USVI Public Records

Document text

VI-EPSCoR ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Award number: 1946412 Title: RII Track-1: Ridge to Reef: Processes and Interdependent Drivers of Small Island Resilience Awardee Institution: University of the Virgin Islands PI: Kim Waddell, Principal Investigator Richard Nemeth, Co-Principal Investigator Tyler Smith, Co-Principal Investigator Award Start Date: 07/01/2020 Report Submission Date: 05/19/2023 Reporting Period Dates: 07/01/2021 – 06/30/2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Heading /Project Identification.........................................................................................................................................1 2. Overview....................................................................................................................................................................3 – 8 3. Research Program...................................................................................................................................................8 – 29 4. Education and Workforce Development.................................................................................................................29 – 37 5. Emerging Areas and Seed Funding.......................................................................................................................37 – 40 6. Research Support..................................................................................................................................................41 – 42 7. Broadening Participation................................................................................................................................................42 8. Partnerships and Collaborations....................................................................................................................................42 9. Communication and Dissemination........................................................................................................................42 – 43 10. Sustainability........................................................................................................................................................43 – 44 11. Management, Evaluation and Assessment..................................................................................................................44 12. Expenditures and Unobligated Funds..........................................................................................................................44 13. Special Conditions ..............................................................................................................................................45 – 46 A. Jurisdiction-Specific Programmatic Terms and Conditions (required for Years 1-5)..................................45 – 46 B. Recommendations of the Reverse Site Visit (required for Years 3-5)................................................................46 C. Recommendations of the Site Visit (required for Years 4-5)..............................................................................46 D. Other Required Actions (if any)..........................................................................................................................46 14. Tabular/Graphic Representation of Progress to Date..........................................................................................47 – 76 2. OVERVIEW The Ridge to Reef (R2R) project derives its title from our efforts to take a detailed look at the land-based inputs that can originate along the islands’ ridges and stream beds that, following rain events, flow down the hillsides and enter the marine environment. These inputs from the land include sediments, debris, organic wastes from animals and septic tanks leaks, and complex hydrocarbons and heavy metals- all which can enter our mangrove forests, rocky coastlines, and beaches and eventually into the offshore seagrass beds and coral ecosystems. While studying the content and frequency of these run-off events, the R2R teams also seek to understand the other impacts of the changing environmental condi- tions on our small islands’ social and ecological systems. The ability of our coastal and marine resources to resist and recover from disruptions and activities is key to their long- term resilience. Understanding these disruptions (the drivers of change) is the overarching focus of the R2R project. The R2R teams will advance our understanding of the various factors including those exacerbated by climate change that drive environmental degradation, decrease resistance to disturbance, and reduce the resilience of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. To help counter the impacts of these disruptions, we are also developing and implementing science-based ecological restoration approaches that emphasize biodiversity. These approaches will complement ongoing ecosystem studies that in turn will inform the best available management strategies to increase the resilience of marine and coastal habitats. The Ridge to Reef project will also work to develop the next generation of Islanders who can ensure a resilient future for the Territory’s natural resources – a key element for sustaining our tourism-based economy here in the Caribbe- an in the years ahead. THE VISION of R2R is to improve understanding of the drivers, processes, interdependencies, and consequences of eco- logical change driven by natural and anthropogenic disruptions in Caribbean coastal and marine ecosystems. THE MISSION of the project is to advance science-informed knowledge that guides managers, researchers, and com- munities to manage the natural resources of the Territory more effectively while we adapt and respond to the impacts of climate change. The R2R Project has made significant progress in Year 3 as people and opportunities emerged from assorted pandem- ic-related restrictions and impacts across UVI and the Territory. Nonetheless, there are lingering effects from the pandemic that continue to impact the R2R project, most notably the chronically delayed reopening of UVI’s McLean Marine Science Center- home to our colleagues in the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES). The rebuilt Center is nearly completed, and we have assurances from the architect that the research labs and facilities – which will be located on the first floor- will be ready for moving in by researchers and students in July 2023. Given the extent and scale of the tempo- rary facilities (seawater tables and tanks, nurseries, etc.), it is anticipated that the transition of experiments and transfer of plants and animals will take 4-6 weeks in the late summer of 2023. The other major facility, the CMES Annex, which is home to the Environmental Analysis Lab (EAL), reopened early this year and some R2R colleagues are now in new offices. The EAL is fully operational and supporting the R2R research teams as well as other university and government clients. UVI has returned to full-time in-person classes and labs beginning in the summer of 2022. However, undergrad- uate enrollment is 20% below pre-Covid numbers, which has created financial strain on the University that in turn limits their capacity to grow and meet current administrative and fiscal challenges. The R2R component teams were remarkably productive and managed to address many of their Year 3 goals and objec- tives. Researchers accelerated some of their field research efforts to compensate for the time lost in Year 2 due to the pandemic restrictions. As we approach the end of Year 3, our researchers are well along with their research as circumstances permit (some research is delayed due to the reconstruction delays to our research facilities). Others have accelerated their R2R efforts by leveraging their research and capacity building through successful non-EPSCoR- related funding and partnerships. The R2R team continues to submit proposals and publications that will increase their impact and relevance here in the Territory. The Impacts of the R2R Project One of the stark realities facing our planet is that we are in the midst of the Anthropocene – a period, or epoch, where humans are primary cause of permanent planetary change. Some argue that humans are currently creating more change than all of Nature. While impossible to prove and perhaps represents a more of an ethical or philosophical construct, we can cer-tainly say that environmental change –from local to global- is happening at an increasingly rapid pace with consequences rife with uncertainty. Many scientists and educators today are realizing that they have an opportunity or even a sense of responsibility to help identify these changes and work to mitigate their impacts. That is what the R2R teams are working to accomplish here in the USVI, as well as recruit and train the next generation of scientists and educators – who will be tasked with managing the natural resources of the Territory as well as working to sustain the quality of life here in America’s Caribbean. The R2R project is quite interdisciplinary in design and scope, so many disciplines and approaches are being used across our research and educational projects. That said, the marine and environmental sciences are the predominant areas of focus for our research, and STEM education (and how to broaden participation in STEM) is the primary focus on the outreach side. One of the convenient characteristics of living and working on small islands is that the linkages between cause and effect of environmental problems are routinely simpler to connect... and therefore easier to communicate and learn from, as part of our efforts to increase environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship among the Territory’s citizens. One of the more obvious examples explored in our R2R project is the relationship between land use practices and near- shore/offshore pollution that does damage to our renowned coral reefs and nearshore habitats. After heavy rain events, our ephemeral stream beds fill with brown, sediment-laden water that rush down the steep hillsides and flow through coastal mangrove forests, salt ponds, and beaches to then drain into our usually crystal-clear turquoise sea waters- cre- ating sediment plumes that are visible from many vantage points around the islands. Heavy rain events on Caribbean islands are certainly not recent phenomena- but due to land development on both hillsides and along our coasts, the im- pacts have increased in severity. For example, our mangrove forests that historically capture and retain sediments have been reduced in distribution or cleared for development purposes that include construction of boat docks, hotels, roads, and homes- thus reducing their ability to filter and trap sediments as one of the key ecosystem services that these forests provide. At the same time, development on the hillsides has cleared vegetation that could mitigate or prevent rain-driv- en erosion by holding soils in place with their roots and leaves that shield exposed soils from gouging hard rains. The building of roads and other impervious surfaces on the hillsides channel rainwater to the degree that modest rain events now routinely cause coastal flooding in many low-lying communities, many of which are modest or low income, thus exacerbating environmental inequities here in the Territory. The local land-based inputs like the sediments, excess nutrients from agriculture and septic systems, and debris that enter the coastal and marine ecosystems impact our marine resources- most notably our coral reefs and fisheries. Long term ecological monitoring of the coral reefs generates data on their health and biodiversity which in turn provides base- line information that allows our researchers to measure rates and intensity of the more recent impacts from local as well as global stressors associated with climate change (e.g., sea level rise and sea surface temperatures). These stressors are collectively challenging the resilience and function of the Territory’s natural resources, and the R2R project teams are characterizing these impacts and developing mitigation strategies using the best available science. Specifically, our researchers are identifying and characterizing the sources of sediment fluxes and their downstream im- pacts in local watersheds. Other researchers are mapping our mangrove forests and identifying the stressors that influ- ence their health and function, while also field-testing restoration methods that enhance seedling success when coastal sites are replanted. In the nearshore habitats researchers are exploring the impacts of sediments in native and invasive seagrass beds on marine faunal species composition and habitat utilization. Additional assessments of coral reef habitats, focusing on how natural and anthropogenic stressors might impact herbivorous parrotfish species composition and ecolo- gy. Yet other researchers are examining the interactions between coral disease, diversity, and water quality, with the goal of discerning how these variables influence resilience (the ability to resist change due to the tolerance of the constituent organisms) over time. Research is also advancing coral restoration efforts while also identifying genotype and phenotypes of corals that are adapted for predicted environmental conditions of the future. This collection of research efforts is just one component of the R2R project. To be applied to potential strategies and solutions designed to mitigate environmental challenges, data and insights derived from our environmental research must be communicated and shared with decision-makers, citizens, and young people through formal and informal learning settings. In the formal learning arena, the R2R researchers and educators are targeting K-12 STEM teachers who benefit from our programs in professional development, place-based learning, mentoring and co-developed curriculum content derived from R2R research outputs adapted for K-12 students. At the same time, our informal learning team has devel- oped very effective outreach tools that they bring to summer camps, after-school programs, and public events like agricul- tural festivals- efforts that are leveraged through partnerships with local children’s museums, community foundations, and environmental NGOs. Through training programs for teachers and new faculty, the R2R education and workforce develop- ment teams are working to improve the STEM education and research infrastructure for students and faculty alike that, in turn, increases STEM career interests, skills and retention. These are foundational elements for recruiting and preparing the workforce needed to meet the Territory’s environmental and natural resource challenges of today and tomorrow. Summary of Key Accomplishments Achieved During the Reporting Period Watershed Monitoring and Land Use After 20+ months of drought, the Territory was finally “blessed” with heavy rain from two tropical storm events that allowed the watershed team to initiate extensive water sampling campaigns that targeted suspended nutrients and sediments along the entire “ridge to reef” profile. The rain also generated detailed stream stage data, streamflow velocity measure- ments, weather data, streambank soil moisture data, and passive suspended sediment sampling. This collection of data is being used to inform further modeling to generate predictions about the runoff behavior of these watersheds in other land use and weather scenarios. This represents a major advance in our understanding of watershed dynamics in the VI and has spurred multiple collaboration opportunities for data sharing with other research themes focused on marine areas. On other fronts, the team has made advances describing the impact of various land use practices on fluxes of sediment pollution from ridge to reef. A manuscript is currently in press describing an island-wide sampling campaign in St. Croix to determine the impact of upstream land uses on chemical contamination of streambed sediments. The team’s MMES stu- dent, R. Stryker, successfully defended his thesis where he illustrated the relative conservation potential of various fast- establishment conservation buffer strips against runoff scenarios. In the team’s agricultural research areas, they tested the hydrological effect of living and organic ground covers on runoff and soil moisture retention in plantain and their results are being prepared for peer-reviewed publication. They also have a new study characterizing the relative hydrological differenc-es between a natural forest land cover and a breadfruit orchard production system. Mangrove Ecosystem Function, Recovery and Restoration The Mangrove Team made significant advances in our understanding of mangrove distribution past and presents as well as advance restoration opportunities, while also continuing to share USVI mangrove research with stakeholders and pro- viding opportunities for new partnerships. The Wilson Grimes team's key accomplishments include completion of a second year of field surveys of 19 mangrove forests across the territory and preliminary analyses of data started and shared; maintenance of the land-based nursery; experimentation and learning from nursery experiments; collection of mangrove social science data; engagement of the USVI community in mangrove restoration visioning and creation of a site-specific restoration potential index; and training and mentoring of Charlotte Amalie High School students and UVI undergraduate & graduate students on this theme’s research and restoration goals. Y3 was a very successful year for community engagement- nearly 1500 people participated in mangrove education and outreach and citizen science activities. In Year 3, this team had 1 peer-reviewed journal article published at the time of this report and 1 more that is in- review. Emerging Areas: Seagrass Ecology and Beach Dynamics Edwin Cruz Rivera’s seagrass research team completed testing the palatability of the invasive seagrass Halophila stip- ulacea against native seagrasses as a direct test of the “enemy release hypothesis” and assessed how seagrass bed composition related to predation risk of invertebrates and their diversity within seagrass meadows of different types. For their Sargassum-related research, the team was able to elucidate the genetic markers needed to assess genetic diversity of beached algae driving golden tides. Methods testing how golden tides affect water quality were also developed and preliminary sampling was undertaken. Paul Jobsis and his colleagues are being recognized for their successes in tracking marine fauna at their