By Mark Rovner From Indiegogo

I am in love with the sea.

Diving a coral reef is to gain entry to a world of wonders. In 10 years of diving, I’ve had the privilege to watch moray eels and groupers hunting together; giant manta rays playing in scuba bubbles; curious sharks making close passes; sea turtles who find you endlessly fascinating; and so much more.

It’s no exaggeration to say coral reefs have changed my life.
But here’s the sad part:
Coral reefs are the world’s most endangered ecosystems.

Coral reefs are declining worldwide.

Little Cayman is a rare and spectacular exception.

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) combines hard-core science, education and conservation — not only for Little Cayman’s future well-being, but for reefs everywhere.

And with an eye to the future, CCMI introduces Caymanian schoolchildren to the endless wonders of the sea around them.

In addition to making me deliriously happy, your generous gift will go directly to CCMI’s program to:

Bring three classes of public schoolchildren (60 kids in all) from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman, to spend 3 days at the Research Center.
Offer a mix of hands-on and classroom sessions on ecology and conservation.
Infuse in these children a newfound love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to protect it.

And to top it all off, all donations you make on this site will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Home Stretch

With the match, the 12K we need to raise here completes a $50,000 fund to make these experiences possible. With your help, the first group will arrive at the Research Station in September 2015.
The future’s up to these kids

This country (the Cayman Islands) belongs to the Caymanian people. At the end of the day, it will be up to them to save these marine treasures that are such a unique and precious part of their – and our – world. If you want to get some idea of the effect these experiences have on schoolchildren, WATCH THE VIDEO!

From the Bottom of my Saltwater Heart, THANK YOU!

Help make it happen for Protecting Cayman’s Precious Coral Reefs and Mark Rovner!

For more on this story and video go to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protecting-cayman-s-precious-coral-reefs#/story