scientists recently came across an illegal coral nursery that appears to have been created by amateurs, without a permit, on the reef at Smith Cove. While it may seem like a well-meaning attempt to help save Cayman’s reefs, the DoE said that it can do more harm than good.

On 1 June, the DoE identified more than 70 fragments of staghorn coral (*Acropora cervicornis*) in an unpermitted coral nursery on a natural reef, contravening several provisions of the National Conservation Act, which could result in a fine of up to $500,000 or four years in jail if the culprits were prosecuted.

Following the removal of the structure from the existing natural reef, the coral fragments have been relocated to the DoE’s nursery at Northwest Point, where they will be cared for and monitored as part of the DoE’s official coral restoration project.

The illegal nursery consisted of ropes secured directly to both dead and living boulder corals. The DoE’s marine scientists explained that the attachment could have harmed living corals through breakage and abrasion.

The materials used had begun to fray, which could complicate growth for the corals attached to them. In contrast, approved restoration projects use specially designed attachment systems that aim to reduce impacts and promote coral health.

Although the DoE has not said who was behind the amateur effort, talk among the dive community has identified a local dive company that previously had a reputation for caring for the marine environment. However, it has raised real concerns for the DoE.

Senior Research Officer Dr Croy McCoy, who coordinates the Coral Reef Monitoring Programme, explained that coral nurseries are very complex, delicate, long-term projects that require particular expertise. Growing coral is very labour-intensive as they are live animals, he explained.

All nurseries have to be supervised by the DoE and overseen by the National Conservation Council. The guidelines are to help protect existing reefs and give any animals in nurseries the best chance to survive and eventually flourish, he said. “It’s a long-term investment, not something you can start and stop and treat as a hobby. It is science-based.”

Like all corals in the Cayman Islands, the staghorn is protected at all times under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the National Conservation Act. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, reflecting the severe population declines experienced throughout the Caribbean.

It is also classified globally as an EDGE species (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered). Following the severe mass bleaching event of 2023, much of the staghorn coral around the Cayman Islands died, leaving only a few isolated colonies in the wild. Preserving these colonies is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity.

The DoE said no permits have been granted for new coral nurseries or the removal of corals from the wild. This position is based on the species’ endangered status, both locally and globally, and the need to preserve the limited remaining wild colonies for coordinated, NCC-approved restoration efforts.

In the past, some non-DoE nurseries were authorised, but they were later abandoned, forcing the department to intervene, rescue surviving fragments and assume long-term care. Successful coral restoration is a complex process that involves careful planning, genetic management, disease monitoring, and ongoing maintenance, officials said.

“It is important for the community to know that any claims about newly issued coral nursery permits are unfounded,” DoE officials said. Currently, only the DoE in Grand Cayman and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute in Little Cayman have authorised coral nurseries operating under the National Conservation Act, and CCMI regularly reports to the DoE to ensure that proper procedures and protocols are followed.

The DoE nursery at Northwest Point has been running successfully for nearly five years due to consistent care and dedication. It is home to 142 fragments of *Dendrogyra cylindrus*, representing 22 distinct genotypes, and about 550 fragments of *Acropora cervicornis*, representing six distinct genotypes.

These nurseries act as genetic banks, ensuring some of the Cayman Islands’ most threatened coral species are preserved for future coral restoration efforts, as there are few genetically distinct wild colonies to effectively stock a new nursery.

The DoE reminded the public that it is a criminal offence to remove, handle or interfere with corals without the appropriate permits. The department is dedicated to science-based coral conservation and encourages the public to contact them with any questions or to report suspected illegal activities.

Illegal, amateur coral nursery posed real harm