Surfrider Foundation Rincón's fundraiser at The Pool Bar a success!

A large crowd attended the latest Chapter fundraiser at The Pool Bar in Bo. Puntas Rincón, P.R. last Saturday night. Music provided by the Durty Rats, rocked the house. Artist Michael Boone displayed his work and provided some prints for the raffle. The new video "Dark Fall" about New Jersey surfing had it's Puerto Rico premier showing, as well as slideshows by Steve Fitzpatrick and Jim Crotty. Thanks to Dennis and the crew at The Pool Bar for their help as well.

New Chapter Executive Committee elected

The Rincón Puerto Rico Chapter, on the evening of November 11th, elected Executive Committee members to a new two year term. Returning to the Committee are Wesley Merten, Jim Crotty, Steve Tamar and  Jason Epstein. New to the Committee are Angela Haynie, Roger Galloza and Shannon Lyons. Their respective positions are:
Jim Crotty  Chair
Steve Tamar  Vice Chair
Shannon Lyons  Secretary
Jason Epstein  Treasurer
Angela Haynie  Volunteer Coordinator
Roger Galloza  Community Ambassador
Wessley Merten  Special Projects Liaison
The new E.C. is looking forward to strengthening our newly ratified Chapter and advancing Surfrider Foundation goals in Puerto Rico!

Congratulations Kelly! 10 X World Champ and Rip Curl Pro Seach 2010 Champ!

Yesterday, November 6th, 2010 Kelly Slater made surfing history by winning his 10th world title in perfect 3-4' surf at Playa Middles in Isabela, PR. Thousands of fans turned out to witness the history in the making. Watch the Quarterfinal heat below that Slater won to secure his 10th World Title victory! Congratulations Kelly!

Not only did he win his 10th World Title but he also won the Rip Curl Pro Search 2010! Watch the final heat below!

Surfrider Rincon's Big Day Out

Click here to see a pdf. of the story from the Live Ripcurl.com site!  Click here to see the actual link to the site. 

Chapter Event Summary;  Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 at Playa Middles, Isabela


Over the past month, our chapter worked with the Rip Curl Planet Foundation and other local partners including, the Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources, Vida Marina at UPRA, Rescate Playas Isabela, Plastic Free Ocean, Coors Light, and ADS (Solid Waste Authority) to implement 4 eco-initiatives in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro Search 2010, at Playa Middles in Isabela.  The following is a summary of the results from these initiatives.

1.  Coastal and Dune Reforestation -

In total, we planted 462 plants and trees including 60 coconut palm trees, 225 sea grape, 75 emajaguilla, 75 tropical almond trees, and 27 ipomeoa.  These plants and trees were planted at 3 different sites:  Wilderness, Surfers and Middles.  At Wilderness we planted 115 plants and trees, at Surfers we planted 45, and at Middles the primary event site for the Rip Curl Pro we planted 302 plants and trees.  Why were we doing this?  This eco-initiative was done restore the coastal and dune environment by stabilizing the sand, preventing coastal erosion, decreasing sedimentation, and off-setting carbon emissions.

Click here to read more about coastal and dune reforestation.  

2.  Dune Protection

In order to reduce the impact of foot traffic on the sensitive dune environment at Playa Middles, our chapter worked with Vida Marina to build 100' of walkways and install 300' of protective fencing.  This sound a lot more easy than it was.  These features were constructed over a three week time-frame leading up to the event and installed just before the event window began.  Talk about down to the wire!  Just as anticipated, the were a huge success! 

Click here to read more about dune protection.

3.  Recycling

Working on-site with the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, Autoridad de Desperdicios Solidos (the Solid Waste Authority) and Coors Light our chapter helped maintain a clean event site by doing periodic site cleanups, helping to separate and recycle plastic, cans, and cardboard, and transporting the refuse to the proper pickup locations.  Looking back on the effort ways to improve this eco-initiative is to instill an Impact Reduction Strategy by supplying water via a hydration station complete with reusable cups and nalgene bottles.  The cups would need to be provided to all the vendors to be given out as a marketing item and all single-use plastic items would need to be eliminated.  We hope to achieve this at a future event.    