field site in Brewers Bay using the fine-scale positioning system supported by VI-EPSCoR . The team presented their research at the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium held in Cartagena, Colombia (April 2023). All the tracked sea turtles and crabs are showing high residency within the bay, thereby providing large amounts of data for analysis. Benthic habitat maps have been made of the seagrass meadows in the areas frequented by green sea turtles and the team has seen only small changes over 6 months. A resource selection analysis revealed strong selection for native seagrasses, extremely small nighttime home range, and some individual variation in resource selection. Four master student thesis projects are utiliz- ing the Brewers Bay FPS array, with the first student (T. Brunson) successfully defending their thesis in May 2023. Greg Guannel and his beach dynamics team finalized the assessment of coastal systems in the USVI, with special em- phasis on coastal development trends and their potential impacts on coastal hydrodynamics. They now have developed the first ever comprehensive characterization of coastal features in the USVI. They also developed a vulnerability index for coastal regions based on their exposure to storm surge, waves, and sea-level rise. The analysis also includes estimates of long-term shoreline change for various beaches. The results of these efforts are captured in a report submitted to the USVI Coastal Zone Management department titled “USVI Coastal Vulnerability Index”. Fish Ecology and Herbivory The Nemeth team had a successful and productive Y3, where they were able to test the hypothesis that major bleaching/ disease events (i.e., 2005 and 2010) and sedimentation from land development lead to changes in parrotfish abundance and diversity by using benthic cover and fish abundance and diversity. The team used data from the Terri-torial Coral Reef Monitoring Program as well as sedimentation data collected over the past two decades. The effects of sedimentation on parrotfish populations showed that Scarus species biomass declined steadily with increasing sediment load, whereas Sparisoma biomass showed a temporary increase at low sediment flux but then declined as sediment flux continued to increase. This work is being drafted as a manuscript for publication. In their investigation of how benthic characteristics affect feeding and reproduction of parrotfish, they found that western sites had significantly higher weight of marine and terrigenous sediment, but the ratios were similar, with both sides show- ing 49% terrigenous and 51% marine carbonate sediments. Benthic algal composition at the sites revealed that average percent cover of brown macroalgae was significantly greater in the West compared to the East, while average turf algae percent cover was significantly greater in the East compared to the West. Yellowtail parrotfish feeding rates were sig- nificantly higher on turf at eastern sites (lower sediment, higher turf algae) compared to western sites (higher sediment, higher macro algae). The team believes that higher sediment loads adjacent to land development may be affecting both benthic algal composition and reducing parrotfish feeding rates on turf algae due to sediment-laden turf. The team also completed their first year of acoustic data collection in Reef Bay in October 2022. In addition to behavioral feeding observations, they collected 50 parrotfish in April, August and November 2022 to examine diet among sites and seasons using metabarcoding. Their collaborators in Puerto Rico are analyzing these data and will have results soon. All the acoustic receivers at their sites were downloaded, and data is being analyzed to examine the effects of benthic algal composition, sedimentation and parrotfish feeding rates on parrotfish spawning site visitation rates and duration. Analysis of the data showed significantly higher visitation rates and duration for fish at eastern spawning site compared to the western site. However, they did not find an effect of total sediment or composition of turf or macro algae on spawning site visitation or duration. Their research examining the role of ocean and environmental variables on parrotfish reproduction found that water tem- perature and salinity decreased and increased visitation rates, respectively, at the western spawning site only. Alternative- ly, spawning site duration is affected positively by increases in water temperature and negatively by increases in salinity. MMES students have also processed all gonads from female fish to examine fecundity and egg size among varying levels of sedimentation and benthic algal composition. The deployment of a Nortek Acoustic Doppler current profiler, or ADCP at each fish spawning aggregation site in Reef Bay began in Y2 has resulted in 4 additional data downloads in Y3. The Nemeth team is working with Nortek engineers and Mr. Doug Wilson to examine and interpret the complex echosounder dataset, which will provide a novel approach to measure reproductive output of parrotfish by tracking fish eggs released from each spawning site. Oceanography The Oceanography team is on schedule and new external funding is increasing capabilities. The US Caribbean Regional Ocean Model (USCROMS) has resulted in two publications and will be a key tool for multiple lines of research soon (e.g., fish egg dispersal, connectivity and biodiversity, marine resilience). The team, in collaboration with Louisiana State University, have made improvements to model bathymetry by running models on the external computer clusters at LSU, resulting in very high vertical resolution models that can now capture dynamics of the USVI shelf and open ocean ocean- ographic properties. New ADCPs have been deployed and are capturing small scale ocean dynamics at parrotfish spawn- ing aggregations and coral restoration sites. Synergistic activities have resulted in a successful proposal to the NSF Major Research Infrastructure program to acquire two ocean gliders that can record oceanographic processes in near real-time across the shelf and open ocean waters of the USVI, a major advancement of capabilities in the territory. Coral Disease and Restoration The Brandt and R. Smith teams have been very successful in reaching or exceeding milestones. Progress has been made toward the goal of determining how local (e.g., nutrients, turbidity) and global (e.g., temperature stress) stressors drive disease dynamics. In Y3, the effect of thermal stress on coral disease transmission was tested, analyzed, and sum- marized in a masters’ thesis. A project examining the relationship between diseased Acroporid corals and water quality at seven sites across the northern U.S. Virgin Islands was completed as part of another thesis project. Two of Brandt’s grad- uate students presented combined water quality sampling data from both of their projects in a joint poster at the annual VI EPSCoR conference in October 2022. Under the Restoration area, Brandt and R. Smith have also been highly successful in accomplishing their objectives either on or ahead of schedule. They were able to expand capacity for restoration ecology research in the U.S. Virgin Islands with funding from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation which includes funds to construct a contain-er-based coral propagation laboratory. These container units will significantly increase the capacity for coral restoration research by allowing the testing and integration of sexual propagation methods. The study to determine how coral diversity affects the success of coral outplanting was initiated in early 2022 and is on- going. Preliminary results of the project were presented at the recent International Coral Reef Symposium. A field-based experiment to test the success of outplanting corals among different water quality environments was initiated and complet- ed as part of an MMES that was completed in January 2023. Coral Reef Resilience The T. Smith Resilience research team has made progress in preparing for a multi-researcher workshop to finalize anal- yses and outputs. This workshop is about one year behind the planned schedule because of the constraints and conse- quences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hire of a new postdoctoral fellow (April 2023) will accelerate the synthesis of site-specific data on potential biophysical internal and external drivers of reef resilience which has been ongoing and is resulting in data sets, thesis components, and manuscripts in preparation. The Marine Resilience research theme has engaged five underrepresented minorities through participation of Master’s students in research. Education and Workforce Development The EWFD team is tasked with building structures of change for improving the STEM Workforce pathways through 1) Teacher PD (Professional Development), 2) Undergraduate Enrichment and Mentoring, and 3) Early-Career Support for STEM professionals. In Year 3, the EWFD team met all but two of their specified goals and objectives despite limitations to in-person activities due to COVID-19 restrictions – which was possible with extensive collaborations and partnerships. The Teacher Professional Development (PD) component planned and hosted the 2022 VI STEM Institute, where nearly 90 teachers were specifically trained to use Micro:bits, Chibitronics, and Finch Robots. During the academic year, the STEM Institute facilitated multiple Teacher Talk Fridays and virtual training courses as part of their continued profes-sional development opportunities for practicing and prospective STEM educators. The VI STEM Institute also hosted the TechKnowledge for Teachers workshop for STEM educators in October on St. Croix and in December on St. Thomas in partnership with the Infosys Foundation USA, Georgia Tech College of Computing, and CSTA. The training included ways to connect computer science into the curriculum and training with the Finch Robot, Micro:bits, and MakeCode Arcade. In Spring 2023, the VI STEM Institute hosted one additional Teacher Talk Friday on self-care plans and two virtual training courses on Desmos and empowering students to live well. The teacher PD component facilitated over 4000 teacher hours of professional development. The Teacher PD team disseminated research results at the NAAAS Annual Conference [student presenter], NSF EPSCoR National Conference, and NSF EPSCoR EOD Conference. The Mentoring and Research Infrastructure (MRI) team practicum supports K12 teachers working on their Project- based Learning (PBL) focused on agriculture for implementation in K12 education. The UVI Voices of Women in STEM (VOWS) Writing Sessions were held weekly during the semesters of Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and scheduled again for the Summer 2023. The MRI team conducted 9 professional workshops from Summer 2022 to Spring 2023 including one workshop for mentors, two workshops for graduate students, and six workshops for undergraduate students on individual development planning, career planning, abstract writing, and resume and CV writing. In collaboration with the US Department of Education Title III Program and the College of Science and Mathematics, MRI assisted in the development of new course (BIO/CHE 250 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science), for the newly developed Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science. In Spring of 2023, 3 junior faculty in STEM disciplines applied for the educational research mini-grant (ERMG) funding to conduct and expand educational research on the UVI Campus. The MRI team disseminated research results at the PKAL (Project Kaleidoscope) Regional Network Conference in Massachusetts and North Carolina, NSF EPSCoR EOD Confer-ence, and the IHSES (International Conference on Humanities, Social and Education Sciences) 2023. The Undergraduate Education Research team ER developed in Y3 a stronger first-year experience model through the resilience-themed experiential learning (RTEL) projects. While plans for the second-tier intervention (resilience leaders program) continued to be explored, in light of the impacts that the Covid pandemic had on incoming freshmen (maturity/ skill levels, etc.) over the past two years here at UVI, the UER team felt these high-risk, struggling first-year students needed additional attention and support through a revamped first-year experience model in the courses led by M. Guannel (SCI 100) and M. Perry (SSC 100). Informal Learning With the addition of a Community Engagement Specialist for St. Croix, the IL team has been successful in increasing its reach and impact throughout the Territory. Over 2000 Virgin Islanders have engaged in activities hosted or attended by the Informal Learning component. This is the highest number of engagements per year since the beginning of the Ridge to Reef grant. The number of schools and educators reached has also increased with the addition of schools from both districts. These efforts were facilitated with new and stronger partnerships like with the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service. This year has also seen the reintroduction of the popular “STEM Saturdays’’ which provides the public with the opportunity to interact with R2R researchers. While many of the popular R2R themes (Coral Reef Ecology, Mangrove Restoration, Sea Turtle research etc.) continue to be focal points for community engagement and outreach, the IL team invested into other disciplines related to the current project. Themes and concepts such as Watershed Ecology, Agricultural Land Use, Oceanography, Sustainability, Acoustic Telemetry and Shoreline Erosion. IL’s efforts in promoting Geosciences to K-12 students engaged over 1000 students in Y3 through the two Ocean explorer programs, which included the opportunity to learn to scuba dive. Larger-scale engagements such as the “Annual BioBlitz” hosted by the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) has seen engagement numbers upwards of 500 3rd-6th grade students. Work with early teens integrated VR technology experiences. The Environmental Learning Outside the Class- room (ELOC) program engaged over 80 students in St. Thomas and St. John. Communication and Dissemination The Communication team’s efforts in Year 3 focused on informing the community about the R2R Project and its ac- complishments and, on supporting the research team in their communication efforts. One of the ways that goal is being achieved is through continued refinements and updates to the VI-EPSCoR website and a new video “Searching for Sea Turtles in Carriaçou, Grenada”, which was posted to VI-EPSCoR’s YouTube channel and shared widely on social media. In addition, the communication team presented a talk at the EPSCoR Education, Outreach and Diversity conference and at the VI-EPSCoR Annual Conference. 3. RESEARCH PROGRAM Project Outcomes Report Intellectual Merit The “Ridge to Reef” (R2R) project is focused on understanding and quantifying the factors that drive habitat degradation but also enhance species resilience across a broad spectrum of tropical coastal habitats. Healthy coastal and coral reef ecosystems are essential components of the tourism-driven economy in the US Virgin Islands but also critical to sustain- ing robust social-ecological systems including non-tourism livelihoods and the general wellbeing of its population. Previ- ous research including earlier NSF-EPSCoR Track 1 projects have shown that the USVI’s coral reefs and associated habi- tats are becoming increasingly more vulnerable to stress drivers such as oceanographic-climatic perturbations. Human activities on land and water, such as land-based sedimentation or coastal development often magnify the negative effects of natural disturbances such as ocean warming events, more severe droughts and hurricanes of increasing intensity and frequency. The ability of tropical marine and terrestrial ecosystems to resist and recover from disturbance is key to their resilience. VI-EPSCoR projects are synthesizing knowledge and examining linkages that drive degradation, decrease resistance to disturbance, and reduce the resilience of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. Science-based ecological restoration tech- niques of coral reefs and mangrove forests that emphasize biological diversity, disease resistance and other traits are being implemented to inform management strategies. Researchers are studying the linkages between watershed pro- cesses and erosion on marine sedimentation and benthic composition and their effects on herbivorous fishes’ feeding and reproductive rates. Biophysical field trials and models are examining how changes in coral and seagrass habitats influence beach erosion and determine climate-induced processes like Sargassum golden tides, and the resulting impact on physical infrastructure and livelihoods. The R2R project is also building momentum in integrating research in education with science-based projects which will be key for guiding the next generation of Virgin Islanders to a more resilient so- cial-ecological system. Collectively, this project incorporates research, education, and community engagement and highlight the multidisciplinary approaches needed to inform small Caribbean Island communities and their decision makers of the environmental threats that range from local - such as poor land use practices- to global - such as increased sea level rise and coral disease incidence exacerbated by warmer ocean waters. SYNOPSIS: Watershed and Land Use Research Lead: David Hensley During Year 3 of this project, major advances were accomplished with the objectives of the Watershed and Land Use research theme. Intense drought conditions over the summer of 2022 were suddenly relieved by the arrival of heavy rains associated with Tropical Storms Fiona and Nicole, with other heavy rainfall in between these events. Overall, this rainy period represented the highest surface water fluxes observed since the start of the R2R project, and full efforts were made to quantify the flux of water, sediment, and nutrients through the two study watersheds by our team, as well as in other watersheds in the Virgin Islands as opportunities permitted. Water sampling campaigns for suspended nutrients and sediments along the entire “ridge to reef” profile, detailed stream stage data, streamflow velocity measurements, weather data, streambank soil moisture data, passive suspended sediment sampling, salinity monitoring, and a time lapse beach camera were all employed successfully during this rainy period to fully document the hydrological dynamics and fluxes of pollutants toward the marine zone through the stream channel. This data will inform further modeling to generate pre- dictions about the runoff behavior of these watersheds in other land use and weather scenarios- representing a major advance in our understanding of watershed dynamics in the VI and offering multiple collaboration opportunities for data sharing with other research themes focused on marine areas. Further progress was made in experimentation to describe the impact of various land use practices on fluxes of sedi- ment pollution from ridge to reef. A manuscript is currently in press describing an island-wide sampling campaign in St. Croix to determine the impact of upstream land uses on chemical contamination of streambed sediments. A successfully defended (May 2023) MMES student thesis by R. Stryker illustrated the relative conservation potential of various fast-es- tablishment conversion buffer strips against runoff scenarios. An experiment testing the hydrological effect of living and organic ground covers on runoff and soil moisture retention in plantain was concluded and the results are being prepared for peer-reviewed publication. Finally, an ongoing study of the relative hydrological differences between a natural forest land cover and a breadfruit orchard production system is being developed for presentation at a regional conference and subsequently will be developed for future publication and further modeling. The Watershed and Land Use research theme continued its efforts in public impact and community relationship during Year 3. Approximately 50 students were engaged during presentations, events, tours, and site visits throughout the ter- ritory, with an estimated 150 members of the public engaged on the topic of soil conservation practices for home-based landscapes. Stakeholders directly invested in Watershed and Land Use studies and projects remain engaged, including farmers, groups of residents in study watersheds, several VI government agencies (principally Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture) and federal partners (including National Park Service and US Geological Survey). Three UVI students have been directly mentored within the Watershed and Land Use research theme during year 3, comprising two graduate students and one undergraduate student. Research has been presented at four conferences and symposia, and several manuscripts are in development. Immediate plans for the future in this research area are focused on continued data analysis, data sharing and collaboration with other research themes, expansion of the monitoring network to other watersheds, and the use of watershed models to add explanatory power to the field datasets already produced by this project. