Reef Guardians of Grenada: Ecotourism, Coral Nurseries & the Lionfish Fight

We sit down with Gary Ward of Defer Diving and the NGO Caribbean Reef Buddy to explore how ecotourism is powering real reef protection in Grenada. Gary and his team train volunteers to collect reef monitoring data, run a coral nursery (with locally trained coral gardeners), and lead weekly lionfish culls that have turned an invasive predator into a community resource—from restaurant menus to artisan jewelry. Hear how baseline data guides action, why youth programs create the next generation of reef stewards, and how dive travel can leave a lasting legacy. We also talk dive ops at Defer Diving (from Discover Scuba to IDC pro training) and how visiting divers can plug into hands-on conservation. Highlights Ecotourism that funds measurable marine conservation Training programs for reef surveys (fish, benthic, coral) Coral nursery → out-planting elkhorn coral with local gardeners Weekly lionfish removals, derbies, and building market demand What visiting divers can do to help—ethically and effectively Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of diving, science, and conservation