CAPABILITY STATEMENT, NOAA

Department of Marine Sciences

DATE SUBMITTED: JANUARY 22, 1999.

Dr. David L. Ballantine and Dr. Nilda E. Aponte

Capability Statement, NOAA

I overlooked an aspect of my research that does in fact pertain to the NOAA mission and therefore I submit to you a capability statement. That is: "Protect, conserve and restore coastal habitats and their biodiversity". Their specific goals [a- Promote clean coastal waters to sustain living marine resources and ensure safe recreation, healthy seafood and economic vitality; b- Foster well-planned and revitalized coastal communities that sustain coastal economies; c- and provide access to coastal resources for the public's use and enjoyment] all fall within my ongoing Sea Grant-funded project entitled, "Impact of Cyanobacterial, Microcoleus lyngbyaceus, and Eukaryotic Macroalgal Blooms on Inshore Seagrass Habitats in Southwest Puerto Rico".

This project involves monitoring Microcoleus blooms at inshore habitats in La Parguera. The blooms are presumably due to nutrient input into the environment. One effect of these blooms is the apparent destruction of seagrasses in the impacted areas. I am presently supervising a MS thesis project which is directly related to this work.

I foresee enlarging the scope of the project in the future by: a - examining how wide-spread the phenomena is in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean basin in by utilizing remote sensing; - to characterize the actual effect on seagrasses themselves as well as effect on invertebrate infauna; c - to examine growth response of Microcoleus to nutrient enrichment under controlled laboratory conditions; and d - to examine an offshore benthic cyanobacteria which kills macro algae.

Richard S. Appeldoorn

NOAA Capability Statement

CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

My research activities are oriented towards fisheries biology and management. Specifically, they can be grouped into two areas: (1) basic biology, population dynamics, fisheries and stock assessment of commercially important species, and (2) the function and design of marine reserves. All of these activities fall within NOAA's mission, as related to fisheries (Sustainable Stocks; Recovery of Protected Species; Sustaining Healthy Coasts). My current projects are listed below. These involve studies on the biology and ecology of commercial species, identification of essential fish habitat, habitat mapping, and developing design critieria for marine reserves. All of this research is sponsored by or in collaboration with NOAA agencies: Sea Grant, National Marine Fisheries Service (SEFSC Miami Lab; SEAMAP-C) and National Ocean Service. I also work closely with the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and have received funding from them on several occasions. Of particular note, I led a team of DMS researchers working co-operatively with the NMFS to do a submersible, trap and long-line survey of the deep-water resources of the U.S. Caribbean; the R/V Chapman was the support vessel for that study.

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

The National Marine Fisheries Service has cooperative agreements with several universities (e.g., U. Mass, Florida State Univ.) setting up fishery research institutes on those campuses to enable faculty and students to conduct fisheries research toward national needs. No such cooperative program exists in the U.S. Caribbean, whose resources and problems often differ from those of the mainland. UPR-M could establish such a center to serve the region. This would include research related to both fisheries and protected species. The UPR-M, through its Sea Grant College Program, already cooperates with NMFS's as a full member of SEAMAP-C (Southeast Area Marine Assessment Program - Caribbean) and houses the administrative structure for the program. Also NMFS has routinely sponsored research cruises within the region to conduct surveys of resource abundance and distribution, fishing activity, and marine mammals and turtles.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Reef fish movement studies for design and management of marine fishery reserves. Development and validation of design criteria for marine fisheries reserves. Identifying and prioritizing essential fish habitat in the U.S. Caribbean Habitat Control of Reef Fish Movement and the Conservation/Emigration Functions of Marine Fishery Reserves. Population structure, dynamics and recruitment of the queen conch in the Los Roques Archipelago National Park.

TITLES OF STUDENT THESES AND DISSERTATIONS

1987. Distribution of two mesogastropods, the queen conch, Strombus gigas Linnaeus, and the milk conch, Strombus costatus Gmelin, in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico. M.S. Thesis.

1988. Energy relations in a population of Strombus pugilis. Ph.D. Dissertation.

1989. Age determination of two strombid gastropods by statolith microstructure interpretation. M.S. Thesis.

1991. Ontogenetic patters in the feeding ecology of the schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodas). M.S. thesis.

1992 Reproductive anatomy, biology and behavior of the genus Strombus in the Caribbean with emphasis on Strombus pugilis. Ph.D. Dissertation.

1992. Resource utilization by members of a guild of benthic feeding coral reef fish. Ph.D. Dissertation.

1993. Factors influencing gillnet and trammel net selectivity on a Caribbean coral reef. Ph.D. Dissertation.

1993. Some aspects of the fishery biology of the pink, Penaeus brasiliensis Latreille (Decapoda: Natantia) along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. M.S. thesis.

1994. Age and growth of the snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch), bymeans of otolith measures in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico. M.S. Thesis.

1994. Age and growth of dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus L., in Puerto Rico as determined by otolith analysis. M.S. Thesis.

1995. Biochemical composition of larval diets and larvae, temperature, and induction of metamorphosis related to the early life history of the milk conch, Stombus costatus Gmelin. Ph.D. Dissertation.

1996. Life-history, reproductive biology and sexual pattern of the Creole fish, Paranthias furcifer (Valenciennes, 1828) (Pisces: Serranidae). Ph.D. Dissertation.

1997. Estimation of by-catch and discard rates for pelagic fish species captured in the tuna longline fishery of the Federated States of Micronesia. M.S. Thesis.

1997. Spatial variations in stock abundance of queen conch, Strombus gigas, (Gastropoda: Strombidae) in the west and east coast of Puerto Rico. M.S. Thesis.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS (not counting students)

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1981. Response of soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) growth to onset and abatement of pollution. J. Shellfish Res. 1: 41-49.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1983. Variation in the growth rate of Mya arenaria and its relationship to the environment as analyzed through principal components analysis and the parameter of the von Bertalanffy equation. U.S. Fish. Bull. 81: 75-84.

Appeldoorn, R.S., D.L. Ballantine. 1983. Field release of cultured queen conchs in Puerto Rico: implications for stock restoration. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 35: 89-98.

Ballantine, D.L., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1983. Queen conch culture and future prospects in Puerto Rico. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 35: 57-63.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1984. Sex ratio in the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria. Nautilus 98: 61-63.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1984. The effect of size on mortality of small juvenile conchs (Strombus gigas Linné and S. costatus Gmelin). J. Shellfish Res. 4: 37-43.

Appeldoorn, R.S., C.W. Brown, R.S. Brown, P.W. Chang, K.R. Cooper, E. Lorda, S.B. Saila, H. Walker, R.E. Wolke. 1984. Field and laboratory studies to define the occurrence of neoplasia in the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria. American Petroleum Institute Publication No. 4345. 201 p. + 6 appendices.

Appeldoorn, R.S., I.M. Sanders. 1984. Quantification of the density-growth relationship in hatchery-reared juvenile conchs (Strombus gigas Linné and S. costatus Gmelin). J. Shellfish Res. 4: 63-66.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1985. Growth, mortality, and dispersion in juvenile laboratory-reared conchs, Strombus gigas and S. costatus, released at an offshore site. Bull. Mar. Sci. 37: 785-793.

Appeldoorn, R.S., K.C. Lindeman. 1985. Multispecies assessment in coral reef fisheries using higher taxonomic categories as unit stocks, with an analysis of an artisanal haemulid fishery. Proc. Fifth Internatl. Coral.Reefs Symp. 5: 507-514.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1987. Modification of a seasonally oscillating growth function for use with mark-recapture data. J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 43: 194-198.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1987. Assessment of mortality in an offshore population of queen conch, Strombus gigas L., in southwest Puerto Rico. U.S. Fish. Bull. 85: 797-804.

