Part 2: Beyond boundaries —How Ocean Protection Really Works

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This three-part series explores what marine protected area management across the UKOTs looks like in practice. In part 2, we delve a bit deeper into the marine protected area management cycle, starting from MPA design and management to long-term monitoring and adaptation.

Part 1: What Are Marine Protected Areas, and Why Do They Matter?

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As the Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 begins in Yerevan, Armenia, this week, the global 30 by 30 target will be firmly in focus: conserving and effectively managing at least 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, coastal areas and …

Beyond the Reef: Exploring the Underwater Offshore Banks of the Cayman Islands

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The Cayman Islands are renowned for their clear waters and vibrant near shore coral reefs, yet far offshore lie little‑explored underwater banks and deep sea habitats. Over 12 days onboard the RRS James Cook, eight scientists from the Cayman Islands …

Beyond The Reef: A leg of surprises in the Turks and Caicos Islands  

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On the 31st of January, the RRS James Cook sailed into Turks and Caicos waters, ready to uncover an unknown world in the depths. Generations of local knowledge and extensive research is available for the shallow, coastal waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). In contrast, there …

Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition: Spotlight on The Cayman Islands - Part 2

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In Part 2 of this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to learn more about the crew, and how the data generated will be used to support marine management in the future.

Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition: Spotlight on The Cayman Islands - Part 1

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: 10 years, Cayman Islands, Climate, Marine Protected Areas, Nature, People, UK Overseas Territories, Uncategorized

In this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to explore what makes the Cayman Islands’ marine habitats so distinctive, the challenges they face, and the innovative steps being taken to protect them.

Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition: A leg of firsts in Anguilla  

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Group of people wearing navy polo shirts smiling on the bow of a ship with a green floor and blue, sunny skies.

Anguilla is known for its vibrant coastal waters with coral reefs and sandy beaches. But its exclusive economic zone (the area of sea Anguilla is responsible for) is vast. Stretching almost 200 nautical miles north-east of the island, much of it had never been scientifically surveyed. However, 25 scientists and technical officers from Anguilla and …

The JNCC and Blue Belt: Strengthening UK marine conservation through scientific partnership

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After years of collaboration, the Blue Belt Programme is delighted to welcome the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as an Associate Partner. The partnership brings together world-leading expertise in marine conservation and natural resource management.

Strengthening climate resilience across the UK Overseas Territories

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With oceans and biodiversity high on the agenda at COP30 in Belém this week, the vital role that marine ecosystems play in both tackling and adapting to climate change — especially for smaller islands and territories — is gaining increasing attention. A key part of the Blue Belt Programme's work is partnering with the UK …

Venturing Beyond the Reef: The Blue Belt Programme’s First Caribbean Expedition

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: 10 years, Anguilla, Blue Belt Programme, Cayman Islands, Climate, Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, Marine Protected Areas, Nature, People, Protected Area Management Effectiveness, Science, Survey, Turks & Caicos Islands

In January 2026, the Blue Belt Programme will set sail from the Dominican Republic to the Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This is the first expedition to the Caribbean in the 10-year history of the …