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Watershed and Land Use Goal WL1: Identify sediment flux sources via sediment fingerprinting, and nutrient flux and microbial flux monitoring to characterize the role of runoff in two Virgin Islands watersheds. The Watershed and Land Use research area comprised three overall goals. The first goal (WL1), was to monitor pollutant fluxes (especially sediment and nutrients) through Virgin Islands watersheds, focused on the watersheds of Salt River Bay (St. Croix) and Fish Bay (St. John). Major progress in many areas was made in this goal during Year 3. The 2022 rainy season in the Virgin Islands witnessed abnormally heavy precipitation, being initiated by rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Fiona (September), which produced flash flooding throughout the territory. The Watershed and Land Use team, pur- suant to Goal WL1, successfully used protocols and monitoring equipment established during Years 1 and 2 of this project to quantify the flux of water, suspended sediment, and nutrients downstream in the study watersheds. In Fish Bay, St. John, a “ridge to reef” sampling campaign was undertaken two days after the passing of the major activity of Tropical Storm Fiona. Beginning in the upper reaches of the watershed, the team proceeded downstream on foot, to collect water quality samples from successively lower reaches of the stream channel and detect any spatial gradient of water quality (suspended sediments and nutrient concentrations) along the ridge to reef profile. This sampling included water from the brackish pool at the mouth of Fish Bay Gut (the stream channel of this watershed), which was observed discharging into the bay. A trail camera, set up to capture time lapse imagery of the mouth of the gut, had been set up over the summer of 2022 and was able to capture the breakage of the sand berm that indicated the time of first discharge from land to sea. During and immediately following the major rainfall of Fiona (September 18, 2022), water sampling was undertaken at all established monitoring sites in Salt River Bay watershed, and both upstream and downstream sites to characterize the connectivity of this watershed (which is bisected by a flood control structure with previously unknown hydrological impli- cations for the watershed). Because field observations indicated the likelihood that freshwater was discharging through the wetland zone at the mouth of this watershed and into the salt water bay, a salinity meter purchased for the project was deployed in the mangrove system nearest the mouth of the stream in the days following the storm’s passing along a transect from the inner to outer part of the bay, in order to detect any decrease in salinity of the waters owing to the dis- charge of fresh water to the bay. Salinity data along this transect did not apparently change from normal saline conditions, possibly because of rapid mixing caused by wave action from the storm, though small abnormal plumes of sediment and organic matter were observed in the inner part of the mangrove system nearest the stream mouth. A Secchi disk was also used also on the transect through bay to identify any spatial structure related to the storm event, and water samples were taken for nutrient analysis along this transect as well. These data are still under analysis. To enhance local capacity in water quality monitoring, a benchtop spectrophotometer technique using consumable re- agents was used to colorimetrically analyze water samples for ammonium, nitrate/nitrite, total nitrogen, phosphate, and total phosphorous in UVI laboratories in St. Croix. Selected subsamples were also sent to labs outside the territory (Ches- apeake Biological Laboratory) to compare values generated by this process — phosphorous values did not show good agreement with the colorimetric method, and the potential cause of this is currently being investigated. Overall, results from nutrient sampling indicate nutrient levels typical of those in forested catchments, possibly indicative of a relatively buffered system against non-point nutrient flux — an important potential finding if borne out by further analysis in later years of this project. Further water quality monitoring was also carried out during this year to better characterize the connectivity of water flux associated with the rainy season of 2022. As mentioned above, a salinity meter was deployed to quantify the flux of fresh- water to saline systems. At Fish Bay, the normally brackish pond at the stream mouth was confirmed as having freshwater salinity levels during and for an extended period after the rain events. This confirmed the presence of base flow even once surface connectivity in the gut has ceased according to water level data. Monitoring is ongoing to identify the temporal pattern of subsequent increasing salinity during the dry season. Additionally, salinity measurements were made of flowing stream water in Salt River and in the River Gut watershed of St. Croix, the largest of that island. A similar confirmation of freshwater flushing was seen at the brackish mouth of River Gut. As mentioned above, Salt River Gut has no confined brackish pond at its mouth, but instead transitions gradually to a wetland system and mangrove forest, possibly account- ing for the difference in salinity signals at the mouth of this watershed. To identify other potential indicators of water pollution in the marine zone, and in collaboration with partners at Trent Uni- versity (Canada), three passive water quality samplers were deployed in potentially impacted waters (near a marina; near a landfill and water treatment center; and near a resort and golf course). Initial results indicated there may be wastewater contamination at one of the sites. To begin contextualizing the potential role of other chemical contaminants in Virgin Islands watersheds, an additional study was carried out on streambed sediments across St. Croix. Illegal dumping is common in and around Virgin Islands guts, and other possible chemical pollution other than nutrients could be carried to the streambed and potentially mobi- lized to the marine zone during high flow events. Thirty streambed sites representing both developed and undeveloped watersheds across the island were studied for the presence of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds in stream- bed sediments, the first study of its kind for the Virgin Islands. These chemicals were chosen as a possible indicator of overall anthropogenic impact on watersheds. Analysis indicated contamination at sites associated with commercial activ- ity. A manuscript was produced from this study and is in press, titled “Detection of heavy metals and VOCs in streambed sediment indicates anthropogenic impact on intermittent streams of the U.S. Virgin Islands” (authors: Brittany Lancellotti, David Hensley, and Race Stryker). Major progress was also made in characterizing sediment fluxes in Virgin Islands watersheds during this study year. Monthly sample collections at the land-based sediment traps in the exposed headlands of the Salt River watershed were maintained, and provided evidence that overland flow from exposed headland soils near the shoreline of this bay are not significant contributors of sediments in the bay — an important finding for identifying various sources of sediment for what is observed depositing on the sediment-rich bay floor. To help quantify the flux of sediment through the stream system in Salt River and Fish Bay, grab samples were taken concurrently with water quality samples (described above), during and after Tropical Storm Fiona and other major precipitation events of the 2022 rainy season. These samples were processed using a vacuum manifold to determine sediment concentration. Passive siphon samplers were also regularly purged at their locations in Salt River and Fish Bay watersheds to provide concentrations of sediment during the flashy wet-up phase of the hydrograph, when theory suggests sediment concen- trations may be the most problematic, but rapid access is difficult. These samplers have proven successful at providing secure samples for sediment concentration. Additional siphon samplers were deployed in the streambed of Reef Bay watershed, an adjoining watershed to Fish Bay on St. John, to providing aligning data with marine sediment settling data being collected by the Fish Ecology team. When streamflow receded after each discrete flow event, streambed sediment was also collected to quantify shifting particle size distributions within the study reaches (i.e., fine particle deposition versus scouring and mobilization of fine particles further downstream), an important piece of context for the connectivity of sediment within the stream system toward the marine zone. Early analysis of these samples shows that smaller precipitation and stormwater flow events tend to deposit fine particles on the streambed, whereas the large fluxes associated with major rainfall such as Fiona mobilize these and leave a rocky streambed behind, further evidence for the connected downstream flux of problematic sediments. Finally, sediment samples from the mangrove sampling apparatuses in the Salt River Bay mangrove have been continu- ally purged on a monthly schedule, and all these samples are up to date with vacuum filtration and massing (to determine the mass of terrigenous sediments, these samples are currently being subjected to loss-on-ignition measurements, which is still in progress). To trace the sources of sediments observed in fluxes by land use, a UV-Vis spectrophotometer was purchased for the project to record the spectra of reference soil samples from representative land uses, across soil types in both study wa- tersheds. These reference samples, collected in earlier years of this project, were fully pre-processed by passing through a 63-micron sieve, and spectral data has been collected from all samples from Salt River (reference and response); Fish Bay watershed samples are in process. These data will be subjected to principal components analysis to perform “sedi- ment fingerprinting” and estimate the relative contributions of various land uses (stream banks, unpaved roadways, crop lands) to sediment fluxes. To provide a time integrated sample of suspended sediments for the purpose of sediment fin- gerprinting, time integrated samplers (Phillips samplers) deployed the Fish Bay watershed were purged and processed for use in the spectrophotometer. These samplers were placed at the mouth of two sub-basins, one represents an undevel- oped part of the catchment completely within the national park, and the other represents a partially developed sub-basin. To analyze any data on concentrations of nutrients, sediments, or other chemicals in Virgin Islands watersheds, as well as to characterize the impact of land uses on these processes, it was necessary to monitor the hydrological processes asso- ciated with runoff and discharge in the streams under study. Water level loggers, deployed at two positions in Salt River, one in Fish Bay, and one in Reef Bay (generally at the lower part of the watershed to capture discharge most accurately to the marine zone), were used to produce hydrographs for the precipitation events of 2022. To estimate volumetric dis- charge from these hydrographs (of stream stage), water flow measurements were taken during and after the storms with highest flow, to provide empirical discharge values associated with various stream stages and develop a rating curve. The Manning equation, which estimates discharge using stream stage based on relative elevation decline and roughness of the stream channel, was also used to estimate discharge at each monitoring location. When flows are relatively low, which was the condition of the streams in the weeks and months following the peak rainy period, discharge measurements are also desirable to quantify the low values of a rating curve. To accomplish this, a portable weir, V-notch weir was construct- ed from lumber and installed with sandbags under a bridge at the upstream Salt River site, which allowed for volumetric flow rates to be recorded. Estimates of discharge can be paired with concentration data from sediment and water quality results to estimate total mass flux of sediments and nutrients, and this analysis is ongoing. When soil moisture and groundwater are elevated following significant precipitation, guts in the Virgin Islands are capable of base flow discharge, in which no active runoff or stormwater is flowing through the stream channel, which is instead fed by groundwater. To characterize the soil moisture thresholds that relate to the presence of surface water or the dry down of flowing water in the guts, soil moisture pits to measure antecedent soil moisture in Salt River and Fish Bay were in- stalled in five locations in the summer of 2022 (before the rainfall events of that year). Continuously measuring volumetric soil water content at four depths (10, 30, 50, and 100 cm), these data in early analysis show a notable plateau of moisture during heavy rainfall, associated with “field capacity” moisture that results in 100% partition of additional rainfall to run- off. In addition, the wet-up of the 100 cm soil depth observed throughout the Virgin Islands during Fiona and in following events has been directly related to observed base flow in early analysis. Additional efforts to quantify erosion and sediment production were carried out in a controlled experiment by MMES student Race Stryker. His experiment tested the effect of three vegetative buffer strip covers against bare soil in terms of runoff retention and sediment production when subjected to sustained run-on (simulating an upstream roadway or im- permeable surface that produces runoff). To do this, he constructed 20 runoff flumes (raised structures packed with soil with overflowing basins at the top of the flume to simulate run-on, and collection basins at the base to collect runoff and suspended sediment). This experiment showed that naturally recruiting weedy vegetation was significantly more effective over sub-annual timescales (within one rainy season) at absorbing run-on and holding back sediment from erosion, as well as preventing rill formation. He defended this work at his thesis defense in April and graduated in May 2023. In support of his work testing vegetative conservation buffers, Race Stryker also received a USGS Diverse Knowledge Systems Fellowship, which included participatory decision making from community members in the design of the vegeta- tive treatments. Other support received by Watershed and Land Use team members in support of watershed monitoring goals include a NASA seed grant to use high temporal resolution cube satellite fleets to capture sediment plumes in Virgin Islands waters following rain events. Additionally, an award supported by USGS-WRRI has allowed for the purchase of additional watershed monitoring equipment (weather station, water level loggers, and sediment traps) to expand to two St. Thomas watersheds (Dorothea and Turpentine Run) and one additional St. Croix watershed (River Gut); this work is ongoing with equipment installation expected in summer 2023. Finally for goal WL1, the Watershed and Land Use team began an ongoing literature review and historical data summary focused on compiling available data and resources on freshwater and groundwater within the USVI. We are still currently compiling historical data on stream discharge, nutrients, and groundwater levels that is available online from the U.S. Geological Survey. This review paper is currently in preparation for publication. The next steps in the coming years for this goal are expected to continue the analyses of these data and begin making use of runoff models (such as WEPP) to cali- brate the results and compare the results of hypothetical scenarios (different land uses, different rainfall event levels, etc.). Goal WL2: Estimate