Department of Environment Publication Scheme
Produced in accordance with the Deputy Governor’s Code of Practice
CONTENTS:
1. About the publication scheme
2. Information that may be withheld
3. Methods of access
4. Fees and charges
5. Requests for information outside the publication scheme
6. Complaints
7. Categories of information
1. About the publication scheme
A copy of this publication scheme is available for download in PDF format. http://www.doe.ky/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Publication-Scheme-DOE.pdf
Every public authority covered by the Freedom of Information Law has a legal duty to maintain a publication scheme.
The purpose of a publication scheme is to make information readily available to the public without the need for specific written requests. Schemes are intended to encourage authorities to proactively publish information, to develop a culture of openness and participation.
The publication scheme lists the information which is readily available to the public.
The list is divided into different categories of information as described in Section 7 below, to help you find the documents you are looking for.
This publication scheme commits the Department of Environment to making information available to the public as part of its normal business activities.
The Department of Environment will:
- specify the information held by the authority, which falls within category 7 below;
- proactively publish or otherwise make routinely available, information which is held by the authority and falls within the categories below;
- describe the methods by which specific information is made available, so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public;
- list any fees charged for access to information described in this scheme;
- publish or otherwise make information available, in accordance with the methods and fees stated in this scheme;
- make this publication scheme available to the public;
- regularly review and update the information made available under this scheme.
2. Information that may be withheld
The Department of Environment will generally not publish:
- information in draft form;
- information that is not held by the Department of Environment or which has been disposed of in accordance with a legally authorised disposal schedule;
- information that is not readily-available – for example: information that is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is otherwise difficult to access;
- information which is exempt under the FOI Law, or otherwise protected from disclosure – for example: personal information; or commercially sensitive information. Records containing exempt matter will be published in a redacted[1] form, where ever it is practical to do so, indicating which exemptions apply.
- case-files as created and used by the Enforcement section. These may be available (subject to FOI law exemptions) by application to the Courts Office.
- Enforcement patrol schedules
- Scientific data collections prior to publication
In maintaining this publication scheme, our aim is to be as open as possible.
However, there may be limited circumstances where information will be withheld from one of the categories of information listed in Section 7: Categories of information.
Information will only be withheld where the FOI Law expressly permits it.
For example: where disclosure would breach the law of confidentiality, infringe personal privacy, harm the Department of Environment’s (or another organisation’s) commercial interests, or endanger the protection of the environment.
Whenever information is withheld, we will inform you of this and explain why that information cannot be released. Even where information is withheld, it may be possible to provide a redacted copy, with the exempt matter edited out.
If you wish to complain about any information which has been withheld, please refer to Section 6: Complaints.
3. Methods of access
Information available under our publication scheme will usually be accessible through the methods described below.
Section 7: Categories of Information provides more details on the information available under the scheme, along with additional guidance on how the information within each category may be accessed.
Online
Many of our documents are published electronically on our website and can be downloaded in PDF format, or members of the public can use our website “Search” facility at www.doe.ky . If you are still having trouble locating information listed under our scheme please contact Information Manager, Margaret Buchanan at the number below.
If information is listed in our publication scheme but is not published on the website, we may be able to send it to you by email. You can email us at foi.env@gov.ky to request information. Please provide a telephone number so that we can call you to clarify details if necessary.
Phone
Documents listed in the publication scheme can also be requested by telephone. Please call (345) 949-8469 to request information.
Post
All information listed in the publication scheme will usually be available in hard copy. Requests may be addressed to:
Department of Environment
PO Box 10202
Grand Cayman KY1-1002
Cayman Islands
In your request, please provide your name and address, full details of the information or documents you would like to receive. You may also wish to provide a telephone number so that we can call you to clarify details if necessary. For faster processing, please also include any applicable fee. (See Section 4: Fees and charges for further details.)
Personal visits
In limited cases, you may be required to make an appointment to view information listed in the publication scheme. This will be clearly stated in Section 7: Categories of information, and relevant contact details will be provided in that section.