4.  Outreach and Education

The last eco-initiative, and certainly one of the most important was the outreach and education component.  Each of the aforementioned initiatives were done with the help of students, volunteers, stakeholders, the general public, and organizations like Plastic Free Ocean.  For example, the coastal and dune reforestation program included the help of 2 schools from the area:  the Friedrich Froebel Bilingual School in Aguadilla and Escuela Ecológica Niños Uniendo al Mundo from Caguas, PR.  In addition, our chapter had an information booth where we handed out brochures about ways individuals can help to reduce their impact on the planet, ways to help make a positive impact in their communities, about the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, and chapter driven projects including reef and watershed restoration.  Lastly, the Rip Curl Planet Foundation supplied us with some informative signs that were placed around the event site to raise awareness about why coastal and dune forestation and restoration is important and relayed the same messages via commentary during the event.  In total, between our information booth, the outreach and education events, the signs, and the commentary all of the event partners effectively reached at least a 1000 people with positive eco-messages.  The underlying theme of these message sums up SF's mission; the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research, and education.

Click here to read more about the outreach and education events.

Below is an image of the coastal and dune reforestation at Playa Middles.  All 302 plants and trees are indicated by an icon.  Note; this satellite image is outdated.  

Turtles, Tubes and Tradewinds Environmental Benefit Show Recap

Last night the communities of Rincon, Aguadilla, Isabela and other locations around the island converged on Machete Rojo near Playa Jobos to help support the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and Rescate Playas Isabela.  The event went off without a hitch and much to our delight we raised a great amount of money to be used to protect the local ocean, waves, beaches and reefs.  The chapter would like to thank Machete Rojo for providing the great venue, the SuperStereos for rocking out, David for doing the sound, Rescate Playas Isabela for their help, and all of the patrons that came to support our cause.  Below are some great photos from the awesome event.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR  OUR NEXT ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT SHOW TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT THE POOL BAR IN RINCON  

FEATURING THE MUSIC OF THE DIRTY RATS!

We had more than 80 people show up to support the cause.  Here to eco-patrons cruise by our booth and help support our movement. 

The SuperStereos Rip!  We look forward to having them play for us again.  The crowd was amping!

One frothy eco-patron; stoked after winning a Fitzpatrick raffle item.  Congrats!

 Wess, Sal, and Angela stoked to be sharing the good times together.

Outreach and Education as part of the Rip Curl Pro; event day 3

Wow!  What a day for outreach and education at the Rip Curl Pro Search happening at Playa Middles, in Isabela yesterday.  Our chapter together with Plastic Free Ocean, Vida Marina, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation educated over 40 students from 2 different schools about the importance of coastal reforestation, dune protection and restoration, and environmental stewardship.  The two schools that came to visit were the Friedrich Froebel Bilingual School in Aguadilla in the morning and the Escuela Ecologica Ninos Uniedo al Mundo from Caguas, PR, in the afternoon.  As Ernie Alvarez, a representative of Plastic Free Ocean and local surfing charger says to the students, (paraphrasing) "...you are all environmental superheros that can make a difference!  So, lets work together to save la Isla del Encanto!"  Check out the slideshow and group photos from yesterdays outreach and education effort!  Exito! 

The chapter would like to thank all the participating entities and partners for making the outreach and education component of this event truly special.  This includes the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, ESPN Brazil, Dr. Robert Mayer, Tamara Trinidad, and Santos Muniz from Vida Marina, Ernie and Camille Alvarez from Plastic Free Ocean, all of the SF Rincon event crew including Jim Crotty, Justin and Angela Haynie, Shannon Lyons (and her friend Ally), James Sethward, Roger Wagner, Roger Galloza, and everyone else that has helped throughout the past 3 weeks leading up to this event.  Thanks!!!

Rip Curl Pro event days 1 and 2

The past few days our chapter has been working hard in facilitating 4 eco-initiatives (coastal reforestation, dune protection and restoration, recycling, and outreach and education) with a host of different partners in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition at Playa Middles in Isabela.  Tomorrow, together with Rip Curl Planet, Plastic Free Ocean, Vida Marina, and DRNA we will be restoring a dune area just east of the competition site by planting sea grape, palm trees, and an assortment of other native trees.  Local students will be assisting us in this great effort.  

With relation to our second eco-initiative, dune protection, our chapter is very pleased with the walkways that we helped Vida Marina at UPRA build to prevent dune erosion.  Check out the photo below; they are a big hit!
 

 the western walkway

the eastern walkway 

 However, we still need more people to spread the word about the importance of only walking to the beach via these two designated entrances at the event site to prevent further damage to the Playa Middles sensitive dune complex.  These designated walkways are located on the eastern and western side of the main area at Playa Middles.