Appeldoorn, R.S., G.D. Dennis, O. Monterrosa L. 1987. Review of shared demersal resources of Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles region. FAO Fish. Rept. 383: 36-106.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1987. Practical considerations in the assessment of queen conch fisheries and population dynamics. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 38: 314-331.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1988. Ontogenetic changes in natural mortality rate of queen conch, Strombus gigas (Mollusca: Mesogastropoda). Bull. Mar. Sci. 42: 159-165.

Shapiro, D.Y., D.A. Hensley, R.S. Appeldoorn. 1988. Pelagic spawning and egg transport in coral-reef fishes: a skeptical overview. Env. Biol. Fish. 22: 3-14.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1988. Age determination, growth, mortality, and age of first reproduction in adult queen conch, Strombus gigas, off Puerto Rico. Fish. Res. 6: 363-378.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1988. Fishing pressure and reproductive potential in strombid conchs: Is there a critical stock density for reproduction? Mem. Soc. Cien. Nat. La Salle. 48 (Suppl. 3): 275-288.

Appeldoorn, R.S., D.A. Hensley, D.Y. Shapiro. 1988. The use of various tracers in assessing the fate of pelagic eggs spawned by coral reef fishes. Proc. 6th Internatl. Coral Reef Symp. 2: 619-624.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1989. Phenotypic life-history strategies as an alternative to r- K-type selection, p. 149-158. In: J.C. Aldrich (ed.). Phenotypic Responses and Individuality in Aquatic Ectotherms. JAPAGA, Ashford, Ireland.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1990. Growth of juvenile queen conch, Strombus gigas L., off La Parguera, Puerto Rico. J. Shellfish Res. 9: 59-62.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1991. History and recent status of the Puerto Rican conch fishery. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 40: 267-282.Recksiek, C.W., R.S. Appeldoorn, R.G. Turingan. 1991. Studies of fish traps as stock assessment devices on a shallow reef in south-western PuertoRico. Fish. Res. 10: 177-197.

Acosta, A., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1992. Estimation of growth, mortality and yield per recruit for Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus) in Puerto Rico. Bull. Mar. Sci. 50: 282-291.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1992. Preliminary calculations of sustainable yield for queen conch (Strombus gigas) in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish Inst. 41(A): 95- 105.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1992. Development of a combined model of growth in weight for juvenile and adult queen conch, Strombus gigas, and its application to the population off La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 42(A): 13-21.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1993. Interspecific relationships between growth parameters, with application to haemulid fishes. Proc. 7th Int. Coral Reef Symp. 2: 899-904.

Appeldoorn, R.S., S. Meyers. 1993. Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. In: Marine fishery resources of the Antilles. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. 326: 99-158.

Hensley, D.A., R.S. Appeldoorn, D.Y. Shapiro, M. Ray, R.G. Turingan. 1994. Egg dispersal in a Caribbean coral reef fish, Thalassoma bifasciatum. I. Dispersal over the reef platform. Bull. Mar. Sci. 54: 256-270.

Appeldoorn, R.S., D.A. Hensley, D.Y. Shapiro, S. Kioroglou, B.G. Sanderson. 1994. Egg dispersal in a Caribbean coral reef fish, Thalassoma bifasciatum. II. Disperal off the reef platform. Bull. Mar. Sci. 54: 271-280.

Appeldoorn, R.S., B. Rodríguez Q. (editors). 1994. Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas. 356 p.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1994. Spatial variability in the morphology of queen conch and its implications for management regulations. Pp. 145-157. In: R.S. Appeldoorn, B. Rodríguez Q. (eds.). Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1994. Queen conch management and research: status, needs and priorities. Pp. 301-319. In: R.S. Appeldoorn, B. Rodríguez Q. (eds.). Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas.

Beets, J.P., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1994. Queen conch management in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Pp. 61-66. In: R.S. Appeldoorn, B. Rodríguez Q. (eds.). Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas.

Friedlander, A., R.S. Appeldoorn, J.P. Beets. 1994. Spatial and temporal variations in stock abundance of queen conch, Strombus gigas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Pp. 51-60. In: R.S. Appeldoorn, B. Rodríguez Q. (eds.). Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas.

Posada, J., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1994. Preliminary observations on the distribution of Strombus larvae in the Eastern Caribbean. Pp. 191-199. In: R.S. Appeldoorn, B. Rodríguez Q. (eds.). Queen conch biology, fisheries, and mariculture. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1995. Potential depensatory mechanisms operating on reproductive output in gonochoristic mollusks, with particular reference to strombid gastropods. ICES Mar. Sci. Symp. 199: 13-18.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1995. Covariation in life-history parameters of soft-shell clams, Mya arenaria, along a latitudinal gradient. ICES Mar. Sci. Symp. 199: 19-25.

Acosta, A.R., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1995. Catching efficiency and selectivity of gillnets and trammel nets in coral reefs from southwestern Puerto Rico. Fish. Res. 22: 175-196.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1995. Deepwater assessment techniques for invertebrate resources. NOAA Tech. Mem. NMFS-SEFSC-365: 125-139.

Posada, J.M., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1996. The validity of length-based methods for estimating growth and mortality of groupers, as illustrated by a comparative assessment of the creole fish, Paranthias furcifer (Valenciennes) (Pisces, Serranidae). In: Biology, fisheries and culture of tropical groupers and snappers. F. Arreguín-sanchez, J.L. Munro, M.C. Balsos, D. Pauly (eds.). ICLARM Conf. Proc. 48: 163-172.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1997. The fisheries for queen conch, mangrove oyster and other shelled molluscs of Puerto Rico. NOAA Tech. Rept 127: 223-234.

Grana-Raffucci, F.A., R.S. Appeldoorn. 1997. Age determination of larval strombid gastropods by means of statolith growth-increment counts. U.S. Fish. Bull. 95: 857-862.

Appeldoorn, R.S., C.W. Recksiek, R.L. Hill, F.E. Pagan, G.D. Dennis. 1997. Marine protected areas and reef fish movements: the role of habitat in controlling ontogenetic migration. Proc. 8th Int. Coral Reef Symp. 2:1917-1922.

Appeldoorn, R.S. 1997. Dispersal rates of commercially important coral reef fishes: what do tagging studies tell us about potential emigration from marine fisheries reserves. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 49: 54-63.

Appeldoorn, R.S., C.W. Recksiek, R.L. Hill, F.E. Pagan, G.D. Dennis. Processes affecting the emigration of reef fishes from reserve areas: ontogenetic migrations and habitat requirements of haemulid fishes. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 48: in press.

Posada, J., R.S. Appeldoorn. Plasticity in life-history traits of groupers: significance for fisheries management plans. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 48: in press.

Appeldoorn, R.S. Ecological Goals for Marine Fishery Reserve Design: Workshop Summary. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 50: in press.

Recksiek, C.W., R.S. Appeldoorn. In pursuit of design criteria for marine fishery reserves. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 50: in press.

Mateo, I., R. Appeldoorn, W. Rolke. Spatial variations in stock abundance of queen conch, Strombus gigas (Gastropoda: Strombidae), in the west and east coast of Puerto Rico. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 50: in press.

Appeldoorn, R.S., C.W. Recksiek. Marine fisheries reserves versus marine parks: unity disguised as conflict. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 51: in press.

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CAPABILITY STATEMENT

CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY LABORATORY

Department of Marine Sciences

The Chemical Oceanography Laboratory is engaged several research projects directly pertinent to NOAA's mission.

The Department of Marine Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico has maintained a monthly time series at a station denoted Caribbean Time Series (CaTS) at 17^o38' N 67^o W, approximately 26 nautical miles off the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico since 1994. This station was previously occupied by the Department during the early seventies, thus providing an exceptionally long time base of oceanographic data. CaTS provides an observing station for local and visiting research groups interested in the assessment of the magnitude and periodicity of basin-scale phenomena affecting the optics and biogeochemistry of regional waters. It serves also as a means for training young scientists in the methods and techniques of modern oceanography while providing a research platform for thesis development.