Advice and assistance
If you experience any difficulty identifying the information you want to access, please contact:
Margaret Buchanan, Admin & Finance Manager; Information Manager
CIG- Dept. of Environment
Tel: (345) 949-8469
Direct: (345) 244-5994
Fax: (345) 949-4020
P.O. Box 10202, Grand Cayman KY1-1002
email: margaret.buchanan@gov.ky or foi.env@gov.ky
The Department of Environment will adhere to its obligations under Section 10 of the FOI Law, and any requirements relating to disability or discrimination, when providing information in accordance with this publication scheme.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that may be legally required. Where the Department of Environment is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
4. Fees and charges
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum effort and cost to the public. The Department of Environment strives to ensure that fees and charges are clearly explained and kept to a minimum.
There are some publications which the Department of Environment offers for sale. Currently: “Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands – The Red List” by Frederic J. Burton; $19.95 C.I.
Information which is published online, downloaded through a website, or sent to you by email will be provided free of charge.
Fees may be charged for providing information in paper copy or on computer disc. Charges will reflect the actual costs of reproduction and postage, as described below.
Schedule of Fees
- Photocopy Black & White (all sizes) – $1.00 per page;
Photocopy Color (all sizes) – $1.50 per page - Photographs:
- (a)Black & White / Colour (digital photographic print from digital file, scanned hardcopy of existing negative);
- i) 8 _ x 11 (or smaller) – $5.00
- ii) 8 1/21 x 14 – $7.50
- iii) 11 x 17 – $10.00 - (b) Black and white (photocopy or standard pint-out) – $1.00
- (c) Colour (photocopy or standard print-out) – $1.50
- Conversion of an analogue audio or video record (e.g., tape or reel to reel) into digital MP3 or DivX file format; an amount that does not exceed the actual costs incurred by the authority, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium (compact disc or DVD).
- Transcripts – an amount that does not exceed the actual costs incurred by the authority based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the transcription.
- Blue print reproduction – $3.00 per sheet.
- Maps and plans – $5.00 per page
- Print-out of a digital document or database report Black & White copy (all sizes) – $1.00 per page.
- Provision of a digital record (text or image) in standard PDF, JPEG or TIF file format: (a) by email – no charge; (b) on compact disc or DVD – $2.00.
- Conversion of a paper record (text or image) into PDF, JPEG or TIF file format; the actual costs incurred by the authority, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium (compact disc or DVD).
- Digital text files converted to audio formats for visually impaired – the actual costs incurred by the Computer Services Department, based on hourly rates of staff undertaking the conversion, plus the purchase cost of any carrier medium.
- Posting of record: Where access to the record to which the request relates is to be given in the form of the provision of a copy of the record and the copy provided is, at the request of the applicant, to be send by post or courier, a charge in respect of the posting or delivery of the copy not exceeding the actual cost of post or delivery.
- Shipping costs – The Department of Environment will pass on to the requester the actual costs of postage or courier delivery chosen by applicant and a preparation charge of $20.00.
- Expedited service: $50.00 non refundable payable on making application.
5. Requests for information outside the publication scheme
Information held by the Department of Environment] that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing. Your request will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Law.
Freedom of Information requests must be made in writing (letter, fax, prescribed form) including in electronic form. Email requests are also acceptable. You don’t have to give a reason why you want the information; however, your request should be specific. Remember that a public agency may not be able to respond to a vague or voluminous request if it may strain available resources. Specific requests will help you get what you want, so try to provide as much information as possible: what kind of document it is, what format is the information in, what date or year was it produced.
6. Complaints
The Department of Environment aims to make our publication scheme easy to use, and to ensure our information is accessible to the public.
If you wish to complain about any aspect of this publication scheme, please contact our Information Manager: (345) 949-8469: email: margaret.buchanan@gov.ky and we will try to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible.
Further information about our complaints procedures can be obtained by contacting a member of our Administrative staff at (345) 949-8469.
You have legal rights to access information under this scheme, and a right to complain to the Information Commissioner if you are dissatisfied with our response.
