Hurricane Maria devastated the Caribbean including billions in property damages and more than 80 lost lives. The past weeks have been about rescues and personal recovery, which will continue for years. We also need to focus on the next level of recovery in rebuilding island economies and infrastructure. Related to GOMURC’s mission, the marine science community in the PR/VI has many needs which our Gulf universities have capacity to help. Here are example actions to consider based on input from affected colleagues:
1) Work with our PR/VI colleagues to assess damages and immediate needs for supplies and equipment. Students and investigators need lab space—open your doors!
EXAMPLE RESOURCES:
- Ciencia Puerto Rico – ways institutions and academia can help
- Contact VIEPSCOR for VI situation and needs
2) Raise funding and resources required to address these needs and get required resources to where they are needed.
EXAMPLE RESOURCES:
- NSF notice #143 regarding Hurricane Maria
- USA.gov hurricane Maria resources
3) Utilize GOMURC member assets to help support PR/VI research to assess environmental damages and promote recovery. All of CARICOOS observing assets in PR/VI remain down.
EXAMPLE RESOURCES:
- UNOLS White Paper on Proposing, Planning, and Executing Logistics involved in Oceanographic Field Operations in Foreign Waters and Ports; Appendix 1-Detailed Recommendations and Considerations for Working in Foreign Ports and Obtaining Marine Science Research Clearances
- CARICOOS contacts
Please contribute however you can and pass the word.
