Cayman Islands gets ICON station

An article from the newsletter of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI):

The first steps toward the installation of the new Integrated Coral Observing Network (ICON) station will be completed in early April. Step one is to utilize an underwater hydraulic drill bore sixteen holes necessary to attach the pylon. The Cayman Islands Department of Environment will provide critical support by bringing their vessel "Sea Keeper" to Little Cayman to drill. Dr. Jim Hendee and Jules Craynock (NOAA), CCMI Director of Research, Dr. Carrie Manfrino and Little Cayman Research Station Manager, Jon Clamp will provide oversight for the work.

CCMI has partnered with NOAA by jointly investing over $250,000 in an ICON (Integrated Ocean Observing Network) monitoring system in the Cayman Islands to measure the effects of climate change on the ocean and to work to find solutions to coral reef stress. This research project provides information for reef managers that will aid in preserving coral reefs. Little Cayman was selected as a site because of the presence of the new Little Cayman Research Centre and because it represents an excellent reference site for relatively intact coral reefs.

CCMI maintains a blog to report on updates. The blog includes several links to more information about ICON.