Our research is particularly geared towards the characterization and understanding of seasonal and inter-annual variability of near-surface seawater features in the NE Caribbean Basin as affected by seasonal phenomena including riverine intrusions and by anthropogenically driven global change. The Department of Marine Sciences is a participant of the Tropical Center for Earth and Space Studies which operates a high-resolution picture transmission antenna located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico now receiving daily SeaWiFS and AVHRR satellite data and which will shortly have the capacity for receiving SAR and LANDSAT 7 data. Data from CaTS are routinely used for image calibration and algorithm development.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, has established as a major goal the emplacement of a Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Recently, Dr. James Baker, on behalf of an interagency GOOS panel, designated Dr. Worth Nowlin (as chair) and Dr. Tom Malone (as co-chair) to establish a U.S. GOOS Steering Committee. The U.S. GOOS Office is now in place at Texas A&M University; the adjunct U.S. Coastal GOOS Office is at Horn Point Environmental Research Laboratory, University of Maryland, directed by Tom Malone. We have been in touch with Dr. Nowlin with regard to the U.S. GOOS effort and have proposed that CaTS be incorporated as an integral component of this effort. We have further discussed our views in this respect with Dr. Robert Molinari who has been designated as coordinator for NOAA's GOOS effort. Support for CaTS as a US GOOS component can be beneficial to NOAA in many respects:

It will provide an operational GOOS component with a demonstrated track record.

It will provide for continuous ocean observation at a particularly sensitive tropical site.

It is cost-effective as we are able to operate at extremely competitive rates.

In addition, the CaTS efforts is directly pertinent to NOAA's mission. With regard to NOAA's Environmental Assessment and Prediction Mission CaTS may serve to assist in the enhancement of global observing and data systems required to provide data for the initialization and validation of model predictions of seasonal to interannual climate variations as well as providing ground truth data for calibration using remote sensing. CaTS may also serve as a basis for the goal of examining the role of the ocean as a reservoir of both heat and carbon dioxide to address a major source of uncertainty in climate models. CaTS is a natural venue for another goal within this mission, that of ensuring a long-term climate record.

The Chemical Oceanography Laboratory is also implementing a research program to assess the role of tropical oceans in the production of nitrous oxide, both a greenhouse and an ozone gas active gas. NOAA has stated as part of its mission to guide the rehabilitation of the ozone layer by providing the scientific basis for policy choices associated with ozone-depleting compounds. Our work can provide assistance to NOAA in furthering this stated goal.

Finally, our group, in collaboration with the plankton laboratory has recently presented a proposal to NOAA's MARFIN project entitled "Large Pelagic Fish Larval Transport in the Caribbean Current : Relevance of Mesoscale Processes" to be implemented at CaTS and throughout the eastern Caribbean. NOAA's Environmental Stewardship Mission envisions U.S. ocean and coastal areas with healthy ecosystems and the wise human use and development of ocean, coastal and living marine resources. To this end, NOAA has set the goal to assess the status of fishery resources, through stock assessments and population dynamics research, to improve the scientific basis for policy decisions and to advance fishery predictions through research and applications. Our proposed work directly addresses these goals.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT (NOAA-UPRM)

Name: Baqar R. Zaidi

NOAA in its publication "Oceans" on page 9, under Coastal Environment describes one of its missions "Toxic substances are critical problems in the coastal environment. In some region many chemicals have been identified as critical pollutants based on their use, the amount introduced, toxicity, and/or bioaccumulation in aquatic food web".

"Pollution cleanup, particularly of contaminated sediments, represents a potentially enormous economic liability for the nation. Many major economic will be driven by the need to manage pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for quantitative information on contaminated sources, trends, transport, fate, and effects".

My research here in UPRM is in the area of environment fate of toxic chemicals produced by the industry. Coastal environments of Puerto Rico are prime repositories of toxic chemicals because most of the industries as well as urban centers are located on the coast. We are specifically studying the Guayanilla coastal environment (latitude 18oN; longitude 66.45oW) for the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's). For over 20 years Guayanilla coast was the site of one of the biggest concentration of petrochemical industries in the world until these were shut down in 1982. Few studies have been done to determine neither the fate of pollutants at this site nor the recovery of the coastal environment of Guayanilla following closure of industrial complex. We are conducting studies to assess factors that may influence the rate and extent PAHs in water and sediments of Guayanilla Bay. We found that nitrogen is a limiting in biodegradation of PAH in the Bay water (1). We isolated, purified and identified a marine bacterium capable of degrading phenanthrene the bay water (2).

My Ph.D. student Ms Lynne M. Hinkey is conducting research on biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in Marina waters of the Virgin Island and Puerto Rico.

We are also studying why indigenous strains of bacteria work better in bioremediation compared to non-indigenous strains. We have isolated 5 indigenous strains of bacteria from soil in petrochemical complex of Guayanilla and from Barceloneta industrial area. All these strains were capable of enhancing degradation of high and low concentrations of p-nitrophenol. We found that native strains isolated from Puerto Rico were more successful as inoculant and degraded the chemical faster than the strains isolated from other environment (3). The strains isolated from other environments behave differently when introduced into tropical environment of Puerto Rico (4,5).

References:

1. Zaidi, B. R. and S. H. Imam. 1998. Factors Affecting Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Phenanthrene in the Caribbean Coastal Water. Accepted for Publication in Marine Pollution Bulletin.

1. Zaidi, B. R., L. M. Hinkey, S. H. Imam and R. V. Greene. 1998. Isolation and characterization of a phenanthrene-utilizing strain of Alteromonas sp. from Guayanilla coastal water southwest of Puerto Rico. Accepted for publication in Biopolymers: Utilizing Nature's Advanced Materials. S. H. Imam, R. V. Greene and B. R. Zaidi editors. Oxford University. In Press.

3. Zaidi, B. R. and S. H. Imam. 1996. Inoculation of microorganisms to enhance biodegradation of phenolic compounds in industrial wastewater. Isolation and identification of 3-indigenous bacterial strains. J. of Gen. and Appl. Microbiol. 42:249-256.

4. Zaidi, B. R., N. K. Mehta, S. H. Imam and R. V. Greene. 1996. Inoculation of indigenous and non-indigenous bacteria to enhance biodegradation of p-nitrophenol in industrial wastewater: Effect of glucose as second substrate. Biotechnological Letters Vol. 18:565-570.

5. Zaidi, B. R., and N. Mehta. 1995. Effects of alternate substrate on the degradation of p-nitrophenol in lake and industrial wastewater stream by inoculated bacteria. Biodegradation 6: 275-281.

UPR-NOAA MOU: MUTUAL INTEREST AREAS

NOAA currently operates research and service laboratories co-located with research institutions (i.e. Miami, Woods Hole, San Diego, Washington). The Department of Marine Sciences of the UPR is in a position to assist NOAA in developing its national priorities in a similar manner while providing a unique set of capabilities. NOAA does not currently operate a comparable laboratory in a truly tropical environment while DCM has a long trajectory in tropical marine research. DCM can offer substantial infrastructure in a tropical site accessible to Atlantic and Caribbean waters. DCM is located on a small nearshore island with ample space for expansion including the possibility for siting a major laboratory and fleet facility. Alternatively, the DCM may host cooperative service/research activities. Puerto Rico is privileged with a state-of-the art communications network and immediate accessibility to the continental U.S.

We list below service and research areas where DCM could be of immediate assistance to NOAA by complimenting its research and service activities.

