Noel Carrera is the Puerto Rico Coral Rescue Coordinator for Florida Sea Grant. provides leadership and coordination for coral rescue efforts across the U.S. Caribbean, with a focus on safeguarding rare and resilient coral species. He works in partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Rescue Coordinator to develop the U.S. Caribbean Coral Rescue Plan, which includes gene banking, propagation, and capacity-building strategies.
My participation in Coral Week USVI was aimed at strengthening partnerships in coral restoration in the US Caribbean, learning new educational and conservation strategies, and sharing best practices related to coral rescue efforts. This trip was aligned with Florida Sea Grant’s mission to foster collaborative, science-based marine conservation throughout the region.
All tours were offered free of charge to St. Thomas residents as part of an effort to engage the local community and raise awareness about coral reef conservation. During USVI Coral Week, support from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and funding from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program made it possible for residents to participate in a variety of immersive experiences. These included guided kayak tours, snorkel excursions, and visits to coral nurseries, offering a firsthand look at the ongoing efforts to restore and protect the region’s vibrant marine ecosystems. The initiative aimed to foster a deeper connection between the public and their surrounding natural resources, while highlighting the importance of coral reef stewardship in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Summary of Activities
Wednesday, April 16 – Mangrove & Coral Nursery Tours, Networking
- Mangrove Education Program at UVI Mangrove Lab:
I assisted Allie Durdall (GRROE USVI Mangroves Program Manager) and Alex Fireman (National Coral Reef Management Fellow) in leading educational tours for school groups from St. John. Students named mangrove propagules, planted them in seedling trays, and learned about the ecological importance of mangroves in coastal protection, biodiversity, and water quality. We facilitated an interactive “ID Bingo” activity where students worked in teams to identify native flora and fauna around Brewer’s Bay. - Reef Response Coral Nursery Tours:
I supported Dr. Marilyn Brandt and the team from Reef Response during guided tours of their coral nursery operations. Visitors were introduced to coral propagation techniques, including microfragmentation, coral outplanting strategies, and disease management approaches. - Networking with BIMs and VIMS:
I participated in a networking event hosted by Black in Marine Science (BIMs) at The Tuck Stop in downtown St. Thomas, where I built connections with marine scientists and practitioners across the Virgin Islands. I also initiated collaborative conversations with representatives from the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMS) to explore opportunities for joint outreach and conservation programs.
Thursday, April 17 – Cas Cay Kayak Ecotour
I joined a guided kayak tour to Cas Cay, an important ecological site in the mangrove lagoon of St. Thomas. This experience, offered by VI Eco Tours, provided insight into the unique coastal ecosystems of the USVI, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Guides emphasized ecosystem services, threats to coastal habitats, and community-based conservation efforts.
Friday, April 18 – Coral Outreach with Ocean Surfari
I supported Lindsay Metz from DPNR and Clara O’keefe from CWORI (Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative) on an Ocean Surfari eco-tour, which included stops at Christmas Cove and Lobango Cays. During this tour, I gave a short presentation on coral biology, focusing on how corals function, their role in reef ecosystems, and the process of coral fragmentation for restoration. I also assisted in supervising participants during snorkeling and educational activities.
Outcomes & Impact
* Strengthened inter-island partnerships for coral rescue coordination.
*Gained practical knowledge from USVI coral nursery and mangrove education programs.
*Delivered educational content to diverse audiences including youth, tourists, and restoration practitioners.
*Initiated cross-territory collaborations with groups such as BIMs, VIMS, and Reef Response, which may lead to future collaborations.