Information Commissioner’s Office,
2nd Floor, Elizabethan Square, Building 1
PO Box 10727,
Grand Cayman KY1-1007,
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Telephone: +1 345 747 5402
email: appeals@ico.gov.ky
7. Categories of information
- About Us
- Strategic Management
- Finance & Administration
- Policies & Procedures
- Decisions & Recommendations
- Our Services
7.1 ABOUT US
Department of Environment
Cayman Islands Environmental Centre
580 North Sound Road
PO Box 10202
Grand Cayman KY1-10202
Cayman Islands
Telephone: (345) 949 8469
Web site: www.DOE.ky
Ministry Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture Minister Hon. Mark Scotland Chief Officer Ms. Jennifer Ahearn 3rd Floor Government Admin. Building George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 949 7900 Fax: (345) 949 1790
Director of the Department of Environment Mrs. Gina Ebanks-Petrie Deputy Director: Operations & Enforcement Mr. Scott Slaybaugh Deputy Director: Research & Assessment Mr. Timothy Austin
Chief Conservation Officer
Mark Orr
contact: (345) 916 4271
Information manager
Margaret Buchanan
CIG- Dept. of Environment
Tel: (345) 949-8469
Direct: (345) 244-5994
Fax: (345) 949-4020
P.O. Box 486, Grand Cayman KY1-1106
email: margaret.buchanan@gov.ky
Freedom of Information website www.foi.gov.ky
| Location and hours | Matters handled |
| Grand Cayman: | |
| Dept. of Environment – Main OfficeCayman Islands Environmental Centre580 North Sound RoadGeorge Town
8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday |
Main staff office & adminLaboratories & workshopsConference RoomsLibrary (open by appointment)
Fishing licences |
| Little Cayman: | |
| Blossom Village (next to the public park) No scheduled hours – phone 916-7021 | Marine Parks Office Marine Enforcement Visiting Scientist accommodation Workshop |
| Cayman Brac: | |
| Creek256 Creek RoadNo scheduled hours – phone 926-0136 | Marine Enforcement Office Marine Parks Office |
Organisation and functions
The Department of Environment (DoE), under the Ministry for Health, Environment, Youth, Sport and Culture (HEYS&C), is the main Government agency responsible for the management and conservation of the environment and natural resources.
The DoE works to facilitate responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands through various environmental protection and conservation programmes and strategies.
The Department of Environment seeks to develop and support environmental citizenship by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of Cayman’s natural environment. Together with other government agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector the DOE has contributed to the structure, programmes and funding of environmental education in the Cayman Islands.
The Departmental Organisational Chart and job descriptions are available upon request.
Boards and Committees
Technical Review Committee (TRC)
The Department is charged with advising the Central Planning Authority (via the Planning Department) on land-based development applications and Cabinet (via the Ministry of Environment) on coastal works applications. The in-house Technical Review Committee (TRC) meets each week to review such applications and provide advice to the relevant agency in the form of a technical review. The TRC comprises the Director, the two Deputy Directors, the Manager, Sustainable Development Unit (and the two officers from this unit being the Senior Sustainable Development Officer and the Environmental Assessment Officer) and the Manager, Terrestrial Ecology Unit. During these weekly sessions the TRC frequently meets with developers and applicants to give advice on mitigating environmental concerns associated with proposals or to outline the environmental assessment process prior to the submission of formal applications.
Coastal works reviews are undertaken by the TRC. Development along the coast is regulated by the Central Planning Authority when activities occur on land down to the Mean High Water Mark (MHWM). However, when activities extend from the MHWM seaward over seabed that is Crown property, such development falls under the jurisdiction of Cabinet. Projects such as docks, launching ramps, groynes and bulkheads built at or originating from mean high water, or dredging and filling works in open sea, would require approval from Cabinet in the form of a Coastal Works Licence. The purpose of the licence is two-fold: it grants permission by Cabinet to utilise Crown property and thereby avoid trespass issues; and it satisfies section 23 of the Marine Conservation Law which makes it an offence to cut, carve, injure, mutilate, remove, displace or break any underwater coral or plant growth or formation in Cayman waters unless licenced to do so. (More details on this process are on our website: www.doe.ky )
Marine Conservation Board
The Marine Conservation Board (MCB) is a statutory authority, appointed under section 3 of the Marine Conservation Law that functions to generally administer the Marine Conservation Law and associated regulations, and to issue various licences as specified under the law. Members are appointed by the Governor with representation from Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. Typically the Board convenes monthly. The meetings are not generally open to the public but persons may contact the MCB secretary if they wish to meet the Board members to discuss a matter of concern. The administrative work of the MCB is the responsibility of the DoE through the MCB Secretary and the department’s clerical staff.
