CARICOOS needs assessment: an opportunity to expand ocean-based observations, forecasts and services in the US Caribbean region.
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 28 July 2020
CARICOOS conducted a needs assessment survey among 206 coastal users in PR and the USVI to inform its 5-year Strategic Plan. Users prioritized tools for beach safety, sargassum alerts, and extreme weather. Next, CARICOOS will assess sargassum impacts.
Keywords: CARICOOS, needs assessment, coastal users, sargassum, beach safety, strategic plan, Puerto Rico, USVI
The Ocean Acidification Buoy is currently getting its annual maintenance.
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 8 September 2020
CARICOOS researchers recovered and maintained the ocean acidification buoy at Cayo Enrique, La Parguera. This NOAA-supported buoy monitors reef-related ocean chemistry changes to better understand impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Keywords: ocean acidification, CARICOOS, La Parguera, NOAA, buoy maintenance, coral reefs, coastal monitoring
SARGASSUM inundation, anoxia and increased acidification
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 18 September 2020
CARICOOS is studying how decomposing Sargassum near mangroves and reefs depletes oxygen and increases ocean acidification, threatening coral and shellfish growth. Early findings confirm persistent negative effects in affected waters.
Keywords: Sargassum, decomposition, ocean acidification, dissolved oxygen, CARICOOS, coral reefs, La Parguera
