This fall several of the ReefNews staff visited Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These two islands are almost like twins. Each is about 10 miles long. Each is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. The big difference between them is that Little Cayman is flat, while Cayman Brac has a huge cliff that rises 150 feet out of the ocean at its east end. This cliff is riddled with caves. The word Brac is an old Gaelic word that either means cliff or cave, depending on who you ask. Either way, Brac is a good name for Cayman Brac, as there are many caves in its huge cliff.

An important reason why Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are surrounded by spectacular coral reefs is that the ocean surrounding these islands is protected as a National Park. The Cayman Islands are part of Great Britain. The government has set aside marine sanctuaries to protect the most beautiful reefs. Fishing is severely restricted within the marine sanctuary. Because of these protected national parks, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have some of the most beautiful coral reefs in all of North America.

Here is a picture of ReefNews President Jonathan Dowell standing at the top of the cliff at the east end of Cayman Brac.

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