the downstream impact and ecosystem services rendered by conservation land use interventions. The second goal of the Watershed and Land Use team (WL2) is to conduct various supporting studies and experiments that quantify the impacts and/or ecosystems services of various land use interventions. These studies complement the watershed-scale study of the first goal at the sub-catchment scale, field scale, and plot scale. This goal comprises three primary studies. The first, at the sub-catchment scale, follows a Before After Control Impact (BACI) design, and is being used to quantify the impact of allowing a conservation buffer strip to grow at the margins of crop fields and unpaved roadways in terms of reduction in sediment flux, with land-based sediment traps installed at the edge of two crops fields and two unpaved road segments, and one from each land use receiving the conservation buffer strip treatment. This study has been ongoing since summer 2021 at a farm site in St. Croix with hilly terrain. Samples are collected monthly, and these have been massed and related to the catchment area upslode of the trap. Initial results show that croplands planted along contours, even on sloping terrain, are not productive of sheet flow sediments, regardless of the existence of a buffer strip — an important early result for local agriculture. Meanwhile, as expected based on earlier research by others, un-paved roadways are shown by this study to be a major producer of sedimentary runoff. The conservation buffer has been allowed to begin establishing from the beginning of calendar year 2023, and the data from the rainy seasons of 2023 and 2024 will be used to analyze the impact effect of the conservation buffer. Another study in this goal is designed to compare a natural secondary forest land cover with a controlled agroforestry production system at the field scale. A breadfruit orchard with trees established at 9 m and grassy vegetation (mowed in between trees) is being compared with a nearby secondary forest on the same soil type with similar rainfall owing to their proximity to one another. The soil hydrological effects, in terms of modeled runoff production, soil water storage, and deep percolation to groundwater supplies, is being modeled for both land covers to quantify any ecosystem services the natural forest cover may offer over the agroforestry production system. To this end, 24 volumetric soil moisture meters have been installed at two depths in 6 locations throughout both fields. These have been recording soil moisture data at 15-minute intervals throughout two rainy seasons, giving a temporal dataset for the performance of soil moisture under both land covers. Comparisons of temporal statistical analyses such as autocorrelation length and cross-correlation with observed rainfall are underway to quantify the possible watershed benefits of natural forest in terms of groundwater recharge and runoff prevention. In addition, four transects have been established throughout the breadfruit orchard at 50 cm distances to sample soil moisture, soil porosity, and depth to subsoil in 460 locations throughout the field. This is currently being carried out (ex- pected completion June 2023) to permit a spatial statistical analysis of the effect of breadfruit trees on soil hydrological characteristics. It is expected that the proximity to a breadfruit tree and the size of breadfruit trees (canopy width) will be strongly related to soil porosity and soil moisture. Once these transects are completed and the results are analyzed, the quantified hydrological effects of the breadfruit orchard land use on runoff and groundwater recharge will be presented at a regional conference for agriculture, the Caribbean Food Crops Society annual meeting in July 2023 (abstract has been accepted). Currently, a distributed array of simple rain gauges is being installed throughout the forest and orchard to assist with quantification of rainfall interception, and a zeptometer has been purchased for leaf-area-index determinations and improved evapotranspiration estimates to pair with soil moisture data. Next steps for this study involve the use of soil pro- file models (e.g., HYDRUS) to model the groundwater recharge and runoff suggested by these collected hydrological data from each land use type and using spatial interpolation techniques (e.g., co-kriging) with remote sensing data to estimate important variables like surface infiltration rates throughout a whole field at a larger scale. The third study in this goal was at the plot scale and examined the effect of ground covers in plantain production on hydrological outcomes (runoff and soil moisture storage). The field study was concluded in June 2022, but data analysis proceeded during Year 3 of this project. Major data sources were the volumetric soil moisture and soil matric potential time series data from each plot at multiple depths, crop growth data, crop yield data, and surface soil hydrological characteris- tics (infiltration, porosity, and moisture). The detailed use of temporal statistical techniques (autocorrelation and cross cor- relation) has revealed that the use of a living ground cover, the treatment of interest for the watershed project, has a major buffering effect on soil moisture, implying a reduction of runoff volume when subjected to heavy precipitation, as well as a longer period of moisture after rainfall ceases. This is an important ecosystem service quantified by the experiment, which also showed no yield penalty from the use of this ground cover as opposed to bare soil used in agricultural production. Because agricultural land uses in the Virgin Islands are not currently widespread throughout watersheds, results like these are helpful for informing best practices for any proposed expansion of agriculture without harming Virgin Islands water- sheds. A manuscript of these temporal results in soil moisture dynamics is currently being prepared for publication. Goal WL3: Share communication, community education, and integration activities to support public and stakeholder ben- efit of the land use research. The third goal for the Watershed and Land Use team (WL3) is to “share communication, community education, and inte- gration activities to support public and stakeholder benefit of the land use research.” This comprised three sub-objectives, related to community engagement, student mentorship, and dissemination of results, respectively. In the first objective, community engagement, several integration activities took place. In addition to the contributions to the R2R newsletter and continued involvement with the Project Based Learning (PBL) initiative, students were engaged during guest lectures, tours, and field site visits showcasing the Watershed and Land Use research theme. Students from the EARTH program and Gifft Hill School (St. John) were engaged related to the Fish Bay research area, and students from Complex High School, Good Hope Country Day School, and UVI (St. Croix) were engaged related to the Salt River Bay research area and plantain pro- duction. A guest lecture was also given to a class of students from Oklahoma University on “hydrology in emerging areas” outlining the activities of the watershed team and lessons learned. Relationships with members of the community directly interested in the activities and projects of the watershed team also progressed, with continued relationships with residents around Salt River and Fish Bay, as well as new relationships with residents of Dorothea watershed in St. Thomas (where the study plans to expand in coming months as described above). Relationships with breadfruit and plantain farmers in St. Croix have continued, with results from the studies on these crops being shared informally with interested producers. Dona- tions of the final harvests from the plantain experiment also continued in early Year 3 to community kitchens and non-profits on the island. At the 2023 Food and Agriculture Fair in St. Croix, general community engagement about soil erosion and conservation buffers was also achieved by constructing a demonstration table-top runoff flume and allowing members of the public to apply run-on water themselves and observe the results of vegetative conservation buffers in soil conservation and runoff prevention. In the second objective of mentoring students in the sciences, the WRRI award mentioned previously has engaged an MMES student, Sabrina Sorace, to be mentored in geospatial analysis techniques and field scouting for watershed study sites. Another MMES student, Race Stryker, who has been with the Watershed and Land Use team since Year 2, has com- pleted his thesis experiment and defended his thesis and graduated. Additionally, an undergraduate student, N’Bari Alexander, has been working with the Watershed and Land Use team since the summer of 2022, particularly on lab sample processing techniques, field sampling protocols, and instrument deployment. Both Stryker and Alexander presented their research at the UVI Student Research Symposia in the Spring 2023. The third objective, dissemination of results in scientific conferences and publications, saw continued progress in Year 3. Watershed and Land Use team researchers attended four conferences during Year 3, including presentations by students of their research. Race Stryker’s runoff flume experiment, plantain soil moisture dynamics, streambed chemical contam- inants, and watershed monitoring efforts were presented at these conferences and have led to useful collaborations. In terms of publication of results, as mentioned above, a manuscript on streambed chemical contamination is in review, and manuscripts on plantain soil moisture regimes and a review of hydrological data for Virgin Islands watersheds are being drafted now. Several noteworthy collaborations and relationships have developed because of the work of the Watershed team. The local Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is collaborating in the Turpentine Run watershed because this watershed is upstream of the St. Thomas East End Reserve (STEER), and the agency has expressed interest in the data produced by the project to characterize the fluxes of pollutants downstream. In addition, the National Park Service in St. Croix has expressed interest in the data from the Salt River watershed, which is upstream of the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. Additional collaboration has also continued with DPNR, who is developing water- shed management plans for the territory and is beginning the process of developing a Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan. Data and ideas sharing, especially when working within the same watersheds, has continued with this group during Year 3. Another DPNR group, focused on monitoring sediment fluxes affecting the St. Croix East End Marine Park, has approached our team, and asked for support in adapting our sediment trap methods to those watersheds, which we assist- ed with and are continuing collaboration. We have also initiated several cross-disciplinary data sharing and collaborative efforts within the Ridge to Reef Project during Year 3. These include sharing our sediment monitoring data from Reef and Fish Bays on St. John with the Fish Ecology Team and sharing meteorological data from Fish Bay with graduate students on the Coral Disease Team. SYNOPSIS: Mangrove Ecosystem Function & Recovery and Mangrove Restoration Research Lead: Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes The Mangrove Ecosystem System Function & Recovery and Mangrove Restoration is led by Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes and includes Watershed and Marine Specialist, Allie Durdall, M.Sc. In Year 3, this theme made significant progress to- wards its three goals: (1) investigate current and historic USVI mangrove distribution, recovery, and loss, (2) grow USVI mangrove restoration opportunities, and (3) share USVI mangrove research with stakeholders and provide opportunities for new partnerships. Key accomplishments include completion of a second year of field surveys of 19 mangrove for- ests across the territory and preliminary analyses of data started and shared; maintenance of the land-based nursery; experimentation and learning from nursery experiments; collection of mangrove social science data; engagement of the USVI community in mangrove restoration visioning and creation of a site-specific restoration potential index; and signifi- cant training and mentoring of Charlotte Amalie High School students (2), and UVI undergraduate (7) and graduate (21) students on this theme’s research and restoration goals. In Year 3, this group engaged 1,490 individuals from the USVI community through mangrove education and outreach and citizen science activities. In Year 3, this area had 1 peer-re- viewed journal article published at the time of this report and 1 more that is in-review. This group gave 5 oral presenta- tions at local, national, and international conferences. In this reporting period, a total of 3 proposals were submitted with 7 successfully awarded, and 3 pending, at the time of this report. Six of these proposals are directly related to expanding R2R mangrove research objectives; 3 were to NSF programs that expand opportunities for historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in STEM One graduate student (A. Holevoet) successfully defended her thesis within the Master of Marine and Environmental Science program in April 2023. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Mangrove Ecosystem Function & Recovery and Mangrove Restoration This research team is led by Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes and assisted by Watershed and Marine Specialist, Allie Durdall. Post-doctoral researcher, Heather Stewart, left UVI at the end of Year 2 and is now employed as an Assistant Research Scientist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. The team has made significant progress in Year 3 goals, as described below. Goal M1. Investigate current and historic USVI mangrove distribution, recovery, and loss. The lab made significant progress documenting the status and recovery of USVI mangroves (M1.2). In Year 3, the Grimes lab completed their second year of field surveys of 19 mangrove forests plots across the U.S. Virgin Islands (M1.2f-h) which were established in Year 2. Many students and partners (Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resourc- es, Division of Coastal Zone Management, Division of Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service, Virgin Islands Ecotours, St. Croix Environmental Association, U.S. Geological Survey, local fisherman) were involved in this work, strengthening partnerships, including those with MMES alumni who are now in professional positions across the territory. Field-collected data included living aboveground biomass of adult trees, coarse, medium, and fine woody debris, regeneration (propa- gules, seedlings, saplings), canopy cover, marine debris, wildlife presence, continuous light and temperature measure- ments, water quality, groundwater, and geologic cores. This is the most robust data set of its kind for mangroves in the USVI. The Grimes lab has begun analyzing these data to understand differences in forest stand structure and composition by mangrove habitat type (fringe, basin, salt pond), site, and island and to provide new information about forest recovery and natural regeneration - where it’s occurring and where it’s not for each species, and thus, which sites may require assisted planting (M1.2h). Preliminary analyses of woody debris show differences by island, habitat type, and site. Com- pared to St. Croix sites, St. Thomas and St. John mangrove forest plots had more structural damage with greater amounts of course and fine woody debris. Preliminary results also indicate that forests may be recovering differently. Fringe and basin sites had higher living canopy cover, compared to salt pond sites and mangrove sites on St. Croix tended to have greater living canopy cover compared to sites on St. Thomas and St. John. A comparison of repeat measurements of St. John sites since 2018, suggest those sites are recovering, as living canopy cover has increased, with the greatest increases observed at salt pond sites. Preliminary analyses of regeneration (mean number of propagules, seedlings, or saplings/m2) showed differences by island, habitat type, and species, as well. Most regeneration observed was Lagun- cularia racemosa and St. Thomas had almost twice as many more propagules and seedlings per m2 than St. Croix or St. John for this species. Plots had minimal regeneration of Avicennia germinans; this likely reflects the low abundance of this species, territory wide. Rhizophora mangle regeneration was low, though propagules were recorded across all three islands in both Year 2 and Year 3; saplings were in lowest abundance on St. John. Basin sites appear to have much lower natural regeneration of any kind compared to fringe and salt pond sites. Initial results were shared to local stakeholders at a workshop held March 15, 2023 (M1.2j, more details under Goal M3.) The lab also made progress in the collection of legal, USVI, mangrove drone imagery. In March 2022, Durdall successfully completed Federal Aviation Administration 107 certification, satisfying territorial permitting, and giving the ability to apply for waivers to fly within restricted airport-adjacent airspace with this certification. Durdall began test flights and mapping at mangrove sites on St. Thomas and St. Croix in the winter of 2022 and spring of 2023. Mapping software and application trials have begun, with plans to begin a more extensive drone imagery collection of field sites in summer 2023 (M1.2c). Grimes and Durdall have acquired proper permits to fly in territorial air space. Conversations with National Park Service (NPS) partners on both St. Thomas and St. Croix during this reporting period, have concluded that under current NPS policies, no drone use of any kind will be permitted within the parks. Study sites within the National Parks (7 of 19) will therefore be excluded from drone work. Graduate student Julia Plotkin assisted Grimes and Durdall with Year 2 sediment core collection of St. Thomas study sites. For her MMES thesis, Plotkin completed laboratory analysis of cores for organic matter (OM) as a proxy for car- bon content at the Environmental Analysis Lab at UVI. Additionally, Plotkin traveled to the University of South Carolina in January 2023 to learn how to conduct sediment carbon analysis with Earth Ocean and Environment College of Arts and Sciences collaborator, Dr. Erik