Noel Carrera is the Puerto Rico Coral Rescue Coordinator for Florida Sea Grant. gives management and coordination for coral rescue efforts throughout the U.S. Caribbean, with a concentrate on safeguarding uncommon and resilient coral species. He works in partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Rescue Coordinator to develop the U.S. Caribbean Coral Rescue Plan, which incorporates gene banking, propagation, and capacity-building methods.
My participation in Coral Week USVI was geared toward strengthening partnerships in coral restoration within the US Caribbean, studying new academic and conservation methods, and sharing greatest practices associated to coral rescue efforts. This journey was aligned with Florida Sea Grant’s mission to foster collaborative, science-based marine conservation all through the area.
All excursions had been supplied freed from cost to St. Thomas residents as a part of an effort to have interaction the local people and lift consciousness about coral reef conservation. Throughout USVI Coral Week, assist from the Division of Planning and Pure Assets (DPNR) and funding from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program made it doable for residents to take part in quite a lot of immersive experiences. These included guided kayak excursions, snorkel excursions, and visits to coral nurseries, providing a firsthand take a look at the continued efforts to revive and defend the area’s vibrant marine ecosystems. The initiative aimed to foster a deeper connection between the general public and their surrounding pure assets, whereas highlighting the significance of coral reef stewardship within the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Abstract of Actions
Wednesday, April 16 – Mangrove & Coral Nursery Excursions, Networking
- Mangrove Training Program at UVI Mangrove Lab:
I assisted Allie Durdall (GRROE USVI Mangroves Program Supervisor) and Alex Fireman (Nationwide Coral Reef Administration Fellow) in main academic excursions for varsity teams from St. John. College students named mangrove propagules, planted them in seedling trays, and discovered concerning the ecological significance of mangroves in coastal safety, biodiversity, and water high quality. We facilitated an interactive “ID Bingo” exercise the place college students labored in groups to establish native wildlife round Brewer’s Bay. - Reef Response Coral Nursery Excursions:
I supported Dr. Marilyn Brandt and the crew from Reef Response throughout guided excursions of their coral nursery operations. Guests had been launched to coral propagation strategies, together with microfragmentation, coral outplanting methods, and illness administration approaches. - Networking with BIMs and VIMS:
I participated in a networking occasion hosted by Black in Marine Science (BIMs) at The Tuck Cease in downtown St. Thomas, the place I constructed connections with marine scientists and practitioners throughout the Virgin Islands. I additionally initiated collaborative conversations with representatives from the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMS) to discover alternatives for joint outreach and conservation applications.
Thursday, April 17 – Cas Cay Kayak Ecotour
I joined a guided kayak tour to Cas Cay, an necessary ecological website within the mangrove lagoon of St. Thomas. This expertise, supplied by VI Eco Excursions, supplied perception into the distinctive coastal ecosystems of the USVI, together with mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Guides emphasised ecosystem companies, threats to coastal habitats, and community-based conservation efforts.
Friday, April 18 – Coral Outreach with Ocean Surfari
I supported Lindsay Metz from DPNR and Clara O’keefe from CWORI (Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative) on an Ocean Surfari eco-tour, which included stops at Christmas Cove and Lobango Cays. Throughout this tour, I gave a brief presentation on coral biology, specializing in how corals operate, their position in reef ecosystems, and the method of coral fragmentation for restoration. I additionally assisted in supervising members throughout snorkeling and academic actions.
Outcomes & Affect
* Strengthened inter-island partnerships for coral rescue coordination.
*Gained sensible information from USVI coral nursery and mangrove education schemes.
*Delivered academic content material to various audiences together with youth, vacationers, and restoration practitioners.
*Initiated cross-territory collaborations with teams corresponding to BIMs, VIMS, and Reef Response, which can result in future collaborations.