Possible activities for a NOAA-UPR Tropical Ocean Research Center:

National ocean services

tide (currently operating)

current prediction (Jorge Capella)

weather buoy (Jose Lopez)

Long term climate and air quality research (Atlantic and Caribbean)

biogeochemistry (gases N₂O, CO₂) (Julio Morell and Jorge Corredor)

Caribbean Time Series (CaTS); long term observations / seasonality of biogeochemical and physical parameters/processes (interdisciplinary)

Fisheries resource information

coral reef fisheries research (marine reserves program; Garcia)

pelagic fisheries research

satellite based prediction research (interdisciplinary)

larval stock abundance assessment (Garcia)

Marine prediction research

tsunami prediction/modeling for mitigation (Mercado)

NESDIS

Satellite ground truthing (ocean-color, sea-surface temperature, synthetic aperture radar)

regional data reception, processing and archival facility

AURELIO MERCADO

Physical Oceanography

Dear Nilda:

Related with the Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and RUM/UPR I am letting you know the areas of research in which I am presently, and was in the past, working and that fall within the scope of research interest to NOAA. Included among one of NOAA's Strategic Goals is Advance Short-Term Warnings and Forecasts Services, and under this there is the topic of hurricanes. During the past decade I used NOAA's storm surge model, SLOS|H, to update all of the coastal Flood Insurance Rate Maps for PR and the USVI, as part of a FEMA sponsored Flood Insurance Study. There is still work left to be done in terms of assessing Puerto Rico's and the USVI's coastal vulnerability to hurricanes, specially hurricane-generated storm waves. More recently I have been involved in mapping coastal inundation due to tsunamis. Although this topic is not explicitly mentioned in NOAA's Strategic Plan, I do know that NOAA is one of the sponsors of the USA National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program which encompasses the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. The other sponsors are FEMA and the local state governments. I have been invited to represent Puerto Rico in this program as long as I can get my own independent funds for participation in the meetings and workshops sponsored by the Program without being a drain on their resources. Recently I attended a NSF/NOAA Tsunami Workshop in Seattle, WA, as part of the process of having Puerto Rico (and the Caribbean) participate more closely with the experts in the Pacific rim. In addition, the University of Puerto Rico, represented by me, together with the University of Southern California, the University of Alaska, the Oregon Graduate Institute, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory of NOAA, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the USGS, and the Maui High Performance Computing Center, is presenting a proposal to NSF in order to establish a Facility for the Analysis and Comparison of Tsunami Simulations.

There are additional topics of interest under NOAA's Strategic Plan that I could participate in as a Physical Oceanographer at the University of Puerto Rico, but the above two are the ones in which I feel that I can join right now as a PI at UPR due to my experience.

Investigator: Amos Winter, Professor

NOAA priority field: Environmental Assessment and Prediction Mission, Advance Short-Term Warning and Forecast Services

Research: Dr. Winter is the State Climatologist of Puerto Rico. As such he has many daily records from the island dating back 100 yrs. He will use these records to find linkage to well known atmospheric indexes such as ENSO and NAO, which have been shown to have a definite effect on the local climate. By comparing records using sophisticated statistical analysis Dr. Winter can use them to forecast climate and weather patterns into the future

Investigator: Amos Winter, Professor

NOAA priority field: Environmental Assessment and Prediction Mission, Predict and Assess Decadel and Centennial Change

Research: Dr. Winter used geochemical climate proxies obtained from the skeletons of calcareous marine organisms (sclerosponges and corals) to reconstruct the decadel to Centennial Climate patterns. Using these patters and relating them to well known climate indexes (e.g. NAO, ENSO) a better understanding is obtained of atmospheric dynamics in the regions.

Dr. Bert Williams

DATE: 21 January 1999

SUBJECT: Capability Statement for NOAA

I) What type of research projects (ongoing or planned) serve NOAA's mission areas?

A) Build Sustainable Fisheries

1) Objective - Maintain healthy stocks important to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries

We have published numerous scientific papers concerning the health of fishes. We work with the health of both marine and freshwater sport fishes through a small Wallop-Breau grant. We can participate in the evaluation of the health of fish stocks targeted by NOAA.

Our 1996 book on the parasites and diseases of off shore big game fishes (see list) discusses not only the health of these very important fishes, but also the use of parasites as biological tags to study fish stocks. Such vital policy issues as whether the bluefin tuna in the Atlantic represent single or distinct populations could be determined through biological tags, for example. We worked with a university in Venezuela to develop a cooperative plan to study the parasites of tunas, billfishes, etc. as biological tags for the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. Although the Council recognized this study as very important, they could not fund this effort. This is an example of what could be done.

We have also worked for years on the health of coral-reef fishes. A book concerning the diseases of these fishes could be quite valuable for their management. Such a project is easily in the scope of our abilities and experience (see publications list).

B) Recover Protected Species

1) Objective - Recover and maintain protected species populations

We are cooperating with the Caribbean Stranding Network on the health of the local manatees, the Caribbean Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, and the Marine Turtle and Bird Stranding Network (see publications list and student thesis list). These efforts could be improved with additional funding.

C) Sustain Healthy Coasts

We have maintained an information network to follow large-scale disturbances or the Marine Ecological Disturbance Information Center (unfunded at present). We cooperate with the HEED Project (Harvard University), the Global Coral Reef Alliance, etc. in following, documenting and attempting to resolve or mediate these often global disturbances (see publication list). Support for an information network would greatly benefit our efforts and these major threats to our healthy coasts could be better understood and possibly managed.

II) Where do your projects (or what aspects of your projects) match NOAA's Mission and Objectives of a given line office?

A) Build Sustainable Fisheries

1) Objective - Maintain healthy stocks important to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries

B) Recover Protected Species

1) Objective - Recover and maintain protected species populations

C) Sustain Healthy Coasts

III) Check what activities could you develop to satisfy the Strategic Plan and mission of a given line office.

A) Build Sustainable Fisheries

1) Objective - Maintain healthy stocks important to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries

Determine the use of biological tags in tunas, billfishes and other off shore, big game fishes.

Summarize and document the health of coral-reef fishes in a book.

B) Recover Protected Species

1) Objective - Recover and maintain protected species populations

Examine the health of the local population of endangered manatees and sea turtles.

C) Sustain Healthy Coasts

Expand an information network to follow and document large-scale ecological disturbances.

Establish, maintain, monitor and evaluate long-term coral-reef photo-transects.

IV) Support your statement, i. e. Include references such as publications, titles of theses supervised, brief project descriptions etc. (only those since 1987 - a complete list is available, if necessary)

A) Build Sustainable Fisheries

1) Objective - Maintain healthy stocks important to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries

a) Publications

Williams, L. B. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1987. Three new species of Renocila (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae) external parasites of coral reef fishes from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 100: 417-432. [74]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr., and L. B. Williams. 1988. Digenetic trematodes of marine fishes of Okinawa, Japan. Journal of Parasitology 74: 638-645. [76]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr., and L. B. Williams. 1988. Pseudopecoelus sesokoensis sp. n. (Trematoda: Opecoelidae) from the intestine of Plectorhynchus picus (Valenciennes) of Okinawa Japan. Transactions of the Illinois Academy of Science 81: 185-188. [77]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. B. Williams. 1989. Monogeneans from marine fishes of Okinawa, Japan. Proceedings of the Helminthological Society of Washington 56: 64-68. [85]

Williams, L. B. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1989. Hangers-on. Natural History 1/89: 40-41, 92. [89]

Williams, E. H., Jr. 1990. Ballyhoo isopod. Sea Frontiers 36: 4. [95]

Williams. E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Introductions of Pacific giant clams in the Caribbean and efforts to prevent disease introductions. II Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Havana, Cuba, BM-175 (abstract). [101]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and T. J. Wolfe-Walters. 1990. An abnormal incidence of the commensal copepod, Doridicola astrophyticus Humes, associated with injury of its host, the basketstar, Astrophyton muricatum (Lamarck). Crustaceana 59: 302. [102]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1991. Schikhobalotrema pomacentri (Digenea) in Microspathodon chrysurus (Osteichthyes) from Puerto Rico. Transactions of the Illinois Academy of Science. 84: 151-153. [106]

