Every year, the Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) celebrates its General Assembly to inform their stakeholders about the progress of their projects, announce new tools available for the public and collect feedback from current users in order to improve them in the near future. The 2019 General Assembly was held on Friday May 24, 2019 at San Juan Yacht Club. More than 140 people attended the event. This year, the assembly was dedicated to Professor Aurelio Mercado-Irizarry for his remarkable achievements in physical oceanography and coastal hazards awareness. As part of the dedication ceremony, a video was shown to illustrate the long and successful career of Professor Mercado. It also included interviews from colleagues and students, which with great affection expressed their gratitude towards Professor Mercado and his contribution in their professional development. The audience was very pleased with the opening ceremony.
After the dedication, a series of oral presentations were offered to provide the public with updates on IOOS budget and policies, CARICOOS status and outlook and ocean acidification, given by Mr. Dave Easter, Prof. Julio Morell and Melissa Meléndez, PhD. Candidate, respectively. In addition, updates on coastal operations, the use of gliders to study hurricanes, remarks from the Dominican Republic observing system, CARICOOS in the Virgin Islands and Education and Outreach were offered. In fact, these presentations were offered by Dra. Patricia Chardón, Dr. Gustavo Goni, Eng. Pascual Prota, Mr. Roy Watlington and Mr. Ruperto Chaparro, respectively. Each of them brought interesting topics about the achievements and challenges they have faced and how the products they generate have not only improved maritime operations but they have saved lives and protected natural resources along the way. In between all these presentations, breaks were offered to give the public the opportunity to view the posters and exhibits and share ideas and comments with the researchers.
Pics by Efra
During 2018, CARICOOS worked on the improvement of its beach app, Pa’ la Playa. Pa’ la Playa has been a very successful tool among stakeholders and the general public. In fact, due to its success, users asked for more information to be included, such as services, facilities and recreational activities allowed. In response to this petition, Dra. Sylvia Rodríguez presented the updates to the app, to which the public was very pleased. During the assembly CARICOOS presented their second cellphone application, the CARICOOS Boating app. This boating app was designed under Dr. Miguel Canals leadership. As well as Pa’ la Playa, with this easy-to-use tool, CARICOOS aims to reach and engage new stakeholders and most important, promote boating safety.
Last but not least, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between CARICOOS Inc. and Organización Pro-Ambiente Sustentable (OPAS). CARICOOS Inc. was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Ruperto Chaparro and OPAS was represented by its Executive Director Ruz I. Deliz. The main purpose of this agreement is to establish a local partnership through which CARICOOS will deliver Blue Flag information on Pa’ la Playa and collaborate with OPAS through its multiple outreach and education programs.
The CARICOOS 2019 General Assembly was very successful. Certainly, the one-on-one feedback session, confirmed it. At the end of the assembly the public was very satisfied and eager to see what the 2020 CARICOOS General Assembly will bring.
