Noel
Carrera-Yulfo

About

Noel H. Carrera-Yulfo is the Regional Coral Rescue Coordinator for Puerto Rico with Florida Sea Grant. He brings over six years of experience in coral reef science, restoration, and community engagement, alongside a robust academic background in marine science and a deep commitment to inclusive conservation. Noel previously served as a Coral Biologist with ISER Caribe, where he led coral and sea urchin aquaculture efforts, supervised restoration technicians, and conducted field assessments on reef conditions and outplant survivorship. He also held research positions with NOAA, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center—supporting projects that ranged from the impacts of Sargassum on reef health to coral disease monitoring and mangrove mapping. In his free time, he enjoys music, and hiking.

Noel Holds a B.A. in Bio-Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla and is completing a MSc in Biological Oceanography at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez.

Projects & Specialization

As the Regional Coral Rescue Coordinator for Puerto Rico, Noel 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. Noel serves as a liaison between local and federal partners to strengthen regional collaboration, identify resource and knowledge gaps, and advance coral conservation goals.
Noel works with Florida Sea Grant and NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program to protect and restore coral biodiversity across the region.