Our crew is spreading the great word about conservation and sustainability; come visit us at our booth to learn about our chapter's programs and involvement in the communities of northwest Puerto Rico!

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 5; SF Rincon and Vida Marina install more walkways

Today a group of 7 volunteers from the chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon, Vida Marina at UPRA, Rescate Playas Isabella, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation installed some more walkways on the western side of the Middles event site.  This work is being done to reduce the impacts of pediatrician traffic on the dunes.  The pathways help by reducing dune erosion in a sustainable and aesthetic way.  Check out the photos of the new walkways below!

 James and I getting to work on the first section. 

 

Jim walking down the new walkway.  

The western walkway

The crew the helped with the on-site effort.  

In addition, we roped off an area on the eastern side of the event site in preparation for the tree planting on Monday, November 1st with local students, SF Rincon, Vida Marina, RPI, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Jonathan moving plants to a safe keeping spot for our Monday event. 




Angela representing

James roping off the planting areas

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 4; SF Rincon and Vida Marina prepare more walkways

Scrambling to finish the last walkway, Jim, Santos, and I work late Tuesday night.  We hope to install the western walkway at Middles tomorrow, Thursday October 28th, with a host of volunteers from Vida Marina, SF Rincon, RPI, and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 3; SF Rincon, Vida Marina, and Rip Curl Planet work at Middles

Yesterday, Saturday October 23rd, a group of volunteers from Surfrider Foundation Rincon, Vida Marina at UPRA, the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, and Rescate Playas Isabela worked together to plant trees and plants at Wilderness, Surfers, and Middles, install protective fencing and walkways to prevent dune erosion, and unite on a cause to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the islands precious natural resources for future generations to come.

If anyone is interested in helping we need more volunteers to help build more walkways and protective fencing, with upcoming plantings, with the on-site recycling effort, and helping to spread the positive environmental message that this work represents. Contact us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org

Check out this video from the past 3 events of our effort to help reduce the impacts this event could have on the environment.

Below are some photos from the coastal reforestation effort. This is another initiative inspired by the Rip Curl Planet Foundation and facilitated by SF Rincon. Our chapter is working hard to implement this and many other actions that can help reduce the environmental footprint of this event. These actions transpire into a positive multi-participatory environmental movement to inspire the people of Puerto Rico to work with us towards conservation, protection, and the enjoyment of our oceans, waves, and beaches.
The chapter has put 215 plants in the ground to date as part of our initiative to reduce coastal erosion, stabilize dune habitat, create new habitat, and offset carbon emissions. The next planting is scheduled for November 1st 2010 at Playa Middles at 8 am.

This is a satellite image of Playa Middles with the plants/trees we have planted to date. Note; this satellite images is out dated but still serves as a representation of the exact area we have planted over the past few events. The significance of this is that it reminds us that the morphology of our coastlines are ever changing and necessitates the need for increased dune restoration and coastal reforestation to save our beaches.

This is one of the three planting areas we installed at Wilderness yesterday. These are commonly known as the tropical almond tree or almendra in spanish.

This is one of the groups of volunteers that worked during yesterday's event. This crew planted more than 215 plants in one day! The other crew worked closely with Vida Marina at Middles to install more protective fencing and walkways to deter dune erosion. See photos below.

This is the protective fencing at the western end of the Middles event site. The walkways will be installed later this week in collaboration with Vida Marina and the Rip Curl Planet Foundation.

Here, Angie from Rip Curl, fastens the upper portion of the rope that fences in the walkway. Thanks Angie!


Contact Surfrider Foundation Rincon to learn about ways to help in the upcoming events and during the event window. Email us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org.
Surfrider Foundation Rincon

Save a reef, eat Lionfish!

October 20, 2010, 7:41 am

New Weapon Against Invading Fish: The Pan

By ANDREW C. REVKIN

As human commerce and mobility act like a great global Waring blender for biology, communities around the world are grappling with the impacts of waves of introduced and invasive species.
Fish present particular challenges, with the Great Lakes girding for  the arrival of Asian carp and lionfish, escapees from the tropical fish trade that sport fans of toxin-tipped spines, spreading in the Caribbean and up the East Coast as far as Long Island.
Recognizing the near impossibility of stopping these invasions, residents of affected regions and some biologists are shifting tactics and encouraging folks  to catch, kill and eat them.

