Lawyers help out Magic Reef Recovery project

(CNS): As volunteers, local dive companies and the department of the environment continue the painstaking work to try and save the reek which was crushed by a cruise ship anchor recently, they were joined last week by a group of local lawyers. Taking time from their billable hours eight Appleby staff members swapped their business suits for dive suits and joined Off the Wall Divers to help recover live coral dislodged by the anchor during the devastating destruction of the reef in August. Now dubbed the Cayman Magic Reef Recovery project it will run for several months as divers continue removing rubble from some 12,000 sqft of reef and then try to reattach the remaining live coral.

Over 8,000 pounds of rubble has already been removed from the damaged reef since the restoration project began more than four weeks ago.

“Filling and carrying the crates of rubble at depths of 60 feet and deeper is slow moving, but soon the reef will be in a state where reattaching rescued coral to the reef using marine epoxy can begin,” said Traci Brummet, from Appleby, who organised the firms’ volunteers. “The benefits of everyone’s efforts won’t be realised for some time to come but we’re delighted to have been involved in such a worthwhile project. The determination seen from other divers and dive operations, who are also volunteering their time and resources, is amazing.”

Bryan Hunter, the firm’s managing partner said he was delighted that his staff were able to make a positive contribution to the recovery project. “Volunteering enables our employees to contribute their time, knowledge and skills to make a difference in the community we live in.”
Appleby also thanked Thomas Shropshire of Off the Wall Divers for donating his time, boat and dive equipment.