Hasegawa, H., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1991. Nematode parasites from marine fishes of Okinawa, Japan. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 58: 186-197. [107]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, M. J. Dowgiallo and W. G. Dyer. 1991. Influence of collection methods on the occurrence of alimentary canal helminth parasites in fish. Journal of Parasitology 77: 1019-1022. [112]

Bunkley-Williams, L., E. H. Williams, Jr. and W. G. Dyer. 1992. Parasites of Puerto Rican marine fishes. Abstracts volume of the 7th International Coral Reef Symposium, Guam, page 14 (abstract). [114]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Neobenedenia pargueraensis n. sp. (Monogenea: Capsalidae) from the red hind, Epinephalus guttatus, and comments about Neobenedenia melleni. Journal of Parasitology 78: 399-401. [115]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Homalometron dowgialloi sp. n. (Homalometridae) from Haemulon flavolineatum and additional records of digenetic trematodes of marine fishes in the West Indies. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 59: 182-189. [116]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Tristomella laevis (Verrill, 1875) Guiart, 1938 (Monogenea: Capsalidae) on white and blue marlins from the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico and Desecheo Island. Transactions of the Illinois Academy of Science 85: 183-185. [117]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Renocila loriae and R. richardsonae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae) external parasites of coral reef fishes from New Guinea and the Philippines. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 105: 299-309. [118]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and W. G. Dyer. 1992. Metazoan parasites of some Okinawan fishes. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biodiversity and Adaptive Strategy of Coral Reef Organisms, Sesoko Marine Sciences Center, Okinawa, p. 16 (abstract). [123]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and W. G. Dyer. 1992. Some Digenea from freshwater fishes of Alabama and Florida including Allocreadium (Neoallocreadium) lucyae n. sp. J. Helminthol. Soc. Wash. 59: 111-116. [125]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and C. J. Sindermann. 1992. Effects of disease interactions with exotic organisms on the health of the marine environment. Proceedings of the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Species Workshop, South Carolina Sea Grant 1: 71-77. [126]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, J. M. Grizzle, E. C. Peters, D. V. Lightner, J. Harshbarger, A. Rosenfield and R. Reimschuessel. 1993. Epidemic misuse. Nature 364: 664. [128]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1994. Parasites of Puerto Rican Freshwater Sport Fishes. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 168 p. (book) [128]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1994. Diseases caused by Trichodina spheroidesi and Cryptocaryon irritans (Ciliophora) in wild coral reef fishes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 360-361. [129]

Bunkley-Williams, L., E. H. Williams, Jr., C. G. Lilystrom, I. Corujo-Flores, A. J. Zerbi, C. Aliaume and T. N. Churchill. 1994. The South American sailfin armored catfish, Liposarcus multiradiatus (Hancock), a new exotic established in Puerto Rican fresh waters. Caribbean Journal of Science 30: 90-94. [130]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1994. Pseudorhabdosynochis monaensis n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) from the rock hind from Mona Island Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 59-63. [131]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and T. E. Bowman. 1994. Lironeca Leach, 1818 (Isopoda, Cymothoidae): proposed confirmation as the correct spelling. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 51: 224-226. [132]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1994. Ryukyua globosa, n. gen., n. sp. and R. circularis n. comb., parasitic in the opercular chambers of Pacific and Indian Ocean clupeid fishes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 151-161. [133]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1994. Four cases of unusual crustacean-fish associations and comments on parasitic processes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 202-208. [134]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and E. Burreson. 1994. Some new records of marine and freshwater leeches from Caribbean, southeastern U.S.A., eastern Pacific, and Okinawan animals. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 61: 133-138. [135]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and W. G. Dyer. 1994. A Caribbean digenean, Lecithophyllum pyriforme parasitizing an exotic fish, Phremias bicelatus, from Australia. Caribbean Journal of Science 30: 151. [136]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and T. G. Rand. 1994. Some copepod and isopod parasites of Bermuda marine fishes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 279-280. [138]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and C. J. Sanner. 1994. New host and locality records for copepod and isopod parasites of Colombian marine fishes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 362-364. [139]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Parásitos de Peces de valor Recreativo en Agua Dulce de Puerto Rico. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San Juan, Puerto Rico, y Departamento de Ciencias Marinas de Recinto Universitario de Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 190 p. (book) [140]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Book Review: Health Maintenance of Cultured Fishes: Principal Microbial Diseases, by John A. Plumb. 1994. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida USA, 254 p. Fisheries Review 40: 535. [141]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Pseudohabdosynochis kritskyi n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) on the gag, Mycteroperca microlepis (Pices: Serranidae) from the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 7: 337-340. [143]

Grizzle, J. M., L. Bunkley-Williams and J. C. Harshbarger. 1995. Renal adenocarcinoma in Mozambique tilapia, neurofibroma in goldfish, and osteosarcoma in channel catfish from a Puerto Rican hatchery. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 7: 178-183. [147]

Williams, E. H., Jr. 1995. Underrated tongue worms. Natural History 104: 4. [156]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Response to "Comments on the proposed conservation of Lironeca Leach, 1818 (Crustacea,Isopoda) as the correct original spelling". Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 52: 263-264. [157]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Book Review: Keys to the cestode parasites of vertebrates, edited by L. F. Khalil, A. Jones, and R. A. Bray. 1994. CAB International, Oxon, United Kingdom, 751 p. Fisheries Review 40: 574. [159]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Book Review: Fish Medicine, edited by M. K. Stoskopf. 1993. W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 820 p. Fisheries Review 40: 533. [160]

Bartels, P. J., A. W. Bruckner, R. J. Bruckner and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1996. Cleaning symbiosis in Puerto Rican coral reef fish: The cost of mutualism. Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas, San Salvador, Bahamas, p. 97-100. [161]

Bunkley-Williams, L., W. G. Dyer and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1996. Some aspidogastrid and digenean trematodes of Puerto Rican marine fishes. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 8: 87-92. [163]

Bunkley-Williams, L., J. M. Grizzle and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1996. First report of lymphocystis in Family Gerreidae: Caitipa mojarras Diapterus rhombeus collected from La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 8: 176-179. [164]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1996. New records of Hawaiian fish-associated isopods and a list of known species. Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 1995, Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 46: 41-44. [165]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1996. Parasites off shore, big game sport fishes of Puerto Rico and the Western North Atlantic. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 384 p. (book) [167]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and W. G. Dyer. 1996. Metazoan parasites of some Okinawan coral reef fishes with a general comparison to the parasites of Caribbean coral reef fishes. Galaxea 13: 1-13. [172]

Williams, E. H., Jr., J. M. Grizzle and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1996. Lymphocystis in Indian glassfish Chanda ranga imported from Thailand to Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 8: 176-179. [173]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1997. Parasites of Offshore, Big Game Fishes of the Western Atlantic. American Society of Parasitologists 72nd Annual Meeting Abstract Volume: (in press). (abstract) [176]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1997. Helminths of the dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 64: (in press). [178]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1997. Gastrointestinal helminth-mix in thirteen dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)from southern Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science 33: (in press). [179]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Isopods associated with fishes: Corrections and a synopsis. Journal of Parasitology 84: 893-896. [182]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Ability of Pederson's cleaner shrimp to remove juveniles of the parasitic cymothoid isopod, Anilocra haemuli, from the natural host, French grunt Crustaceana (in press). [183]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. A new freshwater shrimp host, Macrobrachium faustinum (De Saussure), and locality record, Puerto Rico, for the bopyrid isopod Probopyrus pandalicola (Packard. Caribbean Journal of Science 34: 149-151. [184]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Pugheadedness in a largemouth bass/Florida largemouth bass hybrid from Puerto Rico: The fifth record in largemouth basses. Caribbean Journal of Science 34: (in press). [185]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Some isopods of Venezuelan fishes. Caribbean Marine Studies 9: 1-4. [186]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Fish out of water. Natural History 98(7): 4. [187] (popular item)