Smith (M1.2i). Goal M2. Grow USVI mangrove restoration opportunities. The Grimes lab continued to grow its expertise in mangrove grow-out best practices and to expand nursery operations in Year 3 (M2.1b). Construction of the land-based nursery is finished, and this system will be moved to the new Marine Sci- ence Center when that building is completed. Currently, there are 25 tanks fully plumbed with fresh and salt water on the flow-through system, and 7 unplumbed tanks and the nursery is continuing to grow. The lab continues to collect phenology data - data that is critical for restoration activities and are new information for the USVI and broader Caribbean region (M2.1.b, c). The lab successfully continued to collect and grow propagules of all three mangrove species (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa) from sites across the territory (M2.1c). The lab continued to collect in-take data on propagules so individuals can be tracked over time and more infor- mation learned about which propagule characteristics are ultimately the most important predictors of germination, plant growth, and seedling survival (M2.1c, d, e). All three mangrove species are being grown at the land-based nursery (M2.1b). At the time of this report, 2,434 R. mangle (red mangrove) propagules have been planted with 74% survivorship, 3,714 L. racemosa (white mangrove) propagules with 26% survivorship, and 727 A. germinans (black mangrove) propagules with a survivorship of 64.5% (M2.1b, c, e). The lab continued to work to improve survivorship and growth rates through experimentation and adaptive learning at the nursery (M2.1d). For example, an experiment to test the effect of container type on red mangrove growth and sur- vival revealed that red mangroves survived and grew better in cone-tainers compared to tree pots or bio-bags, which has practical cost- and space-savings implications for the nursery. Another experiment to test the efficacy of sprouting conditions for Laguncularia racemosa and Avicennia germinans was conducted with the collaborative help of the 2022 Masters of Marine and Environmental Science Cohort and a Science 100 Undergraduate intern. Preliminary results show that those soaked in freshwater sprouted faster than other conditions. In addition, Master’s student, Allison Holevoet, successfully defended her thesis in April 2023, entitled, “Out of a landfill and into a mangrove nursery: how does the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle grow in recycled, crushed glass?” Her work tested the effects of site, plant clumping (1 or 2 plants grown together), and substrate on red mangrove growth and survival in a nursery setting (M2.1d, e). She found that recycled crushed glass is a viable substrate for red mangroves. Of 480 propagules planted, 98% survived until the end of the 6-month experiment. She found significant effects of site, clumping, and substrate on mean leaf area, and significant effects of site, substrate and the interaction between substrate and clumping on relative growth rate. She also found a significant interaction between site, clumping, and substrate on total plant height, root: shoot ratios, and absolute growth rates. These results provide information for restoration practitioners and inform future nursery efforts. Next steps include following experimental plants through to outplanting to see if effects persist. Ms. Holevoet is working with her committee to publish these results in the peer-review literature (M2.1f). The lab outplanted mangroves at three sites in Year 3: Range Caye St. Thomas (red mangroves), Hull Bay, St. Thom- as (red mangroves), and Salt River, St. Croix (red and white mangroves, M2.2). To test the effects of plant clumping on survival and growth, 314 red and white seedlings were planted at Salt River in clusters of 3 or 5 individuals (M2.2c). Plant survival and growth of these plants are being monitored. Another 600 plants will be outplanted in June 2023 and monitored over time. One hundred and ten mangrove seedlings at Hull Bay have been planted in clusters of 5 plants with students from Charlotte Amalie High School and local business Hull Bay Hideaway. Distance between plant clusters, plant survival, and growth over time are being monitored at that site (M2.2c). At Range Caye, 45 red mangroves were outplanted as an extension of our nursery container experiment conducted in Year 2. These plants are being monitored for survival and growth. The lab recruited and engaged citizen scientists in multiple ways during this reporting period: (1) high school students, (2) UVI undergraduate and graduate students, and (3) general public (M2.3b, c). The lab has engaged 328 students in territo- rial K-12 classrooms in mangrove learning and citizen science activities (17 unique classrooms, (four pre-K/Kindergarten, one 5th, two 7th, three 8th, one 10th, one 12th grade, four 10th-12th mixed). Seventy-two of these students participated in our Mangroves in the Classroom Project (1 class of 24 students fall 2022 (11th-12th grades); 3 classes of 48 students Spring 2023 (10th-12th grade) at Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas). Two-hundred and fifty-six students were reached through Storm Strong programming which was adapted to include more information on mangrove ecology, green infrastructure, and mangrove planting activities this year. This included 12 classes across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, spanning pre-K to 12th grade (four pre-K/Kindergarten, one 5th, one 6th, two 7th, three 8th, one 10th and one 12th grade). Classes were engaged between 1-6 times. Eight hundred twenty-four USVI youth and public were engaged at outreach events (SeaWalls EcoDiscovery Fair at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, St. Croix Agricultural Fair, UVI Afternoon on the Green, St. John Earth Day Event). Further, we have engaged another 164 students, partners, and the public through tours, mangrove planting, and data collection activities at the nursery. We have also facilitated more than 87 volunteer hours from middle school, high school, and other community volunteers at the mangrove nursery this year, in addition to paying 2 Charlotte Amalie High School students, 6 UVI undergraduates, and 6 graduates for their work on this project. Another significant accomplishment achieved early in Year 3, was IRB approval for human subjects research to UVI’s Institutional Review Board for this component (M2.4a). These materials included: (1) mangrove perceptions survey to understand how USVI residents perceive mangroves and to help guide citizen science programming and general edu- cation and outreach activities, (2) community listening session protocols to assist in the co-design of the citizen science program, (3) citizen science survey to understand participant motivations for learning and doing science, and (4) survey and interview protocols for the Site-Specific Restoration Potential Index Stakeholder Workshop (M2.4b). We have begun collecting and analyzing these data (M2.4c, d). At the time of this report, MMES graduate student, Laura Palomino, has collected 372 mangrove perceptions surveys from 11 community events on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John as part of her Master’s thesis work this past year. Survey collection is on-going. Preliminary analyses indicate, however, that most respondents don’t spend any time in mangroves and of six kinds of activities listed, most were interested in participating in cleanups and planting seedlings and least interested in going into the field to monitor mangroves with local researchers, though interests varied by island. Ms. Palomino will continue to collect and analyze these data for her Master’s thesis, as well as conduct listening sessions designed to inform citizen science activities. Citizen science surveys were collected at Great Mangrove Cleanup and nursery events (to-date, n = 36). Finally, individuals attending the Stakeholder Workshop in March 2023 were invited to participate in our study. Of 38 people attending, 12 agreed to participate in our study; 12 took the survey and 10 agreed to also be interviewed. Goal M3. Share USVI Mangrove Research with Stakeholders & Provide Opportunities for New Partnerships The Grimes lab shared mangrove research and restoration activities in several keyways in Year 3 of R2R, including the development of website content and newsletter items for VI EPSCoR (M3.1a, M3.1d, M3.1e). The lab also participated in a virtual, live Science Saturday events hosted by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resources in September (1,269 views) and November 2022 at the mangrove nursery (279 views), and has hosted 164 students, part- ners, and community members from UVI and beyond in mangrove nursery tours in the past year, sharing R2R research (M3.1b). The lab has reached 824 USVI youth and public through outreach events it has participated in this year (Virgin Islands Children’s Museum Ecodiscovery Fair in January, St. Croix Agricultural Fair in February, UVI’s Afternoon on the Green in March, and St. John Earth Day Event in April). A further 328 students have been reached through GK-12, in- class programming that features R2R research, faculty, and staff, and UVI undergraduate and graduate students (Man- groves in the Classroom, USVI Storm Strong programs). R2R, field-collected mangrove data were shared by Grimes, Durdall, and MMES students, Lila Uzzell, Julia Plotkin, and Laura Palomino, at a workshop titled, “2023 Mangrove Restoration Stakeholder Workshop” held March 15, 2023 (M1.2j, M3.1b). The workshop’s main goal was to develop a shared vision for mangrove restoration in the territory, and to garner input on the mangrove restoration potential index which will use ecological and social indicators to prioritize mangrove restoration sites in the Territory. The event had 4 main objectives: 1) outline shared goals for mangrove restoration, 2) re- view mangrove indices & how they are made, 3) review preliminary mangrove monitoring data, and 4) prioritize indicators. It was attended by 38 individuals who represented a range of organizations in local government, federal government, local business, and local and federal non-profits (UVI, the United States Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy, DPNR, Iowa State University, NOAA, Horsley Witten Group, St. John Land Conservancy, Virgin Islands EPSCoR, St. Croix Envi- ronmental Association, Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, and Silver Kings). The lab provided numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student engagement in mangrove research in field and nursery settings, and with both natural and social science research (M3.2). Twenty-one graduate students have engaged in mangrove research this year, including MES 501 first-year students, plus seven undergraduate students (M3.2a, b). With additional funding from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Judith A, Towle fund, the lab facilitated a USVI-BVI Mangrove Restoration Learning Exchange in February 2023. Sixteen faculty, students, and staff traveled to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, including 5 undergraduate students (Aaliya Warner Rawlins, Aman- da Boissiere, Zachary Briggs, Tara Thompson, and Molly Mason), 5 Master’s students (Lila Uzzell, Kayla Budd, Allison Holevoet, Jordan Silva, Laura Palomino), 4 staff (Kwami Alexander, Allie Durdall, Nicholas Durgadeen, Kai Nielsen) and 2 faculty (Grimes, Dean Sandra Romano). The exchange was covered in the local news (“BVI mangrove nursery visited by UVI delegation,” March 21, 2023, Virgin Islands Daily News. Available: http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/island_life/ bvi-mangrove-nursery-visited-by-uvi-delegation/article_40fe450e-fed8-59d6-8f79-0c14adc063b3.html). The lab continued working on its mangrove nursery manual geared toward practitioners that is envisioned as a living document to be shared online (M2.1f). The lab continued growing its social media campaign, GRROE US Virgin Islands Mangroves, this year. GRROE USVI Mangroves is Growing Research, Restoration, Outreach and Education (M3.1, M3.2). This effort has been led by graduate student Allison Holevoet with contributions from all Grimes lab members, as part of her 2022-2023 American Geophysical Union’s Voices for Science Fellowship. During this reporting period and to-date, GRROE.usvi.mangroves made 48 Instagram posts, 437 Instagram stories, reaching over 3,450 unique accounts, and hit 710 followers. Ms. Holevoet also created a video PSA that played at Caribbean Cinemas speaking to the impor- tance of mangrove ecosystems in the USVI and inviting the public to participate in mangrove citizen science activities, that played for 4 weeks in March and April of 2023 as part of her 2022-2023 American Geophysical Union’s Voices for Science Fellowship. Finally, the lab continues to make progress on a USVI mangrove kids activity book. The Grimes lab held four Great Mangrove Cleanups in Year 3 (at the time of this report: 2022 St. John and St. Croix Great Mangrove Cleanups, 2023 St. Croix and St. Thomas Great Mangrove Cleanups) with one more planned before June 1, 2023, on St. John (M3.1b). These events engaged 174 people, removing 8,671 pounds of marine debris from mangrove shorelines. Volunteers collected data on the weight and types of marine debris removed. Two new, culturally relevant info- graphics were created and shared with the community on social media, press releases, and directly to volunteers, with the assistance of VI EPSCoR. This effort was led by the Grimes lab and Durdall, with support from territorial partners (Kitty Edwards, VI DPNR CZM; Leslie Henderson, NOAA; Howard Forbes Jr., VIMAS; Elisa Bryan VI EPSCoR; Jarvon Stout, VI EPSCoR; Zola Roper, DPNR CZM). Since 2018, these efforts have engaged more than 677 community volunteers and removed more than 11 tons of marine debris from mangrove shorelines across the territory. The Grimes lab actively contributes to natural resource management in the territory relevant to mangroves. For example, Grimes and Durdall presented at the Territorial Marine Debris Workshop held in November 2022. The Grimes lab has provided opportunities for student training (M3.2a, M3.2b) to meet research objectives in M1 and M2. Twenty-one MMES graduate students helped to advance R2R mangrove research and restoration goals in Year 3, assist- ing with nursery operations, field work, outreach, and mentoring undergraduate students. Allison Holevoet successfully defended her thesis in April 2023, which tested the effects of site, clumping, and a novel substrate type (crushed glass) on red mangrove growth and survival in a nursery setting. First year MMES student, Jordan Silva, joined the lab this year. His thesis examines methods used to quantify marine debris in mangrove ecosystems and marine debris accumulation rates in mangroves. Two Grimes lab graduate students participated in the NSF INCLUDES Eddie Bernice Johnson SEAS Islands Alliance’s 2022 Bridge to Graduate School Program (Lila Uzzell and Laura Palomino). In addition, graduate student, Julia Plotkin, participated in a learning exchange with Dr. Erik Smith at the University of South Carolina, in February 2022, to learn to use a CHN analyzer as part of her thesis work measuring mangrove sediment carbon. In Year 3, 7 UVI undergraduate students engaged in R2R mangrove research, 6 in paid positions and one through di- rected independent research coursework. Grimes lab undergraduate student, Zachary Briggs (veteran), received a 2022 Vembu Subramanian Award from Ocean & Coastal Observing Virgin Islands (OCOVI). He was accepted to a one-week glider workshop at Rutgers University in August 2022 after being awarded a scholarship for tuition and lodging by the Marine Technology Society. The Vembu Award provided transportation costs and a stipend for him to attend the workshop. Mr. Briggs gave an oral presentation of his 2022 summer research entitled, “Belowground biomass analysis of container grown Rhizophera mangle,” at UVI’s 23rd Annual Fall Research Symposium. Two other undergraduate students, Miranda Goad and Tara Thompson also presented their summer mangrove research at the symposium, as posters. Ms. Thomp- son’s poster presentation won third place in the symposium. Tara Thompson - Red mangrove restoration in the U.S. Virgin Islands: in-water nursery versus above-ground nursery Miranda Goad - Analysis of animal activity in mangrove wetlands on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Three new undergraduates joined the lab this year: Amanda Boissiere, Kaidrian Ottley, and Aaliyah Warner-Rawlins. Charlotte Amalie High School students, Djani Hurtault and Elyse Industrious Ayala, also began working with the Grimes Lab in the mangrove nursery this spring. Finally, new short-term (8 week) Securing STEM Islands Pathways Workforce Fellow, Kwami Alexander, joined the Grimes Lab in February, supported by the new EPSCoR RII-BEC grant, Securing STEM Island Pathways (Award #2225854). Kwami graduated with his B.S. from UVI in May 2022. Kwami plans to submit an abstract to the 2023 Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) Meeting in Portland, Oregon next fall and is applying to CERF’S Rising TIDES Program. Two Grimes lab alumni began Ph.D. programs this year. Kelsey Vaughn, began a Ph.D. in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, while Jess Keller, was accepted to the Ph.D. program in Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida. The Grimes lab actively shared R2R mangrove research in local, national, and international meetings, with 5 presenta- tions in Year 3 (M3.3b). Heather Stewart presented an oral presentation entitled, “Coral forests: nested coexisting man- grove-coral habitats” at the 15th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bremen, Germany in July 2022. MMES student, Allison Holevoet, also attended this conference. The Grimes Lab presented at VI EPSCoR’s Annual Conference in Oc- tober 2022. Grimes and Master’s students, Julia Plotkin, Laura Palomino, and Allison Holevoet, gave oral presentations. Holevoet, Master’s student, Kayla Halliday, and undergraduate student, Tara Thompson, participated in a Question and Answer Panel, and Holevoet and Halliday gave a nursery tour to EAB members. Grimes and Brandt led a group of 3 undergraduate students, 4 graduate students, 1 recent graduate, 3 Workforce Fel- lows, and 2 other staff to the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico in October 2022, through leveraged funding from the NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance (Award #1930991). Grimes