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Puerto Rico Cruise Day 3
Vieques’ Military Past
Isla Vieques (seven miles southeast of mainland Puerto Rico) was formerly used by the United States Navy for naval gunfire support and air-to-ground ordnance training since the early 1940s. Beginning in 2001, the Navy turned over land on the western end of Isla Vieques to the Municipality of Vieques, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. On May 1, 2003, the Navy ceased all military operations on the island and transferred its property on the eastern side of the island to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the land was designated as a wildlife refuge.
The Navy is currently investigating areas it previously occupied to determine the extent of any potential contamination. NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (ORR) is assisting the Navy with the assessment of contamination, identification of risks to the environment, and development of cost-effective strategies for assessment, cleanup, and restoration of natural resources. It just so happens that two ORR personnel are participating on our cruise. Learn more about ORR’s work in Vieques.
Photo: Amy V. Uhrin
During our fish and habitat surveys, we’ve been keeping an eye out for one fish in particular, the white grunt (Haemulonplumierii). One of our fellow scientists at CCFHR is examining white grunt populations from the southeast and Caribbean for genetic similarities. Where and when possible, we were asked to retrieve 30 white grunt specimens from our study areas. Today our spear fishing experts hunted down six fish! The fish were transported to the lab, measured, and a small (~ 1 gram) sample of muscle tissue extracted.
Nancy Foster's Executive Officer, Dave Score, hunting for the elusive white grunt. Photo by Amy V. Uhrin |
Scientist Sean Meehan taking aim with a spear gun. Photo: Amy V. Uhrin |
a white grunt he collected earlier in the day.
Photo: Amy V. Uhrin