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1998. Digenetic trematodes of some marine fishes of Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science 34: 141-146. [189]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1998. First record in Puerto Rico of Spinitectus agonostomi (Nematoda: Cysticolidae) from the mountain mullet (Agonostomi monticola). Caribbean Journal of Science 34: 146. [190]

Rand, T. G., L. Bunkley-Williams and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. A systemic mycosis in Mozambique tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) caused by Exophalia pisciphaga sp. n. from Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 9: (in press). [197]

Thatcher, V. E. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Comparative morphology of four lernaeids (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) from South American fishes with descriptions of two new genera. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 9: 300-308. [198]

Bunkley-Williams, L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1999. A hemoragic lymphocystis-like condition in pacora, Plagioscion surinamensis (Sciaenidae), from Colombia. Caribbean Journal of Science 9: (in press). []

Dyer, W. G., L. Bunkley-Williams and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1999. Saccocelioides puertoricoensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Haploporidae) from the mountain mullet, Agonostomus monticola, in Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington (in press). [189]

Dyer, W. G., L. Bunkley-Williams, and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1999. Two new records of nematodes in Puerto Rican reptiles (Aplectana pusilla in Amphisbaena bakeri, Alaeuris vogelsangi in Iguana iguana). Caribbean Journal of Science (in press). []

Williams, E. H., Jr. 1999. Forward. Pages ?-? In: G. L. Hoffman (Ed.) Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes. Cornell University Press (in press). []

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1999. Isopods. Chapter ?, Pages ???-??? In: G. L. Hoffman (Ed.) Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes. Cornell University Press (in press). []

b) Thesis Titles

1) Parasites of Puerto Rican freshwater fishes - Prof. Yvonne Colon Mena (PhD)

2) "Fungi in Puerto Rican coastal systems" - Angel M. Nieves Rivera (PhD)

3) Immunological studies of the fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifilis - Patrick Reyes Pesaresi (MS)

4) Parasites of the French grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum, in Puerto Rico - Michael J. Dowgiallo (graduated MS)

5) "Parasites of the white mullet, Mugil curema, in Puerto Rico" - Jorge Garcia (graduated MS)

6) "Histological analysis of the early development of the fish parasitic isopod, Anilocra chromis" - Jerry Gonzalez (graduated MS)

c) Course Titles (Level)

1) Aquatic Animal Health (graduate)

2) Marine Parasitology (graduate)

3) Advanced Marine Parasitology (graduate)

B) Recover Protected Species

1) Objective - Recover and maintain protected species populations

a) Publications

Williams, E. H., Jr. 1989. Brown pelican die-off. Estuarine Calendar and Bulletin, April 1989: 3. [86]

Williams, E. H., Jr. 1989. Endangered aquatic animals. American Scientist 77: 318. [87]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1991. Some digeneans (Trematoda) of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (Testudines: Chelonidae), from Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 58: 176-180. [105]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., E. H. Williams, Jr., B. Pinto-Rodríguez and R. A. Montoya-Ospina. 1991. Marine mammal assessment in the Caribbean and the newly established Caribbean Stranding Network. Ninth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (Society of Marine Mammology, Chicago, Illinois, December 1991) Abstract Volume: 46. [108]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, and Iván López-Irizarry. 1992. Die-off of brown pelicans in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. American Birds 46: 1106-1108. [124]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Angiodictyum mooreae n. sp. (Digenea: Angiodictyidae) from the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata (L.) from Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 7: 38-41. [142]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams. Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1995. Endoparasites of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and the leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, from Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science 31: 269-273. [144]

Dyer, W. G., E. H. Williams, Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams and D. P. Moore. 1995. Some digeneans (Trematoda) of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata (Testudines: Cheloniidae) from Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 62: 13-17. [146]

Jiménez-Marrero, N. M., A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, J. P. Reid, R. K. Boude, N. M. Lee and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. First successful release of a captive-raised orphaned Antillean manatee in the Caribbean. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 59. (abstract) [148]

Millián-Sánchez, S. L., R. A. Montoya-Ospina, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Dwarfism in two Antillan manatees from Colombia. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 78. (abstract) [149]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., E. H. Williams, Jr., E. P. Hoberg and C. A. Beck. 1995. Preliminary assessment of marine mammal parasites from the northern Caribbean. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 77. (abstract) [150]

Pérez-Padilla, J., R. A. Montoya-Ospina, G. M. Toyos-González, M. Vargas-Gez, S. L. Millián-Sánchez, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Rescue of a premature sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in Puerto Rico. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 90. (abstract) [152]

Rodríguez-Lopez, M. A., A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, R. A. Boulon and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Herd stranding of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in St. John, United States Virgin Islands. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 98. (abstract) [154]

Toyos-González, G. M., A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, J. Pérez-Padilla, R. A. Montoya-Ospina and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1995. Creation of the first marine mammal osteological collection for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Abstract Volume: 115. (abstract) [155]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, R. H. Boulon, Jr., K. L. Eckert and N. L. Bruce. 1996. Excorallana acuticauda (Isopoda: Corallanidae) a common associate of gravid leatherback turtles in the northeastern Caribbean, and a summary of isopods known to occur on sea turtles. Crustaceana 69: 1014-1017. [170]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., G. M. Toyos-González, J. Perez-Padilla, R. Montoya-Ospina and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1997. First osteological collection of marine mammals from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean Journal of Science 33: 288-292. [181]

Jiménez-Marrero, N. M., I. Méndez-Matos, R. A. Montoya-Ospina, E. H. Williams, Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, and A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni. 1998. Rangos de referencia de immunoglobulina G en individuos de tres poblaciones del manatí (Trichechus manatus). Caribbean Journal of Science 34: (in press). [192]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., C. A. Beck, R. A. Montoya-Ospina and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Parasites and commensals of the West Indian manatee from Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 66: 27-29. [193]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., E. P. Hoberg, D. Siegel-Causey and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. Parasites and commensals of cetaceans from the Caribbean. Journal of Parasitology 84: 939-946. [194]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., R. A. Montoya-Ospina, J. J. Pérez-Zayas, M. A. Rodríguez-Lopez and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. New records of Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) for The Caribbean. Aquatic Animals 24(3)(in press). [195]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., M. A. Rodríguez-Lopez, J. J. Pérez-Zayas, R. A. Montoya-Ospina and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1998. First record of the melonhead whale (Peponocephala electra) for Puerto Rico. Mammalia 62:(in press). [196]

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., R. A. Montoya-Ospina, N. M. Jiménez-Marrero, M. A. Rodríguez-Lopez, J. J. Pérez-Zayas, E. H. Williams, Jr. and R. K. Bonde. 1999. Manatee mortality in Puerto Rico. Journal of Wildlife Management (in review).

Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., E. H. Williams, Jr., G. M. Toyos-González, J. Pérez-Padilla, M. A. Rodriguez-López, M. B. Vega-Guerra, and M. Ventura-González. 1999. Helminths from a stranded manatee in the Dominican Republic. Veterinary Parasitology (in press).

Montoya-Ospina, R. A., A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, I. Matos and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1999. Preliminary reference ranges of blood chemistry for Antillean manatees in Colombia and Puerto Rico. Marine Mammal Science (in review).

Moore, D. P., E. H. Williams, Jr., A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, W. G. Dyer and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1999. Successful surgical treatment of spear wounds in a hawksbill turtle. Caribbean Marine Studies (in review).

