Quote: In 2005, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute opened the doors of its new facility, the Little Cayman Research Centre, to the public. This interesting new facility at the northern end of Little Cayman is a must-see while you're in this small part of the world, not only for divers and marine enthusiasts, but anyone committed to environmental-friendly travel.

The Little Cayman Research Centre opened its doors with the clear mission of "sustaining and preserving biodiversity through education and research". With that in mind, the Centre offers a variety of programs for nearly everyone, from high school to graduate programs, and a special program just for divers. Each program allows participants to gain first hand field experience as well as time spent in the classroom. But not all of the programs offered at CCMI are geared towards students enrolled in school. Recently, a new program has been offered for experienced divers to take part in. This "Dive With A Researcher" (DWAR) program is a rare opportunity to assist scientists while out in the field. Unlike most science aids, participants have the pleasure of submerging themselves the depths of the Caribbean Sea. The only requirement is an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and the curiosity to live like a scientist for a week. The program provides a unique new diving experience in the Cayman Islands and divers work first-hand on problems that are causing regional and global declines on reefs while allowing them to observe first-hand exactly what scientists are doing to protect the reefs.

Little Cayman Research Centre is located on 1,400 feet of beachfront along the shallow coral reefs of Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson Marine Park. You can stop by and tour the visitor center and its displays detailing the reefs and marine life of Little Cayman. The LCRC offers various educational programs for marine enthusiasts. North Side, Tel: 345-926-2789; www.reefresearch.org  

From journals Little Cayman: Small Ingredients for a Grand Adventure