also participated in the Caribbean Drought Learning Network Annual Meeting (September 2022), the NSF INCLUDES Alliance Community Convening (September 2022), the Southeast & Caribbean Climate Health Alliance Workshop (participant and facilitator, October 2022), and National EPSCoR Meeting (November 2022). In October 2022, Grimes and Durdall participated in a kick-off meeting for a new, international network focused on mangrove and seagrass restoration in the Caribbean, Eastern Tropical Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico, called the Tropical Habitat Restoration Network, and are exploring whether they can attend an in-person restoration workshop being held in Costa Rica in June. Grimes was also an invited speaker for the University of Guam’s Conference on Island Sustainability in April 2023 plenary panel entitled, “Sustainable Alliances Across Oceans.” Brandt, Durdall, and SEAS Islands Alliance Workforce Fellow, Delsabri- ana Gonzalez also attended this conference. Grimes and Durdall co-chaired the session, “Community-engaged solutions to marine debris: perspectives from around the world,” with Kristina Edwards and Zola Roper from the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Zone Management, at the 7th International Marine Debris Conference, Busan, Republic of Korea, in September 2022, and contributed two presentations: Durdall, A, Z Roper, KW Grimes, H Forbes, Jr., K Edwards, J Stout, L Henderson, and E Bryan. Debris in the trees: A comparison of U.S. Virgin Islands mangrove and sandy beach clean-up data. Roper, Z, KW Grimes, H Forbes, Jr., A Durdall, K Edwards, L Henderson, J Stout, E Bryan, A Huisman, and M Rios. Planning in paradise: The U.S. Virgin Islands Marine Debris Action Plan. The lab submitted 5 abstracts, 3 first-authored by MMES students, that were accepted as posters to the Mangroves, Macrobenthos, and Management 6 (MMM6) conference in Cartagena, Columbia in July 2023, featuring Virgin Islands EPSCoR R2R- and NOAA-funded work. Grimes participated in the NSF-funded Ideas Workshop, 2022 Diverse Ocean Science Community through Collabora- tion, led by Corey Garza at California State University, Monterey Bay, CA with webinars in spring and summer 2022, and in-person meeting August 1-5, 2022. She also participated in the NSF-funded IGEN Emotional Intelligence Workshop Series. Grimes and Durdall participated in a SEAS Islands All-Alliance meeting August 4-7, 2022, at the University of Maryland. Grimes and Durdall also participated in the “NSF Large-Scale CoPe: Reducing climate risks with equitable na- ture-based solutions: engaging communities on reef-lined coasts” kick-off meeting in Miami, FL with site visit to Placencia, Belize with Dr. Marilyn Brandt from January 29-February 4, 2023. This project “supports US national interests to reduce climate risk, confront environmental degradation, enhance adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities, and advance public and private investment in disaster risk prevention and reduction,” with a focus on coral and mangrove restoration with sites in Miami, FL, Placencia, Belize, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In this reporting period, 3 new proposals were submitted, 7 awarded (total of $9,130,170, with $6,516,539 as PI for Grimes), with 3 pending at the time of this report. Six of these proposals are directly related to expanding R2R mangrove research objectives; 3 were to NSF programs that expand opportunities for historically marginalized and underrepresent- ed groups in STEM (EPSCoR RII-BEC, Cultural Transformation in the Geosciences Community, and BIO-LEAPS). These included a $1M award from the NSF RII-BEC call, entitled “Securing STEM Island Pathways,” (Award #2225854) and a $7.5M award from the NSF Transformation in the Geosciences Community entitled, “Collaborative Research: Implementa- tion Grant: Navigating Home,” with the University of Guam and InterAmerican University (Awards #2228177, 2228085). One peer-reviewed paper was published in Year 3 and one is in review at the time of this report: Krauss, KW, KRT Whelan, JP Kennedy, DA Friess, CS Rogers, HA Stewart, KW Grimes, CA Trench, DE Ogurcak, CA Toline, LC Bal, and AS From. Framework for facilitating mangrove recovery after hurricanes on Caribbean Islands. Restoration Ecology published February 11, 2023. Schlender*, K., G Corte, A Durdall, S Habtes, and KW Grimes. Urbanization driving Ocypode quadrata burrow density, depth, and width across Caribbean beaches. Ecological Indicators submitted March 17, 2023. Grimes continues to serve on the National Science Foundation’s Advisory Committee for Geosciences (January 2022-December 2024). SYNOPSIS: Fish Ecology & Herbivory Research Lead: Dr. Richard Nemeth The fish ecology project has produced some exciting results in year 3 of this award. We have strengthened linkages to other research themes including Watershed Dynamics, Coral Reef Resilience, Coral Disease and Oceanography. Fish Ecology research is focused on 3 primary goals. These include: Goal FE1. Analyze historical data for changes in parrot fish assemblages due to disturbance. We tested the hypothesis that major bleaching/disease events (i.e., 2005 and 2010) and sedimentation from land devel- opment lead to changes in parrotfish abundance and diversity. We used benthic cover and fish abundance and diversity data from our Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program as well as sedimentation data collected over the past 20 years and across 23 sites. Following the 2005 and 2010 disturbance events, parrotfish density increased rapidly over 1-2 years. Sparisoma species (grazers) increased in abundance and biomass, especially after 2010, while Scarus species (scrapers) only increased in abundance, suggesting that Scarus populations may have initially responded to increases in turf algae following a mortality event but not when macroalgae became more abundant. The effects of sedimentation on parrotfish populations showed that Scarus species biomass declined steadily with increasing sediment load, whereas Sparisoma biomass showed a temporary increase at low sediment flux but then declined as sediment flux continued to increase. Our results partly fit our model showing a shift from parrotfishes that function as scrapers (genus Scarus) to grazers (genus Sparisoma). We are continuing to examine these processes in greater detail in the Reef Bay study site (see below) which has a natural range of sedimentation and algal abundance across the study site. This work is being drafted as a manu- script for publication. Goal FE2. Investigate how benthic characteristics affect feeding and reproduction of parrotfish. Analysis of sediment flux found that western sites had significantly higher (double) the weight of marine and terrigenous sediment, but ratios were similar, with both sides showing 49% terrigenous and 51% marine carbonate sediments. Analy- sis of benthic algal composition found that brown macroalgae accounted for 23.4% of the dissimilarity in the benthic com- position between West and East, while turf algae accounted for an additional 20.6% of the dissimilarity. Average percent cover of brown macroalgae was significantly greater in the West (mean = 31.9%) compared to the East (mean = 25.5%), while average turf algae percent cover was significantly greater in the East (mean = 29.9%) compared to the West (mean = 26.4%). Yellowtail parrotfish feeding rates were significantly higher on turf at eastern sites (lower sediment, higher turf algae) compared to western sites (higher sediment, higher macro algae). We believe that higher sediment loads adja- cent to land development may be affecting both benthic algal composition and reducing parrotfish feeding rates on turf algae due to sediment-laden turf. We completed our first year of acoustic data collection in Reef Bay in October 2022. In addition to behavioral feeding observations, we collected 50 parrotfish in April, August and November 2022 to examine diet among sites and seasons using metabarcoding. Our colleagues in Puerto Rico, Drs. Chelsea Harmes-Tuohy, Nicolas Schizas, and Evan Tuohy, are analyzing these data and will have results soon. The remaining gut contents were returned to UVI for further processing for sediment composition using the same techniques as sedimentation data. All acoustic receivers were downloaded, and data is being analyzed to examine the effects of benthic algal composition, sedimentation and parrotfish feeding rates on parrotfish spawning site visitation rates and duration. Analysis of acoustic data showed significantly higher visitation rates and duration for fish at eastern spawning site compared to the western site. However, we did not find an effect of total sediment or composition of turf or macro algae on spawning site visitation or duration. In addition, our postdoc, Kayla Blincow-Israel is exploring some interesting patterns within the acoustic data where all fish stopped visiting the spawning site during specific times throughout the year. Goal FE3. Examine if ocean and environmental variables affect parrotfish reproductive output. Analysis of oceanographic variables found that water temperature and salinity decreased and increased visitation rates, respectively, at the western spawning site only. Alternatively, spawning site duration is affected positively by increases in water temperature and negatively by increases in salinity. We have also processed all gonads from female fish to ex- amine fecundity and egg size among varying levels of sedimentation and benthic algal composition. This work is being conducted by graduate student Taylor Hobbs and undergraduate students Chole Camancho and VerNele Callwood. We have started collaborating with Dr. Marilyn Brandt, and her graduate students Natasia Bestrom and Lindsay Dade, to ex- pand her water quality analyses around St. John to include 4 additional sites in Reef Bay, which will complement our work on sediment and benthic algal composition. A Nortek Acoustic Doppler current profiler, or ADCP, was deployed at each fish spawning aggregation site in Reef Bay in mid-January 2022. Additional data downloads occurred in April, August, and October 2022 and January 2023. We are working with Nortek engineers and Mr. Doug Wilson to examine and interpret the complex echosounder dataset, which will provide a novel approach to measure reproductive output of parrotfish by tracking fish eggs released from each spawning site. To validate and calibrate the echosounder data to parrotfish egg production we recruited graduate student Stefanie Maxin, who will be using a video hydrophone to measure frequency of spawning events and calculate reproductive output. Broader Impacts: Master’s student Jenna Cheramie successfully defended her thesis in March 2023. Faculty, post-docs and graduate students within the Fish Ecology research focus area made multiple oral and poster presentations at the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium (n=6) in Bremen, Germany (July 3-8, 2022), VI-EPSCoR annual conference (n=3) in St. Thomas, USVI (October 27-28, 2022), Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (n=1) in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida (November 7-11, 2022) and at the Gordon Research Conference on Mesophotic Reefs (n=1) in Ventura, California (February 19-23, 2023). Four masters students (Taylor Hobbs, Gregory O’Neill, Stefanie Maxin, and Madison Miele) and two undergraduate students (Chole Camancho and VerNele Callwood) have been recruited to assist in field and laboratory work for the fish ecology Reef Bay project. We are also starting a new project using the Brewers Bay acoustic telemetry array. MMES stu- dent Madison Miele has been recruited to conduct her thesis research on the effects of the invasive Halophila seagrass on movement and foraging of the southern stingray. In addition, MMES student Gregory O’Neill will be completing his thesis research on the effects of the invasive Halophila seagrass on juvenile yellowtail snapper feeding and growth rates. These two projects provide an important linkage to the seagrass emerging area research. Post doc Kayla Blincow-Israel has provided training and mentoring to graduate students in R coding and statistical analy- sis (n = 9 through one-on-one interactions, n = 29 through course instruction, n = 15 through establishment and oversee- ing R Users Group). The Fish Ecology lab group conducted outreach at UVI’s Afternoon on the Green community event and highlighted a broad spectrum of VI-EPSCoR research. Sustainability: In the past year 12 proposals for fisheries ecology and conservation research were submitted. R. Nemeth collaborated with P Jobsis and D. Wilson on a NSF-MRI proposal to purchase ocean gliders (funded, $840,647). R. Nemeth was PI or co-PI on another 10 proposals with 4 funded ($835,483), 4 pending ($1,443,300) and 2 not funded ($399,993) One proposal was submitted by post-doc K. Blincow-Israel but was not funded ($20,000). Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Fish Ecology & Herbivory The fish ecology research area provides for both a novel and interdisciplinary approach to our Ridge to Reef project. It has strong linkages to other research themes including Watershed Dynamics, Coral Reef Resilience, and Oceanography. This project is using data from each of these research areas to determine how they influence parrotfish population struc- ture, feeding behaviors and reproductive rates. Intellectual Merit: Fish Ecology research is focused on 3 primary goals. These include: 1. Analyze historical data for changes in parrot fish assemblages due to disturbance 2. Investigate how benthic characteristics affect feeding and reproduction of parrotfish 3. Examine if ocean and environmental variables affect parrotfish reproductive output The Objectives for Goal 1. include: Objective FE1.1: Determine if variability in resilience of coral reefs during 2005/2006 mortality event affected the compo- sition of herbivore fish communities. To examine changes in parrotfish assemblages due to disturbance, TCRMP data from 2002-2005 represented the Pre 2005 bleaching / disease event, years 2006-2010 represented the Post 2005 event, and years 2011-2014 represented the Post 2010 bleaching event. We proposed a model that increasing disturbance would shift parrotfish assemblages from species that function as scrapers (genus Scarus) to grazers (genus Sparisoma). We found that following the 2005 and 2010 disturbance events, parrotfish density increased rapidly over 1-2 years. Sparisoma species (grazers) increased in abundance and biomass, especially after 2010. Scarus species (scrapers) only increased in abundance, but not biomass, suggesting that Scarus populations (i.e., increased recruitment) may have initially responded to increases in turf algae that typically follows a coral mortality event. However, over time, macroalgae will overgrow the turf and increase in abun- dance. The results for biomass partly support our model where Sparisoma increased more than Scarus following decline in ecosystem state. These data suggest that Scarus may be more sensitive to coral reef degradation from natural distur- bance especially to higher abundance of macroalgae. Objective FE1.2: Determine if variability in sedimentation rates onto coral reefs affected the composition of herbivore fish communities (negative relationship between sediment load and Scarus spp.). To examine the effects of sediment on parrotfish, all available historical data over the past 20 years and across 23 sites was combined. Since most sediment studies focused primarily on coral health, they often omitted surveys of fish com- munities. Therefore, fish and sediment data sets were poorly associated, but eight sites across 8 years were suitable for analysis. We analyzed trends in average sediment flux and Scarus and Sparisoma biomass across all years and sites where both data existed. The effects of sedimentation on parrotfish populations showed that Scarus species biomass declined steadily with increasing sediment load, whereas Sparisoma biomass showed a temporary increase at low sed- iment flux but then declined as sediment flux continued to increase. Our results partly fit our model showing a shift from parrotfishes that function as scrapers (genus Scarus) to grazers (genus Sparisoma). We are continuing to examine these processes in greater detail in the Reef Bay study site (see below) which has a natural range of sedimentation and algal abundance across the study site. This work is being drafted as a manuscript for publication. The Objectives for Goal 2. include: Objective FE2.1. Determine if sediment load and algal composition affect yellowtail parrotfish feeding rates​. Assess dietary differences in areas with higher sediment and macroalgae​ (scheduled to start April 2022) in collaboration with Dr. Chelsea Harmes-Tuohy and Dr. Nicholas Shizas. ​Objective FE2.2. Determine if differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads affect frequency of spawning and fecundity of yellowtail parrotfish. Objective FE 2.3. Determine if differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads affect frequency of spawning and fecundity of yellowtail parrotfish. Objective 2.1: Six sites were established near fish tagging areas in September 2021 to measure sediment flux, benthic composition, and foraging rates of parrotfish across the study area. Sediment monitoring used terra cotta tiles to simulate sediment accumulation on natural substrates and sediment cups were installed to measure total sediment flux. These are sampled monthly and processed in the lab to separate organic, marine, and terrestrial components. The experimental design also considered the assumed sediment gradient where highest sediment flux would be closer to land development in Fish Bay and lower rates of sediment flux adjacent to undeveloped National Park land. Benthic composition was mea- sured monthly using six 10 m transects at each site. Parrotfish feeding rates were collected every 4 months to document seasonal changes. From October 2021 to September 2022, 213 tiles were collected and analyzed for sediment deposition and composition. Across all sampling periods, mean sediment load was significantly higher and more than double in the west compared to the east, while the ratio of marine to terrestrial sediments were nearly identical between east (49%:51%) and west (48.7%:51.3%) From October 2021 to October 2022, a total of 432 benthic transects were conducted across Fish Bay, Reef Bay, and Europa Bay. Analysis of percent cover of benthic algae from transects showed similarities in turf and Dictyota algae, (a brown macroalgae