Why Conservation is Critical in the
Cayman Islands
Our inshore marine environment is fragile. Coastal development, habitat loss, warming seas, and increased fishing pressure all threaten the long-term health of these waters. Species like bonefish, tarpon, and permit are especially vulnerable — not only because of their biological sensitivity, but also because of their importance to our tourism economy and cultural identity.
Protecting these fish and their habitats ensures they’ll be
here for future generations of anglers, islanders, and
nature lovers.
Catch and Release Done Right
Practicing proper catch-and-release is one of the most impactful things anglers can do. It’s not just about letting fish go — it’s about letting them go alive and strong. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has created world-class resources to help anglers do this correctly.
- Always wet your hands before handling a fish.
- Minimize air exposure — ideally keep the fish in the water.
- Don’t squeeze the fish or touch the gills.
- Revive the fish by facing it into the current before release.
- Revive the fish fully before the release
- Avoid fighting the fish to extreme exhaustion
Species Spotlight
The two primary inshore species targeted by anglers on Grand Cayman
are bonefish and tarpon. Please see the resources below for catch-and-
release best practices — and apply these same principles to any other
species you encounter.
Every Fish Counts.
Every Release Matters.
Whether you’re a local, a guide, or a visiting angler, your actions on the water have an impact. With knowledge and care, we can protect the future of fishing in the Cayman Islands – one fish at a time.
Let’s keep the flats alive. Fish smart. Release right.
I’m ready to fish responsibly, take me to the guide
Local Rules
The Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE) manages
Marine Parks and enforces size and catch limits to protect our
coastal fish stocks.
Marine Parks App
How You Can Help
- Respecting no-take zones and seasonal closures.
- Reporting sightings of tagged fish or injured wildlife.
- Educating fellow anglers on best practices.
- Supporting habitat protection initiatives, especially around mangroves
and spawning areas.
How You Can Help
“The Cayman Clean initiative is a public
awareness campaign to focus attention on
littering and its impact on the environmentâ€
Help protect the beauty and health of our flats by never
leaving behind trash, fishing line, or gear — even small
litter can harm wildlife and the environment. If you see
debris left by others, consider picking it up and
supporting efforts like the Cayman Clean Initiative to
keep shorelines pristine.
