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Caribbean Coral Reef Institute Ceremony Showcases New NOAA Initiative and Facilities in Puerto Rico
At a ceremony at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (UPR-M) campus, held on March 15, 2007, the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR)-sponsored Caribbean Coral Reef Institute (CCRI) unveiled new research facilities and announced the launch of the recently awarded Deep Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies (DeepCRES) Atlantic program. DeepCRES focuses on the little-studied coral reefs found between 50 to 100 meters deep. To further highlight the contributions and partnerships with NOAA's National Undersea Research Program (NURP), the ceremony also commemorated the contribution of Hydrolab, NOAA's first underwater habitat, towards a better understanding of coral reefs of the Caribbean region. The event showcased NOAA's substantial involvement in the region and the cutting-edge research planned through DeepCRES. Participants in the ceremony included high level NOAA staff, local government, and academic officials. Speeches by Puerto Rico's Governor and the UPR-M Chancellor, as well as significant local media reports, demonstrated appreciation of NOAA's contribution to coral reef management in the Commonwealth. For more information, please contact Felix.Martinez@noaa.gov.
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