In June 2018, the first Puerto Rico Coral Reef Volunteer Snorkeling program was launched with the Oceanic Society and local scientific partner, Isla Mar Research Expeditions.
Eleven travelers of all ages and from all backgrounds joined Isla Mar scientists - Drs. Chelsea & Evan Tuohy - in helping document coral diseases and monitor coral reef health during their 8 day volunteer vacation on the island.
Click the button to read about the initial coral reef restoration effort post-hurricane Maria
Every day spent in the water was an opportunity to learn from the local biologists and to truly experience nature in a hands-on, safe and environmentally friendly way.
On the left, college student Allison Haran carefully holds a West Indian sea egg so that she can experience the tube-like feet crawl across her hands, demonstrating an example of a grazing herbivore found on Caribbean reefs.
The theme of the field expedition was Monitoring Coral Reef Disease & Restoration, and no previous experience was necessary. Isla Mar teaches you everything you need to know to participate!
This meant that all participants learned basic coral reef biology and ecology (surprise, corals are animals!) as well as the ways in which corals are threatened and what we can do to protect and conserve them. Isla Mar taught each snorkeler how to identify the tagged (restored) corals as shown below, and how to measure their growth to determine success of the restoration initiative.
We could not have accomplished this monitoring initiative without the volunteers from the Oceanic Society. - Dr. Chelsea Tuohy
Isla Mar relies on the help of volunteers to help document coral reef restoration success. We cannot estimate the future of the reef without first knowing if our efforts are making an impact.
What is the daily schedule like? The mornings were usually spent in the field, learning about coral reef ecology and the importance of marine protected areas. While many afternoons were opportunities to learn about special topics of interest to the group - such as sea turtle biology and conservation.
There were also plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico, including trips to the lighthouse and a wonderfully secluded waterfall.
Snorkelers also learned the techniques necessary to identify Caribbean reef fish, including a crash course in fish community surveying.
Right: Oceanic Society Naturalist Lindsay Mosher and college student Martina Stevens are practicing their skills at the reserve with the actual datasheets that Isla Mar uses for their fish surveys
Monitoring coral reef diseases and restoration efforts is an on-going process that requires constant input and extensive manpower. Oftentimes, local scientific NGOs like Isla Mar are able to assist with the efforts, but cannot provide enough resources on their own.
Feedback from Trish Collins, Oceanic Society trip regular and participant in Puerto Rico June 2019:
"On a scale of 1 to 10 Chelsea and Evan were a 20. They were phenomenal. The lectures we had were awesome. Their patience and interest in the group was amazing. They are so impressive and it was a delight to be with them. They organized a week of varied activities and brought in interesting guest lecturers. The extras including the trip to the lighthouse, sunset drinks and viewing hurricane damage enhanced the week. The dissection of lionfish was a fun educational experience. Seeing the release of baby turtles was a thrill. The trip to the waterfall allowed us to see more of the island and we ended up in a wonderful spot. They knew where to go to avoid crowds. The boat trip and snorkel to the [Desecheo] island was a great day. Observing their work on the reef with coral and fish was fabulous."
Isla Mar is excited to host you for our next Coral Reef Restoration field course with the Oceanic Society. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, book early to reserve your spot!
Credits:
Created with an image by Ishan @seefromthesky - "Underwater Maldives", the rest are property of Isla Mar Research Expeditions and the members of the Oceanic Society trip