Click here for the full article

Below is a photo of a Lionfish at Turromote reef in La Parguera in 45' of water.  We encountered the fish during class today along one of our transects.  To say the least, I think the professor ate well tonight!   

Save a reef, eat Lionfish!

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 2; Surfrider Foundation Rincon and Vida Marina work at Middles

Today a crew of 13 activists, with the chapter of Surfrider Foundation in Rincon and representatives of Vida Marina at UPR Aguadilla, helped get over 300 plants/trees that the chapter ordered from the Isabela DRNA vivero to UPR Aguadilla.  The plants are going to be used for a coastal reforestation project at Wilderness, Surfers, and Middles.  The first part of the planting will take place this Saturday at 8 am at Wilderness then Surfers, and lastly Middles.

In addition, the chapter installed some protective fencing to minimize dune and coastal vegetative erosion at Middles today and began preparing some planting areas for the November 1st planting that will take place as a multi-participatory event including Rip Curl, Rip Curl Planet, Plastic Free Ocean, Surfrider Foundation Rincon, DRNA, and area schools.  Contact salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org if your interested in helping.  

Angela taking tally of the more than 300 plants/trees that we received in an order the chapter placed from DRNA. The plants are being kept at Vida Marina's greenhouse at UPR Aquadilla.

 

Before and after shots of one of the areas that we are going to plant based on suggestions from a field biologist at DRNA.  We will be planting this bluff, and other areas, on November 1st. 

This is an example of the walkways we helped Vida Marina build and will be placing between the protective fencing we installed today at Middles.  We are collaborating with Vida Marina from UPR Aguadilla to mobilize these resources and put them into action.   

It is tough to see the difference between this before and after shot but if you look closely you can see the fencing that we installed to prevent dune and coastal vegetation erosion in the middle of the picture. 

This is a more clear shot of the protective fencing.  The walkways will be placed in the middle.  We would like to thank Vida Marina for giving our chapter the opportunity to puts these resources into action. 

Here is the crew that helped make Day 2 of our Rip Curl Pro preparation initiative happen. 

Eco preparation for Rip Curl Pro Day 1; Surfrider Foundation and Vida Marina de UPR Aquadilla

This past weekend, Wessley Merten and Roger Galloza, representatives of the Surfrider Foundation Rincon chapter helped Vida Marina of UPR Aquadilla and a host of student volunteers build wooden walkways and discuss an action plan for minimizing the impacts 1000s of fans watching the Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition, scheduled to take place at the end of this month at Middles, impose on the sensitive coastal and dune habitat.  Check the photos below of the volunteers that are making this happen.  The chapter is planning on working with Vida Marina to install all of these walkways by next weekend including some protective fencing to guard sensitive areas in highly trafficked areas.  If you would like to help in this effort contact our chapter at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org.

Dr. Robert Mayer, Director of the Caribbean Center for the Reduction of Aquatic Debris at the Department of Natural Sciences at UPR Aguadilla discusses the work plan with some student volunteers.

Wess Merten cutting 2x4's and 2x6's to be used to build the wooden walkways.

Roger Galloza and Santos Muniz, a doctoral student in the Department of Marine Sciences, take a break from building the walkways to smile for the camera.  

This is just the tip of the iceburg of the resources the chapter will be mobilizing with Vida Marina to protect the dunes from potentially catastrophic pedestrian damage.

Coral Bleaching in the Caribbean Basin

For those of you that venture into the marine realm you may have noticed something different about our reefs this year.  That is the reefs around Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean basin including the Gulf of Mexico are experiencing a bleaching event.  It is extremely hard to predict what is going to transpire with this event and overall scientists haven't determined whether or not it will be worse than the massive event in 2005.  During 2005, heightened sea surface temperatures for an extended period of the year lead to significant bleaching amongst many different species of corals in the Caribbean sea.  Coral bleaching can be defined as coral polyps that have lost their symbiont algae aka zooxanthellae that live within the polyp.  The pigments in the zooxanthellae are what give corals their different colors, therefore when the algae are absent from the polyps the corals turn white and are rendered more or less dormant until zooxanthellae can re-populate the polyps (if/when depending on the environmental stresses).  There are many unknowns related to bleaching.  For example, what species are more susceptible i.e. deep corals vs. shallow corals?...are the affects of  bleaching dependent upon morphology and level of arrangement of the polyps?  Does the polyp rid the algae or does the algae rid itself from the polyp?  These are many of the questions many scientists around the world are looking into answering.