Current Marine Conservation Board Members:
Mr. Don Foster Chairman
Mr. Davy Ebanks Acting Chairman
Mr. Richard Flowers Member
Capt. Chuckie Ebanks Member
Capt. Bryan Ebanks Member
Capt. Andrew Pierson Member
Mr. Kenny Ryan Sister Is. Member
Mr. Bruce Eldermire Sister Is. Member
Mr. Bernard Watson Sister Is. Member
Mr. Patrick Kenny CITA Ad Hoc Member
Mr. Bill Christoffers SITA Ad Hoc Member
Mrs. Gina Ebanks-Petrie Ex-Officio Member
Phil Bush Secretary
Meeting minutes may be accessible by the public through FOI law.
Forms available upon request:
- Application for a Spear Gun Owners Licence
- Application for an Annual/Monthly Fishing Licence
- Application for a Fish Pot Licence
- Application for a Licence to take Turtles
- Renewal Application for a Seine Net Licence
- Application for a Wildlife Interaction Zone ‘Tourist Boat Licence’
Please note these licences command a fee. Some of the applications can only be processed upon production of a current personal Criminal Record issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. Please contact us for further information.
Aggregate Advisory Committee
The Aggregate Advisory Committee (AAC) is a multi-agency technical group consisting of members from National Roads Authority, Water Authority, Planning Department and Department of Environment. Each agency is an equal partner with DoE being the administrators at this time. The AAC functions to advise the Central Planning Authority on the provision of construction aggregate and fill material with the objective of ensuring that a sufficient supply remains available while reducing environmental impact from quarries, excavation and dredging. The AAC was formed in 2002 and meets monthly (or as necessary). As the AAC frequently reviews private business proposals the meetings are not open to the public. Copies of the Central Planning Authority’s Aggregate Policy, The Study for the Provision of Aggregate and Fill Material, and AAC Organisational Policy are available upon request.
Cayman Islands Environmental Project for the Tourism Sector (CEPTS)
CEPTS is a joint project between the Department of Environment and the Department of Tourism which works with the tourism sector to implement Environmental Management Systems with the goal of reducing facilities’ environmental impact through energy and water conservation, reduction of waste streams and . The first phase of the project involves guest accommodations with several facilities participating in a pilot programme. Subsequent phases will expand the project to other sectors of tourism businesses.
Beach Review and Assessment Committee, and the Environment and Coastal Zone Management Committee are both defunct and therefore not sitting committees. Information about them and DOE’s participation on them can be found on our website.
National Climate Change Working Group
This working group, mainly comprised of public agencies but with some private sector partners, was created in and chaired by the DOE since 2007. Its purpose is the administering the 3-year UK Department for International Development-funded Enhancing Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories (ECACC) project.
Frequently asked questions The most frequently asked questions at the Department of Environment are actually not for us at all and are the result of similarly named departments. We receive many calls regarding garbage collection: this is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health. Neither are we responsible for rodent issues; insect infestations; garden bonfires; derelict cars or strange odours. For any such enquiries please contact: evh@gov.ky or call 345 949 6696.
Frequently asked questions which are relevant to this department are typically in respect of Fishing Seasons, and the island wide Marine Parks. We produce a leaflet titled: ‘Marine Park Regulations & Marine Conservation Laws Cayman Islands’. This is available from our offices; on-line via our website; or the information can be referenced in the current Cayman Islands Services Directory produced by Cable & Wireless.
Some popular questions:
|
When is lobster/conch season?
Lobsters: 1 March through 30 November. No one may take lobsters from Cayman waters during these months. No one may purchase, receive or possess lobsters taken from Cayman waters during these months.
Conch: 1 May through 31 October. No one may take conch from Cayman waters during these months. No one may purchase, receive or possess conch taken from Cayman waters during these months.
May I take home a conch shell?
Conch shells, a popular tourist souvenir, are taken from Cayman waters as a by-product of local fishing for their meat. Because acquisition of the shell is incidental to this activity, and because there are currently laws in place to limit the amount of conch fished in Cayman waters, the export of a small number of shells (no more than three) by individuals as souvenirs does not require a CITES export permit. This is in line with the international policy formulated by the Parties to the Convention and the governing CITES Secretariat in Geneva.
Who may catch fish?
Unless licensed by the Marine Conservation Board, residents who do NOT possess Caymanian Status may not take or attempt to take, by any means, any marine
life while he is on shore or in any part of Cayman waters in which he can stand.
No license is required for catch and release fishing.
How do I make an FOI request?
If you wish to make a request for information then you should contact the Information Manager listed above. Requests may also be made through our Government assigned email address foi.env@gov.ky . Requests must be in writing (letter, email or facsimile) and must include your name and an address (either postal or e-mail). Please be as specific as possible about the information you would like, as this will help us to respond promptly. Where possible, please include a contact telephone number so we can call to discuss your request if necessary.