Moore, D. P., F. E. Tippett, E. H. Williams, Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni and R. A. Montoya. 1999. Cardiac failure of a West Indian manatee in Puerto Rico. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 9: (in review).

b) Thesis Titles

1) "Barnacles associated with vertebrates" - Jamilette Cintron de Jesus (MS)

2) "Disease of manatees in Puerto Rico and Colombia" - Dr. Sandra L. Millán-Tripp (MS)

3) "Diseases of sea turtles in Puerto Rico" - Dr. Debra P. Moore (MS)

4) "Analysis of the Digenea of West Indian manatees" - Diana María Mora Pinto (MS)

5) "Abundance of marine mammals around Puerto Rico" - Grisel Rodriguez Ferrer (MS)

6) "Observations of manatees in Puerto Rico" - Hector Jose Ruiz Torres (MS)

7) "Blood chemistry of manatees" - Nilda M. Jimenez Marrero (graduated MS)

8) "Marine mammals of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands" - Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni (graduated PhD)

9) "Serium blood chemistry of the West Indian manatee" - Ruby A. Montoya-Ospina (graduated MS)

c) Course Titles (Level)

1) Endangered Marine Vertebrates (upper level undergraduate/graduate)

2) Rescue and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals (planned course, upper level undergraduate/graduate)

C) Sustain Healthy Coasts

a) Publications

Williams, E. H., Jr., C. Goenaga, and V. Vicente. 1987. Mass bleaching on Atlantic coral reefs. Science 238: 877-878. [72]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. B. Williams. 1987. Caribbean Marine Mass Mortalities: A problem with a solution. Oceanus 30(4):69-75. [73]

Williams, L. B. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1987. Coral reef bleaching peril reported. Oceanus 30(4): 71. [75]

Morelock, J. and L. B. Williams. 1988. Computer assisted coral reef survey technique. Proceedings of the Association of Island Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 21: 65 (abstract). [78]

Morelock, J., L. B. Williams, and R. Acevedo. 1988. Coral reef surveys in Jobos Estuarine Sanctuary, Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the Association of Island Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 21: 44 (abstract). [79]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. B. Williams. 1988. Circumtropical coral reef bleaching in 1987-1988. Abstracts Volume of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia, page 106 (abstract). [80]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and J. C. Lang. 1988. Timing, geographic extent, and preliminary assignment of cause of bleaching. In: J. Ogden and R. Wicklund (eds.) Mass bleaching of coral reefs in the Caribbean: A research strategy. National Undersea Research Program, NOAA, Research Report 88-2: 2-4. [81]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. B. Williams. 1988. Bleaching of coral reef animals in 1987-1988: An updated summary. In: J. Ogden and R. Wicklund (eds.) Mass bleaching of coral reefs in the Caribbean: A research strategy. National Undersea Research Program, NOAA, Research Report 88-2, Appendix III: 19-21. [82]

Williams. E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1988. Bleaching of coral reef organisms in 1987-1988. Proceedings of the Association of Island Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 21: 58 (abstract). [83]

Williams, L. B., and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1988. Coral reef bleaching: current crisis, future warning. Sea Frontiers, Volume 34: 80-87. [84]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1989. Bleaching of Caribbean coral reef symbionts in 1987-1988. Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia, 1988, 3: 313-318. [88]

Williams. E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1989. Major marine ecological disturbances. Proceedings of the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 22: 24 (abstract). [90]

Bunkley-Williams, L., and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1990. Global assault on coral reefs. Natural History 4/90: cover, 1, 46-54. [91]

Bunkley-Williams. L. and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1990. The 1989 preceding coral reef bleaching event and a prediction of mass bleaching in 1990. II Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Havana, Cuba, BM-176 (abstract). [92]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Coral reef bleaching. National Geographic 178(5): v. [94]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. The world-wide coral reef bleaching cycle and related sources of coral mortality. Atoll Research Bulletin 335: 1-71. [96]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Helpline for giant clams. Nature 345: 119. [97]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Coral reef bleaching alert. Nature 346: 225. [98]

Williams. E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Clam crisis. Pet Business 16(8): 87. [99]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1990. Recurring mass mortalities of Caribbean herrings: Implications for the study of major marine ecological disturbances. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 2: 230-236. [100]

Bunkley-Williams, L., J. Morelock and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1991. Lingering effects of the 1987 mass bleaching of Puerto Rican coral reefs in mid to late 1988. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 3: 242-247. [103]

Bunkley-Williams, L., J. Morelock and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1991. Lingering Effects of the 1987 Mass Bleaching of Puerto Rican Coral Reefs in Mid to Late 1988. Proceedings of the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 24: in press (abstract). [104]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1991. Coral reef bleaching: Incidence, extent, cause, significance and the urgency in understanding this major disturbance. Testimony to the Hearing before the National Ocean Policy Study of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, Second Session on Coral Reef Bleaching, Congressional Record, Coral Bleaching Volume, p. 16-29. [109]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1991. Major marine ecological disturbances and potential impacts of global climate change on marine ecosystems. Testimony to Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment of the Committee on Energy and Commerce House of Representatives One Hundred Second Congress, First Session, Serial No. 102-54, Congressional Record, p. 183-187. [110]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, E. C. Peters, B. Pinto-Rodríguez, R. Matos-Morales, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, K. V. Hall, J. V. Rueda-Almonacid, J. Sybesma, I. Bonnelly de Calventi, and R. H. Boulon, 1991. Fibropapilloma tumors in Caribbean sea turtles: Part of a widespread disturbance? Proceedings of the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 24: in press (abstract). [111]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, E. C. Peters, J. Bauer, G. Sullivan, R. A. Bullis, J. Woodley, G. Ebanks, J. M. Grizzle and K. E. Nusbaum. 1991. Threat to black sea urchins. Nature 352: 385. [113]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Worldwide coral reef bleaching. Abstracts volume of the 7th International Coral Reef Symposium, Guam, page 108 (abstract). [120]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Marine major ecological disturbances in the Indo-Pacific. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biodiversity and Adaptive Strategy of Coral Reef Organisms, Sesoko Marine Sciences Center, Okinawa, p. 40 (abstract). [121]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1992. Marine major ecological disturbances. Eastern Fish Health and Amercan Fisheries Society Fish Health Section Workshop, Abstracts Volume, p. 60. [122]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, E. C. Peters, B. Pinto-Rodríguez, R. Matos-Morales, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, K. V. Hall, J. V. Rueda-Almonacid, J. Sybesma, I. Bonnelly de Calventi, and R. H. Boulon, 1994. An epizootic of cutaneous fibropapillomas in green turtle, Chelonia mydas of the Caribbean: Part of a panzootic? Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 6: 70-78. [137]

Bruckner, R. J., A. W. Bruckner and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1996. Life history strategies of Coralliophila abbreviata Lamarck (Gastropoda: Coralliophilidae) on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Eighth Coral Reef Symposium Abstracts Volume, page 27. (abstract)[162]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1996. A brief summary of marine major ecological disturbances in the Indo-Pacific and a plea for additional information. Galaxea 13: 109-121. [168]

Williams, E. H., Jr. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1996. The earliest Pacific record and unconfirmed hawksbill records of fibropapillomas in Hawaiian sea turtles. Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 1995, Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 46: 46-49. [169]

Williams, E. H., Jr., L. Bunkley-Williams, R. J. Bruckner, A. W. Bruckner, E. A. R. Ortiz-Corps, W. A. Bowden-Kerby and D. E. Colón-Jones. 1996. Recurring mass mortalities of the white-spined sea urchin, Tripneustes ventricosus, (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) in Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science 32: 111-112. [171]

Bruckner, A. W., R. J. Bruckner and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1997. Spread of a black-band disease epizootic through the coral reef system in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. Bulletin of Marine Science 61: (in press). [174]

Bruckner, R. J., A. W. Bruckner and E. H. Williams, Jr. 1997. Life history strategies of Coralliophila abbreviata Lamarck (Gastropoda: Coralliophilidae) on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the Eighth Coral Reef Symposium 1: 627-632. [175]

Cervino, J., T. J. Goreau, M. Goreau, G. W. Smith, R. L. Hayes, E. H. Williams, Jr., A. W. Bruckner, I. Nagelkerken, J. W. Porter, K. G. Porter, D. L. Santavy, E. C. Peters, L. L. Richardson, M. M. Littler and D. S. Littler. 1997. Rapid spread of disease in Caribbean coral reefs. Proceedings of the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean 28: 42. (abstract) [177]

