Throughout our podcast series, we have discussed many of the issues facing coral reefs today, how scientists are trying to combat the threats and how engaged stakeholders such as photographers and teachers are all working to help make a difference. In this episode, we speak with John Bothwell, manager of Legislation Implementation and Coordination Unit for the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.

In April 1986, the Cayman Islands took region leading decisive action to protect the coral reef ecosystem by establishing their first Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs. In Episode 2, we talked about the goal to establish 30% of protected areas across the world and the fact that less than 7.68% of the ocean are already under this protection.  Over 25 years ago, Cayman made a hugely progressive leap, despite some resistance to change locally, implemented an MPA system that is world-leading. The MPAs have recently been enlarged to 46% of national waters/coast. The DOE have also spearheaded key species programmes, such as the conch and lobster ‘no take’ programmes that work to ensure they can be fished by locals but the populations are given space to recover, ensuring a sustainable future, as well as the Nassau Grouper Spawning Aggregation work in Little Cayman and countless studies on sharks, turtles, parrotfish etc. John has also been involved in crafting the Biodiversity Action Plans, which provides a holistic policy overview of how to protect the coral reef ecosystem across the spectrum of ecological service systems.