News

It’s no secret that coral reefs and other ocean habitats are having a hard time as our planet faces unprecedented challenges and rapidly changing conditions. The need to protect and restore coral reefs has never been more urgent. The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is using the annual Festival of Seas gala in November as a way to prompt public interest in taking positive action for coral reefs at what is a critical time for the ocean.

To help tell the important story about the value of and connections we have to nature and coral reefs, award-winning Planet Earth and Blue Planet cameraman, Doug Allan, OBE, will be the featured speaker at CCMI’s annual gala on 16^th November 2024. Thanks to Dart’s sponsorship as the underwriter for the gala speaker, CCMI can bring in someone of Mr Allan’s talent and experience to communicate important ideas as humankind imagines a new reality for the future of the ocean in the face of accelerating climate change.

DOUG ALLAN QUOTE:

“In forty years of film making on ocean series with the BBC, Discovery and National Geographic, I’ve worked with the best producers, editors and sound mixers. I’ve watched them take my raw images and weave their magic into themes and narratives that have touched the hearts and minds of hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.  That’s been an immense privilege, but this 2024 Gala will be a great platform to reach out even further.  It’ll be wonderful to be in the company of the inspirational scientists, staff and supporters of CCMI. Together we’ll look at important new stories about the oceans and explore exciting new ways to tell them.”

In addition to providing the keynote address at the gala, Mr Allan will also announce the winners of a photo competition CCMI is running in the lead up to the gala. Photographers are welcome to submit their entries into the Coral Reef Horizons photo contest through an online submission site. The goal is to invite photographers to help tell the story of Cayman’s coral reefs and human connections to the underwater environment. Submissions are accepted through 4^th October for consideration; photographs must be taken in the Cayman Islands.

Speaker sponsors, Dart, commented: "We have been supporting CCMI’s research and education programmes for more than 15 years through Dart, the Dart Foundation and the Kenneth B. Dart Foundation,” says Director Jackie Doak. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to welcome Doug Allan whose powerful visual stories connect people with the marine habitats CCMI champions with its vital work.”

Project Manager, Robyn Larkin, states, “We are so excited to have Doug attend Festival of Seas this year! He has a wealth of experience capturing the beauty of natural places on film and sharing that with people through his work over 35 years. Doug is well positioned to help CCMI convey the importance of visual storytelling to the protection and conservation of critical habitats that are under pressure due to changing climate and human activity. His message will be an inspiration to our supporters as our team continues to secure a future for coral reefs.”

For more information about Festival of Seas: http://www.reefresearch.org/festival-of-seas/  

For full details about the Coral Reef Horizons photo competition: http://www.reefresearch.org/FOSphoto