A bleached boulder brain coral colony in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve taken on October 17th 2010.

  This is another example of a bleached coral colony (massive starlet coral) with still some zooxanthellae held within some polyps (darker areas).  This photo was taken at Turromote in La Parguera on October 14th 2010.

MISSION BLUE - I AM THE OCEAN -

With every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we're connected to the ocean. It is our life support system. Mission Blue is a global partnership initiative to raise public awareness and move people to help protect this vital natural resource.

People have the ability to make history and create positive change. Show your support and join us today.  Sign up for emails at the following link.
 
I Am the Ocean

Mission Blue overview


The National Geographic Society, the Waitt Foundation, and the SEAlliance, along with strategic government, private, scientific, and conservation partners—including the TEDPrize, Google, and IUCN—are beginning an action-oriented marine conservation initiative. Under the banner “Mission Blue,” this multi-year, global partnership initiative is aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean by inspiring people to care and act, reducing the impact of fishing, and promoting the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs).

Slideshow from International Coastal Cleanup Day

Check out the slideshow below from this past weekend's effort at the Black Eagle Marina and Playa Marias. This was a third cleanup since we began the Marina Restoration Project. To date we have installed 6 trash barrels, planted 20 plants, and removed over 800 pounds of debris!

Profunda investigación en el mar

Profunda investigación en el mar
Por Marta Yazmín García Nieves
prensa@uprm.edu
PRENSA RUM

Un proyecto que comenzó hace más de cuatro años con ambiciosas expectativas y numerosos retos, representa hoy una de las más importantes aportaciones al estudio de los arrecifes de coral caribeños. La iniciativa, que protagonizan estudiantes y profesores del Departamento de Ciencias Marinas (CIMA) del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (RUM), conllevó un ciclo de adiestramientos sobre buceo profundo, con el fin de preparar investigadores para el estudio de la comunidad de peces y arrecifes conocidos como mesofóticos.

La iniciativa, que cuenta con un total de diecisiete colaboradores, reafirma el sitial de vanguardia del RUM en términos de investigación porque se trata de una gestión de concienciación ambiental significativa que impacta positivamente a toda la comunidad, opinó el doctor Francisco Pagán López, director del Programa del Instituto de Arrecifes de Coral del Caribe (CCRI, por sus siglas en inglés) con sede en las instalaciones de Ciencias Marinas en la isla Magueyes en La Parguera.

 Haga clic aqui para leer mas. 

Installation of our 19th and 20th Trash Can in Rincon

Last Saturday, a crew of 10 activists with the local chapter of Surfrider Foundation Rincon, cleaned up Playa Marias, and installed 2 new trash barrels at Playa Stella. Over a year ago the chapter began the Playa Marias Restoration Project and much to our delight it has been a success. All of the plants that we planted there, courtesy of DRNA, have begun to establish themselves.

Likewise, we are very delighted to have just installed our 19th and 20th trash barrel in past 10 months. We aspire to install 20 more by next year. The chapter would like to thank 787 Surf School and Guest Villa for donating time and money to this effort as well as all the activists that helped make it happen.

Roger Galloza getting ready to set a post at Playa Stella last weekend.  

The crew that made it happen.

Position Open - Coral Reef and Coastal Program Specialist – Management Liaison

New IMSG Position in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Coral Reef and Coastal Program Specialist – Management Liaison

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG, http://www.imsg.com) is seeking a Coral Reef and Coastal Zone Program Specialist to serve as a Management Liaison to Puerto Rico for the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The position will be located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

OCRM houses the headquarters of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP, www.coralreef.noaa.gov) and Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP, www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov). The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison between these two national programs and the coral reef conservation and coastal zone management programs in Puerto Rico. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting activities under both programs, including the oversight of NOAA’s CRCP and CZM grants to Puerto Rico, thus ensuring that projects funded by each national program complement each other within Puerto Rico. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical assistance in a relevant field, such as marine protected area design and/or management, watershed management, social science research and monitoring, or communications and outreach. Frequent travel within Puerto Rico is required, and several annual trips to other locations, including NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, are expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The contractor’s duties will include, but not be limited to the following:

