CCMI launches Coral Reef Horizons photography competition

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; 19^th August 2024: The beauty of the Cayman Islands and its marine environment is unparalleled. Although this is a well-known fact across the islands, the power of showcasing this unique beauty should not be underestimated. On June 7^th, 2024, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) launched the Coral Reef Horizons photography competition, inviting photographers of all abilities to submit their images that celebrate the vibrant coral reefs of Cayman and the diversity of life that relies upon them.  

The competition is divided into three categories: 

‘Coral’ – Imagery of coral reef inhabitants and macro photography

‘Reef’ – Reefscapes and images demonstrating the beauty of living reefs 

‘Horizons’ – Photography focussing on the land-sea interface or connections to coral reefs. 

The competition will be judged by experts from the field, including award-winning Blue Planet and Planet Earth cameraman, Doug Allen, who will also be speaking at CCMI’s annual gala, Festival of Seas, on November 16^th, 2024. The top three submissions in each category will receive tickets to Festival of Seas 2024, where the winners in each category will be announced live. This will include exciting prizes from Waterlust, Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo, Red Sail Sports, and more! 

Both CCMI’s Festival of Seas, and the photography competition, are focussing on the power of visual storytelling to support ocean conservation. By harnessing the captivating beauty of coral reefs through imagery, these events aim to inspire people to take action to protect our oceans and the fragile ecosystems they support, promoting a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of coral reefs.

Join CCMI to harness captivating visuals and science communication to raise awareness of the coral reefs so essential to the Cayman Islands.

Find out more about the competition and submit your photos at https://reefresearch.org/fosphoto/

Purchase tickets to CCMI’s Festival of Seas – Coral Reef Horizons on 16^th November at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa here: https://reefresearch.org/news/festival-of-seas/

ABOUT CCMI

CCMI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs, envisioning a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reef ecosystems. We seek to be the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute by delivering cutting edge research, transforming conservation strategy and developing education programmes of excellence – discovering and promoting real solutions to declining ocean health. Our plan is to invigorate key species and understand key ocean processes that drive reef resilience. We support early career scientists who are INNOVATING ways to improve coral reef health. We are TRANSFORMING conservation strategy and work to inspire the CHANGE that is needed to achieve our mission. CCMI are PIONEERS in the region working to reverse the declines of coral reefs.