that inhibits coral growth and recruitment). These dominant algal types varied between about 20% and 40% cover but were not significantly different between east and west. However, we found significant differences in feeding rates of yellowtail parrotfish among east and west sites and algae type. Parrotfish Foraging rates were recorded for 169 yellowtail parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) across Fish Bay, Reef Bay, and Europa Bay during three sampling periods: October and November 2021 (N = 56), March and April 2022 (N = 56), and August 2022 (N = 57). S. rubripinne foraging rates in the West, were significantly higher on macroalgae compared to those foraging in the East, whereas individuals in the East, took significantly more bites on turf algae compared to those foraging in the West. This portion of the study is part of Jenna Cheramie’s master’s thesis. Objective 2.2: In collaborations with our colleagues in Puerto Rico, Drs. Chelsea Harmes-Tuohy, Nicolas Schizas, and Evan Tuohy, the behavioral feeding observations were supplemented with the parrotfish diet study using a molecular approach (metabarcoding) to amplify four different genetic markers from DNA extracted from the gut contents to identi- fy the exact components of what these fish are eating. We collected 50 parrotfish in April, August, and November 2022 (n=150) to examine diet among sites and seasons. Fish stomach contents have been processed, DNA extracted and sent to Admera, Inc. for metabarcoding. These results were recently received and Drs. Harmes-Tuohy and Schizas have begun analyzing data. So far, the results indicate several different species of algae, including those across the spectrum of brown, red and green algae. One species of seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, was detected thus far as well. The final round of samples just completed sequencing, and this portion of the project expects to have more detailed results by the summer 2023. The remaining gut contents were returned to UVI for further processing for sediment composition using the same techniques as sedimentation data. Objective 2.3: We installed 54 acoustic receivers in July 2021 from Fish Bay in the west to Europa Bay in the east to track parrotfish from feeding grounds to spawning sites. This acoustic array represents a gradient from reefs exposed to devel- oped watersheds in the west compared to undeveloped watersheds within the VI National Park. Receivers were range tested in August and the first 6-month download was completed in February 2022. In Aug and Sept 2021, 60 parrotfish were caught within the acoustic array and surgically implanted with an acoustic transmitter. We determined the sex of each fish using a portable ultrasound, which was the first time this novel approach was used on parrotfish. All fish were re- leased at their capture location. We had a high tagging success at all sites with a total of 55 out of 60 parrotfish migrating to the spawning aggregation sites. Only 5 fish were not detected, 2 in Fish Bay and 3 in eastern Reef Bay meaning that we had nearly equal numbers of fish tagged in the east and west study areas. Analysis of acoustic data showed daily variation in the number of fish visiting each spawning site over a full year of track- ing. We found significantly lower visitation rates for fish at the western site compared to the eastern spawning site. We also found fish visiting the eastern spawning site took over twice as much time (29 min) than fish in the western spawning site (14 min). However, when conducting the analysis of effects of sedimentation rates and macroalgal composition, we found no significant effects of either environmental factors or benthic characteristics on spawning frequency and duration. Master’s student Jenna Cheramie is completing her thesis on this portion of the study. The two Oceanographic objectives included: Objective 3.1. Determine which oceanographic variables (current speed and direction, seawater temperature, wave height, salinity, turbidity) are most important for frequency of spawning at aggregation sites. Objective 3.2. Determine which Oceanographic and environmental variables are most important for reproductive output of yellowtail parrotfish. A Nortek Acoustic Doppler current profiler, or ADCP, was deployed at each fish spawning aggregation site in Reef Bay in mid-January 2022. Additional data downloads occurred in April, August, and October 2022 and January 2023. In contrast to no effect of sediment or macroalgae on fish reproductive rates, we did find that other environmental factors affected reproductive characteristics. Spawning site duration was directly correlated to water temperature and inversely related to salinity. At the E FSA, spawning site duration was directly correlated with precipitation. We are working with Nortek engineers and Mr. Doug Wilson to examine and interpret the complex echosounder dataset, which will provide a novel approach to measure reproductive output of parrotfish by tracking fish eggs released from each spawning site. To validate and calibrate the echosounder data to parrotfish egg production we recruited graduate student Stefanie Maxin, who will be using a video hydrophone to measure frequency of spawning events and calculate reproductive output. These data will be analyzed by post doc Kayla Blincow and integrated into connectivity models by Dr. Daniel Holstein. Broader Impacts: Master’s student Jenna Cheramie successfully defended her thesis in March 2023. Faculty, post-docs and graduate students within the Fish Ecology research focus area made multiple oral and poster presentations at the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium (n=6) in Bremen, Germany (July 3-8, 2022); VI-EPSCoR annual conference (n=3) in St. Thomas, USVI (October 27-28, 2022); Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (n=1) in Ft. Walton Beach, Flor- ida (November 7-11, 2022); and at the Gordon Research Conference on Mesophotic Reefs (n=1) in Ventura, California (February 19-23, 2023). Four masters students (Taylor Hobbs, Gregory O’Neill, Stefanie Maxin, and Madison Miele) and two undergraduate students (Chole Camancho and VerNele Callwood) have been recruited to assist in field and laboratory work for the fish ecology Reef Bay project. We are also starting a new project using the Brewers Bay acoustic telemetry array. MMES stu- dent Madison Miele has been recruited to conduct her thesis research on the effects of the invasive Halophila seagrass on movement and foraging of the southern stingray. Stingray tagging will begin in Y4 pending IACUC approval. In addition, MMES student Gregory O’Neill will be completing his thesis research on the effects of the invasive Halophila seagrass on juvenile yellowtail snapper feeding and growth rates. These two projects provide an important linkage to the seagrass emerging area research. Post doc Kayla Blincow-Israel has provided training and mentoring to graduate students in R coding and statistical anal- ysis (n = 9 through one-on-one interactions, n = 29 through course instruction, n = 15 through establishment and over- seeing R Users Group). The Fish Ecology lab group also hosted a research display at the University of the Virgin Islands Afternoon on the Green community event. We interacted with over 250 participants and showcased a broad spectrum of VI-EPSCoR research including how acoustic telemetry works, the differences in native and invasive seagrasses, the dif- ferences between turf and macroalgae and the sounds different species of fish make underwater. SYNOPSIS: Oceanography Research Lead: Dr. Tyler Smith The Oceanography research theme is on schedule and new external funding is increasing capabilities. The US Caribbe- an Regional Ocean Model (USCROMS) has resulted in two publications thus far and will be a central infrastructure tool for multiple lines of research soon (e.g., fish egg dispersal, connectivity and biodiversity, marine resilience). Upgrades to model bathymetry and ability to run on external computer clusters at Louisiana State University have resulted in very high vertical resolution models (<1 to 10m) that accurately capture dynamics of the USVI shelf and open ocean oceanographic properties. Acquired acoustic doppler current profilers are being deployed and are capturing small scale ocean dynam- ics at parrotfish spawning aggregations and coral restoration sites. Synergistic activities have resulted in a successful proposal to the NSF Major Research Infrastructure program to acquire two ocean gliders that can record oceanographic processes in near real-time across the shelf and open ocean waters of the USVI, a major advancement of capabilities in the territory. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Oceanography Goal OC1: Quantify the influence of oceanographic and environmental variables on the variability in reproductive rates (frequency of spawning and fecundity) of S. rubripinnis. Goal OC1 and its associated objectives are currently in progress or completed for Year 2. Four Nortek Signature 1000 Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler - ADCP were purchased in Year 2 and allow simultaneous tracking of mean currents and turbulence, as well as wave height and direction. Two were used in the reef restoration ecology research area and two are being used in parrotfish spawning research. An ADCP on a specialized mount was deployed at Fortuna Bay, St. Thomas in advance of coral restoration activities to record differences in wave and current dynamics before and after site restoration. Two ADCP’s were deployed multiple times in Reef Bay, St. John in conjunction with S. rubripinne spawning aggregations. This is being paired with parrotfish movement data to understand physical controls on parrotfish spatial patterns. Doug Wilson, David Velasco (Nortek), and Briony Hutton (Echoview) have been working with retrieved data to understand if the instruments are capable of tracking egg clouds. The statistical relationship between oceanic and envi- ronmental variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output was examined in the completed (April 2023) thesis of Ms. Jenna Cheramie “Impacts of sedimentation and algal composition on the foraging and spawning behavior of Yellowtail parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) in the U.S. Virgin Islands”. This is highlighted in the Fish Ecology research area. Trial sampling of parrotfish eggs from the Reef Bay western spawning site was conducted in fall 2022. We successfully collected parrotfish eggs and are gearing up for more systematic sampling using larger plankton nets. We also discovered that the western parrotfish use a second spawning aggregations site exclusively during the warmest months of year (Aug- Oct) and are looking at ways of collecting additional oceanographic data at all three spawning sites. Due to some techni- cal failures of existing video-hydrophone equipment, graduate student Stefanie Maxin is exploring new ways of capturing time-lapse video data during spawning periods. Two UVI undergraduate students (Chloe Camancho, VerNele Callwood) were recruited to work in Nemeth lab on parrotfish life history related to reproduction. Goal OC2: Determine larval dispersal pathways from point-source spawning aggregation sites of S. rubripinne. The finalization of the US Caribbean Regional Ocean Model (Mukherjee et al. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1080/175587 6X.2022.2059885) has prepared the research team to develop connectivity matrices to understand dispersal from spawn- ing aggregation sites. A major accomplishment was the first publication of USCROMS used in a research application (Mukherjee S, Wilson D, Jobsis P, Habtes S (2023) Numerical modeling of internal tides and sub-mesoscale turbulence in the US Caribbean regional ocean. Scientific Reports 13:1091 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-27944-2). Another major accomplishment in Year 3 has been the construction of a high-resolution sub-grid encompassing much of the St. Thomas - St. John shelf and priority fish spawning sites by VI EPSCoR post-doctoral researcher Sonaljit Mukherjee. A previous issue with the model was the degree of bathymetric smoothing that was needed to make the model computa- tionally feasible to run in reasonable time frames. This allowed the model to run but provided unrealistic bathymetry for shelf edge sites (10’s to 100’s of meters deeper than reality), as identified by Dr. Holstein, Dr. T. Smith, and LSU doctoral student Benjamin Farmer. Dr. Mukherjee developed a more realistic bathymetry and worked with Dr. Holstein to put the model on the LSU computer cluster. A year of model runs are now possible to complete in about 3 months on the LSU cluster and can resolve about 10m vertical resolution in the open ocean and slightly less than 1m resolution in the coastal zone.  To date the team has produced about a half year of model data. With completed model runs in the new framework we will construct a realistic connectivity matrix that can address questions of fate of eggs produced at fish spawning sites, the relationship between centrality in the connectivity matrix and biodiversity of corals and resilience of coral reefs (Marine Resilience research theme). In a new development, a proposal (Wilson and Jobsis) was submitted and accepted to the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program “MRI: Acquisition of Ocean Gliders for Marine Science Research Support at the University of the Virgin Islands”.  Two new Slocum G3 Gliders (1000m and 200m) with Conductivity, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and current profilers have been purchased and will arrive in June 2023.  The Glider Lab is being established in the UVI Innovation Center / Marine Science Center to be used for Training, Operations and Maintenance, Piloting, and teaching oceanography.  Glider missions in the USVI are funded in 2023 for NOAA hurricane studies, and are in pending proposals (Nemeth & Wilson, NOAA; Wilson, NOAA) to equip with acoustic receivers to track tagged fish and assess regional marine mammal populations (respectively).  Additional training and educational missions in 2023 and 2024 are funded through the NSF MRI. Goal OC3: Share USVI Oceanography Research with Stakeholders & Provide Opportunities for New Partnerships. Outreach to stakeholders has been completed with a forthcoming blog post regarding the oceanography program and the VI EPSCoR annual newsletter.  Dr. Doug Wilson and Tyler Smith presented progress in the oceanography area at the VI EPSCoR annual conference (Oct. 27, 2022).  Presented Wilson, D., 2022.  Gliders, climatology, and ocean models – what we can learn about the NE Caribbean by increasing upper ocean observation density.  Underwater Gliders Users Group Workshop Seattle ’22. Dr. Wilson also hosted a display at the opening of UVI’s Innovation Center which resulted in a news article in a local newspaper. SYNOPSIS: Coral Disease & Restoration Research Lead: Dr. Marilyn Brandt The Coral Disease & Restoration research theme has been very successful in reaching or exceeding milestones. Prog- ress has been made toward the goal of determining how local (e.g., nutrients, turbidity) and global (e.g., temperature stress) stressors drive disease dynamics. In this reporting period, the effect of thermal stress on coral disease transmis- sion was tested in an experiment as part of R. Mason’s MMES thesis project. Results have been analyzed and summa- rized in Ms. Mason’s thesis and she successfully defended her thesis in May 2023. A project examining the relationship between diseased Acroporid corals and water quality at seven sites across the northern U.S. Virgin Islands was complet- ed as part of N. Bestrom’s MMES thesis project. This project included additional funding from the Virgin Islands Water Re- sources Institute and involved Ms. Bestrom being hosted by Dr. Amy Apprill at her lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ms. Bestrom presented preliminary results from this project in an oral presentation at the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in Bremen, Germany in July 2022. Ms. Bestrom and MMES graduate student Lindsay Dade (also advised by M. Brandt) presented combined water quality sampling data from both of their projects in a joint poster at the annual VI EPSCoR conference in October 2022. Ms. Bestrom successfully defended the results of her thesis work at her Master’s thesis defense in April 2023. Under the Restoration area, we have also been highly successful in accomplishing our objectives either on or ahead of schedule. We have continued to make progress on our goal of expanding capacity for restoration ecology research in the U.S. Virgin Islands through Dr. Robin Smith’s laboratory. Dr. Smith received funding from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation which includes funds to construct a container-based coral propagation laboratory. The containers have been purchased and are in a temporary location on the St. Thomas campus awaiting the reopening of the McLean Marine Sci- ence Center for a permanent installation and location. These units will significantly increase the capacity for coral resto- ration research by allowing the testing and integration of sexual propagation methods. The study to determine how coral diversity affects the success of coral outplanting was initiated in early 2022 and is on- going. Preliminary results of the project were presented by technician K. Cobleigh at the ICRS in July 2022. A field-based experiment to test the success of outplanting corals among different water quality environments was initiated as part of MMES student Adeline Shelby’s Master’s thesis project. Ms. Shelby defended her thesis proposal in June 2022 and com- menced her experiment in January 2023. Work in the Coral Disease and Restoration section has continued to involve graduate and undergraduate students. In year 3, five graduate and two undergraduate student interns were trained in coral restoration techniques. Additionally, one graduate student participated in coral disease treatment experiments. The Disease and Restoration group has also been actively involved in outreach and education efforts, including maintaining and updating the https://www.vicoraldisease.org/ and https://www.vireefresponse.org/ websites and maintaining a social media presence for the coral restoration program Reef Response. Reef Response has continued to expand its education and outreach partnership with the Lovango Re- sort and Beach Club through the installation of signage on the island of Lovango which documents the coral restoration process. Additionally, a booklet entitled The Coral Chronicles documenting the coral restoration process was created and distributed throughout the territory. This booklet is intended to be updated each year. In year 3, three manuscripts were published in peer-reviewed journals, including a collaborative publication showing gene expression patterns in response to stony coral tissue loss disease infection in Nature Communications. Presentations on disease and restoration were given at international, regional, and local conferences. A RAPID grant to study a disease outbreak in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary was also awarded to Dr. Brandt by the NSF Biological Oceanography Program. