On the 31st of January, the RRS James Cook sailed into Turks and Caicos waters, ready to uncover an unknown world in the depths. Generations of local knowledge and extensive research is available for the shallow, coastal waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). In contrast, there …
In Part 2 of this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to learn more about the crew, and how the data generated will be used to support marine management in the future.
In this Q&A, we dive beneath the surface with Kelly Forsythe, Blue Belt Programme Officer for the Cayman islands’ Department of Environment, to explore what makes the Cayman Islands’ marine habitats so distinctive, the challenges they face, and the innovative steps being taken to protect them.
After years of collaboration, the Blue Belt Programme is delighted to welcome the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as an Associate Partner. The partnership brings together world-leading expertise in marine conservation and natural resource management.
With oceans and biodiversity high on the agenda at COP30 in Belém this week, the vital role that marine ecosystems play in both tackling and adapting to climate change — especially for smaller islands and territories — is gaining increasing attention. A key part of the Blue Belt Programme's work is partnering with the UK …
In January 2026, the Blue Belt Programme will set sail from the Dominican Republic to the Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This is the first expedition to the Caribbean in the 10-year history of the …
Since its initiation in 2016, the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme has been at the forefront of global marine protection, working closely with the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) to establish and manage one of the largest networks of marine protected …
Authors: Corrine Aldred The Blue Belt Programme is unique in facilitating learning exchanges between UK Overseas Territories. In October 2024, marine enforcement officers from St Helena had the opportunity to shadow the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (DFMRM) …
In February 2024, the Blue Belt brought together representatives from each of the UK Overseas Territories for a landmark symposium in London. Over three busy days, presentations, workshops and exhibitions reflected on the Blue Belt Programme and work of the …
On the 26 November 2022, the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery arrived in James Bay, St Helena. The vessel had journeyed over 4000 miles from the UK, bringing an excellent team of scientists and technical crew specialised in deep-sea and …
