In late May, a record number of USVI personnel participated in CARICOOS’ Annual General Assembly in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They were treated to a rich program that offered progress reports, scientific presentations, poster sessions and excellent opportunities for making useful acquaintances and networking.

Participants represented a broad range of interests: some were simply interested residents while others were members of the CARICOOS Board of Directors, elected from the Virgin Islands.

UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies sent researchers and staff as well as students who work with OCOVI in the achievement of CARICOOS goals. And OCOVI was well represented by its own Board Members and staff.

The Assembly’s engaging agenda started with greetings and overviews from CARICOOS Board Chairman Ruperto Chaparro and Executive Director Julio Morell, who then led a timely tribute to retiring UPRM Professor Aurelio Mercado, the coastal hazards computing expert of note and long-time provider of valuable model outputs for the Virgin Islands. Dave Easter from NOAA’s program office for the national Integrated Ocean Observing System provided the broad national view of the System’s activities, successes and opportunities as well a glimpse at IOOS’ future beyond the current five-year funding cycle. Persons from several levels of CARICOOS, UPR, UVI and OCOVI operations were able to get to know each other and exchange essential information about their shared responsibilities to CARICOOS.