* Serving as the primary liaison between the national CRCP and CZMP and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico programs
* Communicate national policies and guidance from NOAA to Puerto Rico
* Communicate Puerto Rico coral reef and coastal zone management program needs and priorities to NOAA headquarters and other program components
* Assist the Puerto Rico coral program with the CRCP’s ongoing capacity assessment
* Act as the NOAA Liaison for the development, review, on-line processing, and monitoring of Coral Reef Management and Coastal Zone Management grants
* Support development and implementation of 309 Enhancement Grant Assessment and Strategies, review and approve changes to CZM programs; and assist in periodic evaluations of CZM programs.
* Support CRCP and CZM strategic planning efforts, including identifying priority topics and geographic areas, developing program and project performance measures, and evaluation of historic, current, and potential future CRCP and CZMP projects
* Advise senior CRCP and CZMP leadership on endeavors, projects, and partnerships that would be of benefit in Puerto Rico
* Assist with the implementation and integration of select Puerto Rico coral reef and coastal zone management projects
* Build partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, academic, and community organizations toward shared conservation goals
* Assist in the development and coordination of a Puerto Rico coral reef advisory group
* Providing Puerto Rico, and, where appropriate, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, programs with specialized technical and management assistance in various topical areas related to coral reef and coastal zone management such as Marine protected area design or management; Watershed management or land-based sources of pollution abatement; Social science research or monitoring; Communications and outreach; Coral reef or coastal zone governance, law, or policy; Project management; Capacity building and Adaption to the effects of climate change on coral and other marine resources
* Participating on behalf of the CRCP, CZMP, or OCRM on internal NOAA and external working groups, councils, and committees
* Supporting general activities for the relevant Divisions and Office to which this position will report

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements:

* Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish, and strong communication skills
* Master’s degree (highly preferred) or bachelor’s degree with equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline such as marine science, biology, marine or environmental management or policy
* 2 or more years post-graduate work experience in a coral reef-related or integrated CZM management position
* 2 or more years of experience working on or with small island states, preferably in Puerto Rico or other Caribbean islands
* Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the technical fields listed in the job responsibilities section of this announcement
* Understanding of coral reef ecosystems, their threats, strategies for their conservation, and coastal management issues
* Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a range of individuals that are geographically separated and that represent a range of different cultures
* Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to shift priorities as needed
* Experience coordinating efforts and projects with multiple partners
* Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

Strongly Desired:

* 4 or more years post-graduate work experience in coral reef-related scientific or management positions
* 2 to 3 years of program development and project planning experience
* Experience developing, negotiating, and managing individual grants (as the grant recipient) and/or administering grant programs (as the grantor)
* Experience working in a matrix organization and/or ability working in team settings
* Experience working on multi-lateral, regional, or international environmental initiatives
* Experience in a governmental work environment

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter, resume, and three references (MS Word format strongly preferred) to: jobs@imsg.com with the subject heading: NOA10041 – Puerto Rico Management Liaison. Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter. The salary range for this position is 55-65k.

IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran friendly.

Marine Life of Puerto Rico

Recently, the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon launched a new site for the community called marinelifpr.org.  This site was constructed to allow users to increase their knowledge about reefs, and the organisms that call them home, and share their photos and videos with the rest of the world.  The site will be continually updated and we hope with photos from users like yourself.  If you have any photos you would like published on the site please click here and follow the directions.  Thanks! 

www.marinelifepr.org

Lionfish Evaluation in Reserva Marine Tres Palmas

 Ten individuals of Lionfish were found during an evaluation in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.  The highest density of these sightings were on the southern end of the reserve off the bank shelf from Calle Surf south towards the marina.  Soon, we will be participating in eradicating these individuals from the reserve.  We will keep you posted. 

To see a summary of the evaluation of Lionfish in RMTP please click here. 

posted by wessley merten

Congratulations Ernie!!!

Ernie Alvarez a local big wave charger recently completed his circumnavigation of Puerto Rico this past Saturday at Villa Cofresi. He paddled his stand-up paddleboard more than 350 miles around PR to raise awareness about reducing our dependence on plastics, refraining from using single-use plastics, recycling, and being stewards to the environment. His arrival to Villa Cofresi in Rincon on Saturday was well greeted by more than 100 spectators. Congratulations Ernie! Click here to read more about the Plastic Free Oceans campaign and to learn about ways to help save our oceans.



posted by Wessley Merten

NOAA Job Opportunities

NMFS Habitat Conservation Division has two open vacancies for Fishery Biologists in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Charleston, South Carolina.

