Health of Marine Environment

CARIBBEAN AND ATLANTIC 1. Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands’ healthy mangroves lend a helping hand in keeping the reef systems healthy and bursting with life, acting as a barrier against waves and wearing of the land and also a nursery for the myriad colorful reef fish that call this Caribbean destination home. The Caymanian government also instituted a far-reaching conservation plan, which includes laws against allowing divers to take anything they find. Go Now » 2. Bonaire » 3. Curacao » PACIFIC 1. Galapagos Divers can thank the health of the Galapagos’ marine environment to the government’s ongoing environmental preservation efforts. Although fairly recent, these efforts are booming with dramatic changes. One of the largest in the world, the marine reserve was started in 1998, but the once pristine sanctuary of exotic animals quickly became a hot spot for shark finning and over-fishing. The Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation came together to help preserve this world icon. Thanks to their quick actions, the marine park is once again the hottest diving ticket on the planet. Go Now » 2. TIE: Micronesia » and Malaysia » 3. Costa Rica/Cocos Island » NORTH AMERICA 1. North Carolina Home to 2.5 million acres of estuaries and marine waters, North Carolina is always working on several initiatives that take charge on marine research, leaving them high on the list of readers’ choice for the health of marine environment. The state’s many programs and projects are contributing to improved water quality and health of marine life as a whole. The North Carolina Sea Grant is an example of this –– their mission is to provide research, education and outreach opportunities that deal with the current coastal issues. Working toward healthy coastal ecosystems and sustainable coast development are on the top of their strategic plan. Go Now » 2. Canada/ British Columbia » 3. California »