We will respond to your request as soon as possible upon receipt. The Law requires public authorities to respond within 30 calendar days, allowing an extension of an additional 30 calendar days if needed. We are obligated by law to always acknowledge receipt of all FOI requests made to the Information Manager and we are also obligated to let you know if there is a need to extend the deadline. For detailed advice on what type of information may be exempt, please see the FOI Unit website.
7.2 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Administering the authority’s operations at the organisational level; developing business plans and corporate policy; setting long-term goals and objectives; evaluating the agency’s overall performance and progress towards established targets; managing programs to improve business processes and ensure consistent service delivery; preparing or revising laws and other regulatory instruments that affect the authority’s functions and responsibilities; obtaining legal advice from external sources.
Governance: Legislation and International Conventions
Local Legislation:
- * Marine Conservation Law (2007 revision)
- * Marine Conservation Regulations (2004 revision
- * Marine Conservation (Marine Parks) Regulations (2007 revision)
- * Marine Conservation (Turtle Protection) Regulations (2008 revision)
- * Marine Conservation Directives (2003 revision)
- * Endangered Species Protection and Propagation Law (1999 revision)
- * Animals Law (2003 revision)
- * Merchant Shipping Law (2008 revision)
- * Merchant Shipping (Marine Pollution) Law , 2001 [available for view at DoE or purchase from the office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly]
- Draft National Conservation Law
- Endangered Species (Trade and Transport) Law, 2004 [not yet in force]
(* These items of legislation can be emailed to enquirers upon request.)
International Conventions for environmental conservation extended to the Cayman Islands § Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention) http://www.unep.ch/regionalseas/main/legal/llondon.html § International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operations (OPRC) http://fletcher.tufts.edu/multi/texts/BH981.txt § International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) http://www.imo.org/Conventions/contents.asp?doc_id=678&topic_id=258 § International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (Intervention Convention) http://sedac.ciesin.org/entri/texts/intervention.high.seas.casualties.1969.html § International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) http://www.imo.org/Conventions/ § International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (Fund Convention) http://www.imo.org/Conventions/ § Convention on Biological Diversity http://www.cbd.int/convention/convention.shtml § Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) http://www.cep.unep.org/welcome/about-cep/amep/assessment-management-of-environmental-polution-amep § Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) http://www.unep-wcmc.org/conventions/harmonization/products/CMS_InformationPaper.pdf § Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) http://www.ramsar.org § Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.shtml § United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change / Kyoto Protocol http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/background/items/2853.php 7.3 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Administration and Financial Management
Administering the authority’s internal functions and managing its resources efficiently and effectively: including the management of financial resources; material resources; human resources; information resources; and relationships with clients, the public and other government agencies.
Financial management*
- Finance and Accounting
- Annual Budgets
- Registry of Fixed Assets
- Grant funding
- Monthly Cabinet Output Invoices
- Financial statements; Half-yearly / quarterly reports
- Accounting procedures; Contracting procedures
- Board members allowances and expenses
- Ministerial expenditure
- List of current tenders, contracts or quotations; Recently-awarded contracts
Administration*
- Insurance policies
- Job vacancies; career opportunities
- Records management file plan or classification scheme
- DoE Disaster Control Plan
- Training and Safety
- Human Resources
- Press Releases
*Copies can be obtained upon request from Information Manager
Human Resource Management
- Annual Salary Scale for Salaried Staff – July 2008
- * Public Service Management Law (2007 Revision
Complete set of laws for Cayman Islands Civil Service) and Personnel Regulations (2006 Revision)
- Schedule One of the Personnel Regulations: A document describing Employment Terms and conditions 05-Dec-2007
- Public Servant Code of Conduct for Civil Servants 05-Dec-2007
- Public Management and Finance Law (2005 Revision) and (Regulations 2007
Revision)
- * Personnel Regulations (2006 Revision)
(* These laws/regulations are available for viewing at our offices by appointment.)
CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR ADMINISTRATION SECTION
| Classes of Information | Restrictions & Accessibility to information |
| CIG/Internal to Government Cabinet reports & recommendations | FOI requests concerning this type of information should be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture |
| Personnel / Human Resource records. | Access to personal information is restricted to the relevant personnel. |
| Financial information i.e. accounts, budget, Grant Agreements | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. Access is restricted for personal information or if information is being used for recommendations or investigation. |
| Vendor Files CIG/local/overseas | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. |
| Equipment & Purchasing | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. |
Records Management
Under guidance from CINA, records are managed in accordance with:
- Chief Secretary’s Code of Practice on Record Management
- Freedom of Information Law 2007
- National Achieve and Public Records Law
7.4 POLICIES & PROCEDURES Policy documents may be obtainable upon request from Information Manager § National Environmental Policy
- National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
- Aquaculture Policy
- Internal Complaint Review Procedure
- *Coastal Works Policy
- *Diving Policy
- *Boating Operations and Workshop Policies
- *Workplace Rules: Enforcement Handbook
* Documents pending review and approval of Ministry HEYS&C
7.5 DECISIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Marine Conservation Board – meeting minutes
- Fisheries Licencing permits
- TRC reviews & recommendations for Coastal Works and Planning applications
- Ocean Disposal Permit
7.6 OUR SERVICES
The Cayman Islands Department of Environment’s mission is to facilitate responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands through a variety of environmental protection and conservation strategies and programmes.
With a permanent staff compliment of 37 employees the Department of Environment is divided into four (4) main sections.
Administration Section
The Administration Section handles much of the routine clerical work including accounting, filing, routing public inquires to the appropriate DOE staff, managing the front desk and providing secretarial to other members of staff.
Enforcement Section
The Enforcement Section works primarily with the enforcement of the Marine Conservation Law to ensure that Marine Park Regulations and other environmental laws are adhered to on a daily basis.
The Enforcement Section spends a significant proportion of their time conducting routine patrols of the marine environment. In cases of infractions of the law that require prosecution the Marine Enforcement Officers must assist in the preparation of case files for the Legal Department including collecting evidence, taking statements and attending Court.
The Marine Enforcement Section remains on standby 24 hours a day and is often called upon to assist in search and rescue operations for vessels or people in distress around Cayman waters.
CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR ENFORCEMENT SECTION
| Classes of Information | Restrictions & Accessibility to information |
| Case Files | The majority of this information can not be accessed by the public, even through FOI law, if it is being used for investigation/evidence purposes. Application to the Courts office may be made for closed files. |
| Log book copies | The majority of this information can not be accessed by the public, even through FOI law, if it is being used for investigation/evidence purposes; or if it contains details of surveillance schedules. |
| Public Relations – correspondence re Marine Law queries, etc. | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request or through FOI law. |
Operations Section
The Operations Section deals extensively with the day-to-day maintenance of the Cayman Islands’ Marine Parks System, including the installation and routine maintenance of over 350 Public Moorings, Marine Park boundary markers and signs.
The Operations Section is also primarily responsible for the maintenance of the Department’s vehicles, boats and other technical equipment employed in all aspects of DOE work. Additionally the Operations Section staff provides field and logistical support to DOE research projects as well as functioning as the primary marine pollution response team for oil spills and other pollution events.
CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR OPERATIONS SECTION
| Classes of Information | Restrictions & Accessibility to information |
| Public Moorings | Lists of mooring provided for public use on each island is freely available |
| Marine Pollution | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public through FOI law. Access is restricted for personal information or if information is being used for recommendations or investigation. |
Research and Assessment Section
The Research and Assessment Section is comprised of three units: the Marine Resources Unit, the Terrestrial Resources Unit and the Sustainable Development Unit. The Marine Resources Unit is responsible for the design and implementation of the Department’s marine and coastal research agenda with a main emphasis on research projects that deal with local management issues such as the conservation of local fisheries or other natural resources, as well as providing aquaculture support and development services.
The Terrestrial Resources Unit with a staff of two is a growing but dynamic unit. It focuses on the monitoring of key species and habitats on land and the conservation and protection of our unique biodiversity. The SDU’s focus is on providing advice and recommendations on environmentally sustainable (or “green”) development practices and procedures to the Cabinet, the Central Planning Authority and the general public. The Unit is also the focal point for Climate Change adaptation and mitigation planning and plays the leading role with respect to environmental assessment functions in the department’s Technical Review Committee.
The Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) at the DOE was set up in July 2006 to spearhead the formation of a national policy-level strategy for sustainable development. This was in reaction to the expanding advisory nature of the DOE on environmental best practices and obligations under various Multilateral Environmental Agreements that require integration of physical, economic, social and environmental development planning policies. To date the SDU has worked on a National Sustainable Development Framework, draft National Conservation Law, the draft Grand Cayman Development Plan, revised National Tourism Management Policy, Go East Initiative, National Assessment of Living Conditions study and Public Health Review, the Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean (ECACC) project, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, and continues to advise on planning and coastal works applications.
CLASSES OF INFORMATION HELD FOR RESEARCH SECTION
| Classes of Information | Restrictions & Accessibility to information |
| Aquaculture Policy and Files. Diversification. Water Quality/Pond surveys/Quarry pit monitoring. Fish kills. Conch surveys. Exotic aquatic imports. | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. |
| Environmental Impact Advice | FOI requests concerning this type of information may need to be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture. |
| Marine Animal Sightings Project | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. |
| Sustainable Development Unit Files | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. Access may be restricted if information is being used for recommendations or investigation. |
| Technical Review Committee files | FOI requests concerning this type of information may need to be directed to the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports & Culture. |
| Terrestrial Section Files | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. |
| Turtle ResearchGeneral Educational Material | The majority of this information can be accessed by the public upon request. |
The Department of Environment staff members work to produce a range of brochures, newsletters, reports and leaflets with the aim of providing general information to the public. These are normally available, free of charge, for pick-up at the DoE offices, or on line through links on our website.
List of Brochures, Newsletters, Reports and Research Papers from the Department of Environment
- National Climate Change Working Group
- Climate Change Workshop Report
- Darwin Initiative Newsletter
- Design and Construction Guidelines for Docks
- DoE – DEH. Do you know the difference?
- DOE Marine Research News
- DoE Sighting Program
- ECACC Project – Launch
- ECACC Project – Report
- Flicker *
- Guide to Submitting Application for Coastal Works
- Marine Park Regulations & Marine Conservation Laws
- Marine Turtles and Lighting Management
- Public Moorings
- Reducing Your Office Footprint. Part 1 – Energy
- SDU News
- Tompkins and Hurlston (2003): Report to Government on Adaptation Lessons Learned
- Tompkins and Hurlston (2005): Natural Hazards & Climate Change
- Welcome to the Darwin Initiative
- Wildlife Interaction Zones
* ‘Flicker’ is aimed at promoting terrestrial environmental awareness in the Cayman Islands. Flicker will give people the opportunity to make their work publicly accessible and citable. Short communications, reviews, essays and notes re welcomed. Anyone undertaking research (students, interns, visiting scientists) is invited to submit their findings. Some overseas scientists, who have carried out work in Cayman, have already submitted papers. It’s a great way to communicate the results of small projects, which may be overlooked by large scientific journals, and helps promote conservation research in the Cayman Islands. Flicker already has a multinational readership, and interest is growing. Soon all issues will be made freely available on the web, increasing awareness and readership still further. Check www.doe.ky or www.caymanbiodiversity.com for further information.
SDU Newsletter
The Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) at the Department of Environment produces a newsletter – “SDU News” – to promote the work of the SDU and sustainable development initiatives going on in the community, and make people aware of the sustainable development issues facing the Cayman Islands.
All issues of the newsletter can be found at http://www.doe.ky/about/sustainable-development-unit/.
An update of the services offered by the SDU can be provided upon request.
Some recent editions of our literature are featured below as an example.
DoE Marine Research News: This brief newsletter outlines the work of the Department of Environment Marine Research Section.
http://www.doe.ky/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/doemarineresearchnewslettervol1_thumb-copy1.jpghttp://www.doe.ky/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/doemarineresearchnewslettervol1_thumb-copy2.jpg
Examples of available DOE Literature
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| Marine Brochure | Dock Guidelines Brochure | Coastal Works Brochure |
| DOE – DEH | Marine Turtles & Lighting | Wildlife Interaction Zones |
Some of the other literature we produce regularly is also available free of charge at our offices:
Other featured news items:
- Sharks & Whales on Environment Break – November 23rd, 2009
- Environment Break: WIZ Rules – November 14th, 2009
- WIZ Marking on Environment Break – October 23rd, 2009
- October is Energy Awareness Month! – October 5th, 2009
- Watersports Interaction Zones on Environment Break – September 25th, 2009
[1] A copy of the record, with the exempt matter deleted in accordance with the National Archive’s Redaction Standard.