Please pass along to anyone who may be interested in applying.

www.usajobs.gov

Job Title: Fish Biologist, GS-0482-11/12 MAP/DEU
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number: NMFS-SER-2010-0026

SALARY RANGE: 52,661.00 - 82,053.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to Wednesday, June 23, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0482-11/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive Service: Career or Career Conditional Full-time, Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: few vacancies - San Juan

Job Title: Fish Biologist, GS-0482-12 MAP/DEU
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number: NMFS-SER-2010-0028

SALARY RANGE: 68,809.00 - 89,450.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to Friday, June 11, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0482-12/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive Service: Career or Career Conditional Full-time, Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: few vacancies - Charleston

International Surfring Day 2010; Art Auction at Rincon of the Seas

Sunday June 20th at 6 pm





On Sunday June 20th 2010 the chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in Rincon will be holding a fundraising event as part of the world wide celebration of 'International Surfing Day.' This global celebration was established by the Surfrider Foundation and other partners over 6 years ago. Last year was the most successful year yet with over 105 ISD events held at locations around the world. Once again, SURFING Magazine will be working with the Surfrider Foundation and other partners to use this day to help raise awareness about beach and coastal environmental issues. Our chapter will be participating by holding an art auction titled 'Raising Awareness with Art' celebrating the sport of surfing and the natural world.

The auction will feature the works of local, regional, and internationally renowned artists such as Kurt Ziegler, Steve Fitzpatrick, Rachel Tanner, Helen Clymer, Roberto Ortiz, Aaron Terry and more. In addition to the art auction we will be holding raffles, showing a slideshow looking back on the past surfing season, enjoying food and wine, and music. The entrance fee is $10 at the door and the event begins at 6 pm. The event will be held at the Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel in the Ballroom.








Be sure to check back for more updates and the event program.


THERE ARE AROUND 100 ITEMS IN THE EVENT.  THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IS GOING TO BE OFFERED.  

Raffle Items! 

Restaurants - Rincon of the Seas "Dinner Under the Stars," One Ten Thai, Cosina Creativa, The Rum Shack, The English Rose, Rock Bottom at the Casa Verde, Tickets to the Festival Gastronomico, and more!




A ride for two with Tropical Trial Rides in Isabela.  For information about Tropical Trail Rides click here.




An evening cruise for group of 6 in Ponce Bay aboard a vessel in Nautifull's fleet.  For more information about the Nautifull experience click here.  To read more about Nautifull Click here.




Ride in style with the crew from Taino divers to Isla Desecheo.  We will be raffling off a snorkel trip good for a trip to Isla Desecheo.

Win a two hour lesson with the crew from Surf 787 Surf school.  Click here to read more about what Surf 787 has to offer!

Win a Nixon watch donated from El Rincon Surf Shop in Aquadilla! Click here to check out this epic surf shop! 


Featured Artists and their contributions:





Steve Fitzpatrick will be contributing 2 prints of his images sizes = 20x24 and 16x20.  But, hiand more (sizes = 16 x 20 signed)! We are pleased to have Surf Caribe is a sponsor of this event. Visit their site by clicking here. Another highlight of the evening will be a entertaining slideshow of titled "Surf Caribe Presents: A Selection of images by Steve Fitzpatrick from the 2009/2010 Puerto Rico winter surf season."





Kurt Ziegler originals "Houses" and "Way Fish" acrylic on canvas along with many signed prints.



A contribution from Roberto Ortiz the owner of Secret Garden Art Gallery in Rincon, PR, titled "Nautilus Complex" a mono-print retouched with paint.




Art work by Aaron Terry. Check out more of Aaron's work by visiting his site by clicking here.

Rachel Tanner is contributing 2 large framed prints and many smaller prints.

Helen Clymer "Pools beach" Image unavailable, however her work is epic...see below.




Bruce Burt "Sea Fan" Medium Acrylic 9 x 12"





Russel Crotty "Grey Bluffs" Visit his site by clicking here.




In addition, amateurs will be contributing pieces to the event



Like a glicee (30 x 30) of a Hawskbill sea turtle swooping over the reef in Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (W.Merten)

Come help support the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation expand its water quality monitoring program, beach and reef restoration programs, coastal reforestation program and other chapter related efforts such as outreach and education for the 2010/2011 season!

Click here to view the press release.


Surfrider Rincon

Water Quality Monitoring Rincon

posted by Wessley Merten