NOAA's Reporter's Coral Reef Tip Sheet
October 27, 1997 - Week 43

"TAKING ACTION FOR REEFS" conference in Puerto Rico

Scientists and policy makers will gather in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, November 6-8 to address areas of concern to the health of Caribbean reefs. Issues to be covered include oil, harbor access and vessel problems; community based ecological monitoring and educational outreach for aquatic environmental protection; sustainable tourism practices for island environments; and fisheries, marine reserves and marine protected areas.

The conference will aim to identify management options and establish action plans to set up protection projects in the Caribbean.

The Conference is beign sponsored by a wide range of organizations inlcuding the University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant College Program, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

For more information please contact:
Laura Cotte Emmanuelli
UPR Sea Grant College Program
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez Puerto Rico 00681
(787) 834-4726
l_cotte@rumac.upr.clu.edu

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF - DIVE FESTIVAL IN BONAIRE

At the International Year of the Reef Dive Festival, in Bonaire on November 1- 8, 1997, divers and snorkelers from around the globe will consider solutions to help preserve the earth's estimated one-million sq. km. of coral reefs.

Selected as host site for the Dive Festival, Bonaire (in the Dutch Caribbean) is one of the best known underwater environments in the world. The festival will feature numerous educational and recreational activities. Distinguished marine biologists, conservation organizations, environmental celebrities and the Bonaire Marine Park will direct a week of activities inlcuding a conservation monitoring program. Both Bonaire's international visitors and local community will be invited to participate in these programs and activities, all of which focus on how to conserve coral reefs and related ecosystems.

For more information contact:

Mr. Steve Colwell, organizer of the Dive Festival and Executive Director of CORAL, Phone: 510-848-0110.

Ms. Kalli de Meyer, Manager Bonaire Marine Park, Phone: 011-5997-8444.

Mr. Ronnie Pieters, Bonaire's Director of Tourism, Phone: 011-5997-8322.

Bonaire's Internet Site: http://www.interknowledge.com/bonaire/


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF , PLEASE CONTACT: