World Oceans Day celebrated at Dragon Bay

Luxury resort community anchored by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman puts a focus on marine conservation

Dragon Bay is celebrating World Oceans Day with a range of activities throughout the week of June 7th.

World Oceans Day was officially declared by the United Nations as June 8th each year beginning in 2009 to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the products and marine life the oceans provide, and to appreciate the oceans’ intrinsic value.

Michael Ryan, from the inception of the Dragon Bay project, has been committed to preserving the pristine marine environment that surrounds us. Joining him in this commitment was one of Dragon Bay’s first partners - the Ocean Futures Society led by Jean-Michel Cousteau.

The mission of the Ocean Futures Society is to inspire and educate people around the world to act responsibly for the protection of the ocean.

The result of this successful partnership is the renowned Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman that attracts both children and adults in the exploration and education of the Cayman Islands’ marine ecology and conservation practices and ideologies.

“We are all a part of the living world and the oceans that connect us all. Similarly, everything at Dragon Bay is connected to and by Cayman’s waters - which provide us with a wondrous array of adventures and inspire us with their natural beauty,” Mike said.

Because of Dragon Bay’s vital connection to the water, the community will be celebrating World Oceans Day in a number of ways.

Recognised marine biologist Holly Lohuis of the Ocean Futures Society will be visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman as a featured speaker at Afternoon Tea at the Silver Palm Lounge on Saturday, 12th June discussing the world’s oceans and how we can help protect them.

With a degree from the University of California in Santa Barbara, Ms Lohuis has been diving around the world with Jean-Michel Cousteau for more than a decade. A key member of the Ocean Futures Society expedition team, she acts as a liaison between the team and scientists, and is responsible for confirming the factual accuracy of the content of Ocean Futures Society documentaries.

Also a marine educator, Ms Lohuis has taught thousands of children and adults about the wonders and fragility of the aquatic environment and the importance of protecting them for future generations. For her educational outreach efforts, she was honored in 2009 with the Hall of Fame award from the San Juan School district in her hometown of Sacramento, California.

Joining Ms Lohuis as a featured speaker at the Afternoon Tea will be Bradley Johnson of the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, who will give a presentation on the Grouper Moon Project – dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Grouper and based in Little Cayman.

Ms Lohuis will also lead the Ambassadors of the Environment Adventure Series on Saturday, 12th June from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Catering to children aged four to seven, the programme will focus on preserving the world’s oceans. Top science students from all Government Primary Schools on Grand Cayman have been invited to attend the programme, sponsored by Dragon Bay.

World Oceans Day also highlights the need to make good choices in the seafood that we consume. Today, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, no part of the oceans remains unaffected by human activities. And among the many factors influencing our ocean ecosystems, none has a greater impact than fishing.

From the inception of the project, Dragon Bay joined by the Chefs of the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and the Ocean Futures Society have always made every effort to support local fishermen and to make careful choices when buying seafood.

Blue by Chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is using its culinary influence as the only 5-Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean to promote the use of sustainable fish by creating a special six-course tasting menu to celebrate World Oceans Day.

Renowned for the innovative use of the freshest seafood in its gourmet dishes, Blue has called upon the talents of Chef de Cuisine Luis Lujan to showcase sustainable fish combined with the inimitable flavours of the Caribbean for the exclusive World Oceans Day tasting menu.

The World Oceans Day menu at Blue follows the Seafood Watch recommendations proposed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and will be featured for the entire week of World Oceans Day from Monday, 7th June through Saturday, 12th June. The ingredients include mainly indigenous fish from Cayman waters as well as local ingredients from sustainable farms on island and in the US.

The specially-designed menu includes Local Wahoo Tartar with Organic Star Fruit, Local Sweet Potato and Orange Vinaigrette; Grilled Hamachi, with Lime Marinated Local Banana and Mint Chimichurri; Pan Seared Scallops, with Willie's Farm Local Pumpkin Salad and Coconut Curry Sauce; Grilled Local Snapper, with Willie's Farm heirloom tomato relish and Ratatouille Broth; Pan Seared Yellowfin Local Tuna with Braised Callaloo, Pickled Ramps, Seasoning Pepper and Soy Glaze; and is rounded out with Coconut-Cilantro Roasted Pineapple, accompanied by Sweet Avocado Puree, Brioche and Coconut Sorbet.

Guests choosing the World Oceans Day menu will also have the option to sample a wine pairing selected by Blue’s Head Sommelier Kristian Netis from biodynamic or sustainable wineries around the world.

In addition to the World Oceans Day observance, the Dragon Bay developer is gradually encouraging homeowners and guests to gradually adopt new “green” behaviors in a commitment to establish ongoing eco-friendly practices. The 360-acre luxury resort community has implemented an aggressive programme eliminating the use of Styrofoam and plastic bottles while also recycling paper and batteries.

“In order to create a culture of conservation, and make a substantial difference, we have to establish involvement from all of our residents and guests alike,” Mike said.

Further activities and programmes are planned throughout the year, encouraging Dragon Bay owners and staff to become a part of this culture of conservation. The ‘Dragon Bay Foundation’ will be established in 2010 to allow local residents, Dragon Bay owners and guests to support projects aimed at maintaining a healthy environment throughout the Cayman Islands. These initiatives are focused on reducing waste, recycling, replanting of mangroves and supporting efforts of other agencies working to protect local wildlife and their natural surroundings.

Mike hopes that by continuing eco-friendly activities, their efforts will encourage change and promote sustainability throughout Dragon Bay and beyond. Plans for the remainder of the year include National Threatened Species Day on September 7th, World Habitat Day in October, National Recycling Week in November and International Volunteers Day in December. For more information on the Dragon Bay community and its steps towards sustainable living, visit www.DragonBayCayman.com

To make reservations at Blue By Eric Ripert for the exclusive World Oceans Day tasting menu, to attend Afternoon Tea on Saturday, 12 June or to book your child’s space in the special World Oceans Day edition of the Ambassadors Adventure Series, please call The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on 943-9000.