The study of bioluminescence is a relatively new science, nowadays considered quite important for what it can contribute to other scientific fields — medicine and electronics, among others. But to the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust the study of bioluminescence is directed towards maintaining the pristine condition of our precious resource.

Although there are bioluminescent bodies of water in La Parguera and Fajardo (neither as spectacular as ours), Puerto Rico has never before  had a conference that focused on the theme of bioluminescence.

This year is the Trust’s 25th anniversary and we celebrated it by bringing together the foremost scientific and technical authoritiesi n the field from Puerto Rico and the United States for a two-day discussion of the subject of bioluminescence.

The symposium was held from October 9 -11 at the Multiple Use Center in Isabel Segunda, Vieques. The first two days were reserved for the conferences and a nighttime guided tour to Puerto Mosquito. On Sunday 11, attendees participated in open air activities such as, visiting interesting sites, kayaking, or snorkeling. Tour operators and various hotels and guest houses offered special rates for symposium attendees..

For more information  call 787 741-8850 or go to www.vcht.com

The symposium covered three main subjects –history, science and management- related to the conservation of bioluminescence in general and of course, Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in particular. The lectures were offered by a roster of stars:

United States experts -

Dr. Edith Widder – Founder Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of marine ecosystems and the species they sustain. Dr Widder is a 2006 MacArthur Fellow and a former Senior Scientist at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution

Dr. Michael Latz – Research Biologist and Senior Lecturer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego. Dr. Latz has been studying bioluminescence for over 25 years, as well as exploring practical applications for dinoflagellate bioluminescence.

Dr. Gary Machlis - Professor of Conservation at the University of Idaho, and Visiting Senior Scientist for the US National Park Service. He is an old-time friend of Puerto Mosquito and the VCHT.

Puerto Rican experts-

Dr. Juan González Lagoa – Retired Professor, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, he is a renowned field researcher and educator who has studied Puerto Mosquito and La Parguera bioluminescent bays for over 30 years.

Dr. Fernando Guilbes – Biological Oceanographer specialized in environmental remote sensing, bio-optical properties, and coastal studies, Professor, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

Dr. Miguel Sastre - Professor at UPR Humacao. Specializes in the effects of pollutants on marine and estuarine organisms and population dynamics of bioluminescent dinoflagellates in Puerto Rico coastal lagoons.

Dr. Fernando Abruña, FAIA – Professor at the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Architecture, expert on sustainable building in the Caribbean, designer of the non-polluting Absent House, that satisfies its energy and water needs using only the sun, wind and rain.

Puerto Rican Resource Managers

Elizabeth Padilla – Superintendent, Cabezas de San Juan Reserve in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Conservation Trust

Edgardo Belardo – Management Officer, DNER Puerto Mosquito Reserve, Vieques

Vieques resident experts

Mark Martin – The Trust’s marine expert and our resident Puerto Mosquito expert, he is working on a program to reduce the impacts of light pollution on the Bay and to name Puerto Mosquito a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Carmelo Rosa – A most knowledgeable old-timer Vieques fisherman. For decades since his youth, Don Carmelo has used Puerto Mosquito for fishing, as a hurricane hole and as a favorite place for recreation.