Goreau, T. J., A. W. Bruckner, J. Cervino, R. L. Hayes, I. Nagelkerken, J. W. Porter, K. G. Porter, L. L. Richardson, D. L. Santavy, G. W. Smith, E. H. Williams, Jr. 1997. Assessing coral reef health. Science 277: 165-166. [180]

Cervino, J., T. J. Goreau, M. Goreau, G. W. Smith, R. L. Hayes, E. H. Williams, Jr., A. W. Bruckner, I. Nagelkerken, J. W. Porter, K. G. Porter, D. L. Santavy, E. C. Peters, L. L. Richardson, M. M. Littler and D. S. Littler. 1998. Rapid spread of disease in Caribbean coral reefs. Revista de Biología Tropical, Special Issue 46(supl. 5): 157-171. [188]

Epstein, P. R. et al. 1998. Marine ecosystems: Emerging diseases as indicators of change: Health of the oceans from Labrador to Venezuela. Year of the Oceans Special Report. Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 85 p. [191] (booklet)

Winter, A., R. S. Appledorn, A. Bruckner, E. H. Williams, Jr. and C. Goenaga. 1998. Sea surface temperatures and coral reef bleaching off La Parguera, Puerto Rico (northwestern Caribbean). Coral reefs (in press). [199]

Mascarelli, P. E. and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1999. An experimental field evaluation of healing and colonization by algae in damaged, unbleached and artificially bleached star coral, Montastrea annularis. Bulletin of Marine Science (in press).

Williams, E. H., Jr., P. J. Bartels and L. Bunkley-Williams. 1999. Predicted disappearance of coral reef ramparts: a direct result of major ecological disturbances. Global Change Biology (in press). []

b) Thesis Titles

1) "Black-band disease" - Andrew W. Bruckner (Phd)

2) "Life history strategies of Coralliophila abbreviata Lamarck (Gastropoda: Coralliophilidae) on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico" - Robin J. Bruckner (MS)

c) Course Titles (Level)

1) Major Ecological Disturbances (planned course, upper level undergraduate/graduate, using a planned textbook)

2. CAPABILITY STATEMENT IN RELATION TO NOAA'S MISSION

Jose Manuel Lopez-Diaz, PhD

Associate Professor

The following are titles of group research proposals within our interests and capabilities that fall under NOAA'S Global Change Initiative:

1) "Basin-wide Fertilization and Primary Production in the Caribbean Sea"

1) "Autonomous Bio-optical Ocean Observing System"

1) CATS: A Bio-optics, serial Observation Station in the NE Caribbean"

1) "Validation And Application Modelling Of Global And Spectral Solar Irradiance Models For The Caribbean Region"

1) "Estimation of Ocean Primary Productivity using In-situ Fluorescence and SeaWiFS"

1) "Effects of Massive Orinoco River Inputs Upon Phytoplankton Biomass, Production and Community Composition in the Eastern Caribbean Sea"

1) "Aircraft Remote Sensing of Sediments and Phytoplankton Pigments in Coastal Waters of Puerto Rico"

Publications in related relevant topics are:

Del Castillo, C., Cobble, P.,Morell, J., López, J.M. and Corredor, J.E. " Analysis of the Orinoco River Plume by Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy" Marine Chemistry (submitted)

Gilbes, F., López, J.M. and Yoshioka, P.M. "Spatial and temporal variations of phytoplankton chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter in Mayaguez Bay, Puerto Rico. Journal of Plankton Research Vol.18,no.1, pp29-43, 1996

Miller, R. L., Cruise, J.F., Otero, E. and López, J.M. "Monitoring Suspended Particulate Matter in Puerto Rico: Field Measurements and Remote Sensing" Water Resources Bulletin, Vol. 30, No. 2, (271-282), 1994.

García, C. M., Jiménez-Gómez, F., Rodríguez, J., Bautista, R., Estrada, M., Gasol, J., Gómez-Figueiras, F., Guerrero, F., Jiménez-Montes, F., Li, K.W., López Díaz, J.M., Margalef, R., Santiago, G. and Varela, M., "The size Structure and Functional Composition of Ultraplankton and Nanoplankton at a Frontal Station in the Alboran Sea", Scientia Marina, 58(1-2): 43-52, 1994.

García, J.R. and López, J.M. "Seasonal Patterns of Phytoplankton Productivity, Zooplankton Abundance and Hydrological Conditions in Laguna Joyuda, Puerto Rico",Scientia Marina 53(2-3):625-631, 1989.

Dr. Roy A. Armstrong, Ph.D.

Dept. of Marine Sciences

Subject: Capability Statement - NOAA

7)

Research interests

1) Satellite and airborne remote sensing:

Ocean color algorithms for SeaWiFS and MODIS

Spectral identification of phytoplankton groups and toxic algal blooms

Hyperspectral analysis of apparent and inherent water optical properties

Hyperspectral analysis of mangrove canopy chemistry

1) Bio-optical oceanography:

Serial station and eastern Caribbean time series of apparent and inherent optical properties including: remote sensing reflectance, K_d (PAR) and (UV), absorption of phytoplankton, detritus, and CDOM, and backscattering coefficient.

UV and PAR monitoring station

Effects of UV radiation on tropical marine organisms and public health

1) Satellite receiving station capabilities:

HRPT reception of AVHRR and SeaWiFS

SAR data downlink (and future MODIS and Landsat-7)

Previous history of NOAA-sponsored research:

Grant Title: Automated mapping and inventory of coral reefs using Landsat

Position: Principal Investigator

Date: September to December 1982

Funding Agency: NOAA/Caribbean Fishery Management Council

Location: NMFS, Stennis Space Center

Contact: Dr. Andrew Kemmerer, NMFS

Grant Title: Assessment of pelagic and shallow water demersal fish resources of the eastern Caribbean using remote sensing technology

Position: Principal Investigator

Date: May 1985 to September 1986

Funding Agency: NOAA/Caribbean Fishery Management Council

Location: NMFS, Stennis Space Center

Contact: Dr. Andrew Kemmerer, NMFS

Position: Collaborative Researcher

Date: February 1, 1988 to June 31, 1989

Project Title: Reproductive ecology and early life history of Strombus gigas

Principal Investigator: Dr. Allan Stoner, Caribbean Marine Research Center

Funding Agency: NOAA/Undersea Research Program

Current research with NOAA

A new collaboration with NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) entitled "Digital Benthic Habitats of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico" started in November, 1998. I am collaborating with Mark Monaco and John Klein on a hyperspectral scanner mission to Puerto Rico (January - March, 1999). My responsibilities include: 1) selecting representative coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove study sites, 2) establishing surface reflectance (flat field) targets for atmospheric correction of the digital scanner data, 3) atmospheric correction of the data involving the transformation of radiances at flying altitude to surface reflectance factors, 4) coordinating concurrent surface truth measurements and analysis of inherent and apparent water optical properties, and 5) analysis of hyperspectral data.

Other ongoing research that is relevant to NOAA's mission

Grant Title: Analysis of the inherent and apparent optical properties in Case 1 and Case 2 waters of the Caribbean Sea

Position: Principal Investigator

Date: July 1997 to June 2000

Funding Agency: NASA

Grant Title: The Mayaguez Bay marine ecosystem: Monitoring community response to a restoration initiative

Position: Co-Principal Investigator

Date: August 1996 to July 2001

Funding Agency: Private Industry

Grant Title: Effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves.

Position: Principal Investigator

Date: August 1995 to July 2000

Funding Agency: NASA

Grant Title: Solar Ultraviolet-B radiation and public health in Puerto Rico

Position: Co-Principal Investigator

Date: July 1997 to June 1999

Funding Agency: NASA

Grant Title: Remote sensing of mangrove canopy chemistry and phytoplankton biomass. Remote sensing component of the Tropical Atmospheric Sciences Center (TASC).

Position: Principal Investigator

Date: April 1994 to March 1999

Funding Agency: NASA/EPSCoR