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings Coral Disease & Restoration Goal MD1: Determine how species biodiversity affects the spread and impact of coral disease. This goal was accomplished with three publications that resulted and were reported in the previous reporting period. Currently, Dr. Brandt and Marine Disease Specialist Sonora Meiling are contributing to the development of a review article focused on stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) that includes a section reviewing how species susceptibility and biodi- versity affects the spread and impact of SCTLD. This paper is nearing completion and will be submitted for publication by the end of summer 2023. Goal MD2: Determine how local stressors (e.g., nutrients, turbidity) and global stressors (e.g., temperature stress) drive temporal and spatial distributions of disease. Water quality sampling continued in Year 3 at 11 sites around St. Thomas and St. John for 3 consecutive months in the fall (wet season) of 2022 and again in the spring (dry season) of 2023. This sampling consisted of collecting water sam- ples for nutrient and fecal coliform analysis and taking general environmental characteristics with either a YSI meter or CTD. Results of water quality sampling in the previous reporting period (Year 2) are currently being analyzed as a focus of Master’s thesis projects for MMES students Natasha Bestrom and Lindsay Dade. Ms. Bestrom’s thesis project focused on understanding the relationship between water quality and coral microbial health in Acropora palmata populations and habitats, while Ms. Dade was investigating the distribution and dynamics of coral recruits and juveniles in relationship to water quality in Orbicella spp. habitats. Both Ms. Bestrom and Ms. Dade successfully defended their theses in April 2023. Additionally, MMES student Natasha Bestrom traveled to collaborator Dr. Amy Apprill’s laboratory at Woods Hole Ocean- ographic Institution in the summer of 2022 to complete the processing of microbial samples. She received her sequences back in the fall of 2022 and processed, analyzed and integrated these microbial data into her Master’s thesis. Testing the effect of temperature on disease spread was the focus of MMES student Reagan Mason Master’s thesis. Her experiment was completed in June 2022, and included testing SCTLD transmission at three different temperature treat- ments: 28.5 degrees C, the climatological monthly maximum mean sea water temperature for the region (control); 29.5 degrees C, the local bleaching threshold (epi-stress); and 31 degrees C, above the local bleaching threshold (hot). Ms. Mason analyzed and integrated the results into her Master’s thesis. She successfully defended her thesis in April 2023. Goal MD3: Predict the spread and impact of multi-species coral disease. Dan Holstein’s laboratory at Louisiana State University continues to work on creating a pathogen dispersal model using the local ROMS model developed by VI-EPSCoR post-doc S. Mukherjee. Dr. Holstein presented preliminary results at ICRS in Germany in July 2022. Dr. Brandt now serves on the PhD committee of Dr. Holstein’s student Benjamin Farmer who is focusing on modeling disease spread using the pathogen dispersal model. This work laid the foundation for another successful RAPID proposal to the NSF Biological Oceanography program by Dr. Brandt’s collaborative disease group including Amy Apprill at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dan Holstein at Louisiana State University, Adrienne Correa at Rice University, and Laura Mydlarz at the University of Texas at Arlington. This project is led by A. Correa and is in response to a disease outbreak at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) that was suspected to be SCTLD. Dr. Brandt, Marine Disease Specialist S. Meiling, and Marine Life Restoration Specialist J. Quetel participated in a research cruise in March 2023 to document and sample the disease outbreak. Preliminary analyses suggest the disease does not match the characteristics of SCTLD. Goal MD4: Share Disease Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. Research lead M. Brandt maintains and contributes to the vicoraldisease.org website - the website that the territory uses to provide information on SCTLD in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brandt and Marine Disease Specialist S. Meiling are also members of the Virgin Islands Coral Disease Advisory Committee (VI-CDAC). Brandt leads the Research sub-team and is an Executive Team member of VI-CDAC. S. Meiling helps to lead the Research and Data Management sub-teams. Senior personnel, graduate and undergraduate students, and technicians presented information on disease in several venues. There were multiple presentations in both oral and poster format at the International Coral Reef Symposium held in Bremen Germany in July 2022. Additional presentations were made at the annual VI EPSCoR conference that took place on St. Thomas in October 2022. Undergraduate intern K. Powell presented a poster at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. Coral Disease research lead M. Brandt gave an invited presentation on disease at the Gordon Research Conference on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. MMES students L. Dade and N. Bestrom presented their results in the NOAA collaboration seminar series in April 2023. Goal MR1: Expand capacity for restoration ecology research in the US Virgin Islands. Restoration Ecology faculty R. Smith with assistance from M. Brandt was successful in acquiring external funding for restoration activities. This funding (>$800,000) came from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and will fund the creation of a coral larval propagation unit where adaptive breeding technologies can be tested on coral larvae. The con- struction of this unit on the St. Thomas campus began with the acquisition in February 2023 of two containers that will hold the propagation unit’s infrastructure. The capacity for restoration ecology research was further expanded through the continuation of a contract from the National Park Service to M. Brandt. These additional funds allowed for the hiring of Coral Restoration Specialist Nicholas Durgadeen (a recent graduate of the UVI undergraduate marine biology program and an ancestral Virgin Islander) who was hired to support coral restoration activities. Goal MR2: Determine how diversity affects success of coral outplanting. A multi-species outplanting experiment was deployed at Perseverance Bay in January 2022 to test the effect of diversity on coral outplanting success and has been monitored monthly or semi-monthly depending on weather. The experiment is testing growth and mortality of Acropora cervicornis when outplanted with and without two other coral species, one of which is a known alternative prey for a common Acropora spp. predator and the other is thought to be a possible sink for a known Acropora spp. disease pathogen. Treatments also include outplanting of A. cervicornis colonies in clusters of single genotypes and multiple genotypes. Preliminary results suggest that single species, multi-genotype outplanting plots show less mortality and higher growth. Analysis of photo monitoring is ongoing. Goal MR3: Determine how gradients in water quality affect success of coral outplanting. An experiment was deployed in January 2023 to test the effect of outplanting Orbicella annularis between turbid and clear waters as part of MMES student Adeline Shelby’s Master’s thesis project. These corals will be followed for a minimum of 6 months and monitored monthly to record health characteristics and growth. Goal MR4: Share Restoration Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. The VI Reef Response program - the umbrella name for our coral restoration work – continues to work with the Lovan- go Resort and Beach Club in an educational partnership. Work has continued in the three zones of the Rescue to Reef project. The rebar table nursery within the “Rescue” zone has been thriving. Corals attached to the rebar in the spring of 2022 are large enough for pruning and outplanting which is scheduled for April 2023. Experimental outplanting cones with micro-fragments of Acropora palmata that were deployed in the “Research” zone have experienced complete fusion and are putting out branches. The Research zone is also where the first pilot deployment of the multi-species experiment took place. However boat traffic and high currents in the area of the plots has made following this experiment through time unsafe. More than 1,500 corals have been outplanted to the “Restored” zone and we continue to have more than 90% survival of outplants. Signage was installed on Lovango Cay that provides information on restoration to the public. There are three signs cor- responding to the three zones and content of these signs includes contributions from graduate student interns, and they were designed by EPSCoR’s Communications Specialist Elisa Bryan, with artwork contributed by EPSCoR’s Community Engagement Specialist Jarvon Stout. An initial set of these signs was installed in fall of 2022 and a second set that will be placed in strategic positions around the island were ordered and arrived and are awaiting installation. As part of the Lovango Rescue to Reef collaboration, a booklet was created called the Coral Chronicles. This booklet was made in the style of the VI EPSCoR newsletter and was designed by Communications Specialist Elisa Bryan with contri- butions from all of the Brandt laboratory. The booklet was launched online on the VI EPSCoR and Reef Response social media platforms and printed copies are being distributed at educational events and on Lovango Cay to visitors. The work of Reef Response, and particularly the land-based nursery, provides excellent opportunities for training in research. Coral Restoration and Communications Specialist D. Mele collaborated with Dr. Michele Guannel to provide op- portunities for undergraduate project-based learning. In addition, 5 graduate and two undergraduate interns were trained on coral restoration techniques over the last year. Reef Response also has a very active social media presence where we highlight student involvement in research and M. Brandt’s lab hosts the website vireefresponse.org which contains information on our restoration operations. Reef Response personnel including technicians and graduate students partici- pated in several local educational events, including an Eco-Discovery Fair at the VI Children’s Museum on St. Thomas in January 2023 and Ag Fest on St. Croix in March 2023. Reef Response will also have a booth at the St. John Earth Day festival in April 2023. SYNOPSIS: Coral Reef Resilience Research Lead: Dr. Tyler Smith The Marine Resilience research theme is moving forward and will be completed before the end of the research infrastruc- ture award. This theme, centered on a multi-researcher workshop to finalize analyses and outputs, is about one year behind the planned schedule because of the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, synthesis of site-specific data on potential biophysical internal and external drivers of reef resilience has continued and is resulting in data sets, thesis components, and manuscripts in preparation. The data sets will be shared openly and will form a lasting part of the research infrastructure of the USVI. The Marine Resilience research theme has engaged five underrepresented minorities through participation of Master’s students in research. Economic benefits include assisting coral reef resource manage- ment by determining key management steps that can increase reef resilience. Progress made in the Marine Resilience research theme can be leveraged to pursue external funding and increase our data and intellectual infrastructure. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Coral Reef Resilience Goal CR1: Determine the internal and external drivers most critical to coral reef ecosystem resilience in the USVI and identify targets for restoration of resilience. The Marine Resilience research theme has made continual progress in year 3. Databases of internal and external drivers have been constructed and/or updated for all variables for 34 sites of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program and are ready for use in the overall resilience analysis with little or no further analysis. Data sets from the National Park Ser- vice and Dr. Peter Edmunds (Cal. State Northridge) either require additional data collection or modeling. A postdoctoral associate, Dr. Lauren Olinger (2022 graduate from University of North Carolina Wilmington), has been hired to co-lead the resilience study with a position start date of April 21, 2023. She is also a graduate of the UVI Master of Marine and Envi- ronmental Science Program (2017 under Dr. Marilyn Brandt). Dr. Olinger has already begun synthesizing the biological data and has recently completed online courses to expand her knowledge of Bayesian statistics. She has met five times with Dr. Smith to prepare for engaging in the project. Between April and the end of year 3 in July she will assist in deter- mining data gaps, final metrics, coordinating working groups, and arranging the workshop on coral reef resilience analysis and synthesis. This workshop is scoped for the fall of 2023 with final dates determined by readiness of final potential resil- ience driver metrics and participant schedules. Goal CR2: Understand the impact of regional larval connectivity patterns on biodiversity patterns. The connectivity model is under development by Dr. Daniel Holstein at Louisiana State University. Dr. Holstein’s Doctoral student Benjamin Farmer will conduct the analyses and he has created seascape maps of coral diversity using published and unpublished data sources to be used in the analysis (>1000 coral reef sites has been compiled from the National Cor- al Reef Monitoring Program, Deep Coral Reef Monitoring Program, and the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program ad- ministered by UVI, DPNR, and NOAA). He has begun incorporating outputs of the US Caribbean Regional Ocean Model in consultation and guidance from Drs. Holstein, T. Smith, and Mukherjee. This database will be used with the finalized connectivity model to text hypotheses concerning the influence of larval connectivity on biodiversity patterns. Goal CR3: Share Coral Reef Resilience Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR promotions, newsletters, and the website www.corrl.org. Corrl.org had 292 visitors and 981 page views between its launch in February and May 2023. 4. Education and Workforce Development Project Outcomes Report Continued SYNOPSIS: Education and Workforce Development (EWFD) Research Lead: Dr. Lawanda Cummings VI-ISERP (Virgin Islands STEM Institute for Education Research and Practice) is tasked with building structures of change for improving the STEM Workforce pathways through 1) Teacher PD (Professional Development), 2) Undergraduate En- richment and Mentoring, and 3) Early-Career Support for STEM professionals. In Year 3 of R2R, the EWFD team met all but two of our specified goals and objectives despite limitations to in-person activities due to COVID-19 restrictions. The teacher PD component planned and hosted the 2022 VI STEM Institute, serving 86 local teachers. The in-person intensive training was done in partnership with the Infosys Foundation USA, Dr. Janis Modeste, an expert in behavioral and emotional interventions, and Dr. Dara Hamilton, a clinical psychologist at UVI. Through our partnership with Infosys Foundation USA, teachers were specifically trained to use Micro:bits, Chibitronics, and Finch Robots. During the aca- demic year, the STEM Institute facilitated 3 Teacher Talk Fridays and 3 virtual training courses as part of our continued professional development opportunities for practicing and prospective STEM educators. In Fall 2022, Dr. Cody Harrington presented a session on multiplicative reasoning to approximately 40 prospective and practicing teachers. In November, Dr. Harrington presented a second session on mathematics identity (12 teacher participants) and Dr. Janis Modeste presented a session on implementing SEL strategies in classrooms with (14 teacher participants). The VI STEM Institute hosted the TechKnowledge for Teachers workshop for STEM educators in October on St. Croix and in December on St. Thomas in partnership with the Infosys Foundation USA, Georgia Tech College of Computing, and CSTA. The training in- cluded ways to connect computer science into the curriculum and training with the Finch Robot, Micro:bits, and MakeCode Arcade. 6 teachers participated on St. Croix and 21 teachers participated on St. Thomas. In Spring 2023, the VI STEM Institute hosted one additional Teacher Talk Friday on self-care plans (6 teacher participants) and two virtual training courses on Desmos (23 teacher participants) and empowering students to live well. The teacher PD component facilitated over 4000 teacher hours of professional development. The Teacher PD team disseminated research results at the National Association of African American Studies (NAAAS) Annual Conference [student presenter], NSF EPSCoR National Conference, and NSF EPSCoR EOD Conference. Currently, the MRI (Mentoring and Research Infrastructure) team practicum supports two K12 teachers working on their PBL focused on agriculture for implementation in K12 education. The UVI Voices of Women in STEM (VOWS) Writing Sessions were held weekly during the semesters of Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and scheduled again for the Summer 2023 with an average of 8 – 10 participants to date. There are a variety of participants including faculty and graduate students. The MRI team conducted 9 professional workshops from Summer 2022 to Spring 2023 including one workshop for mentors, two workshops for graduate students, and six workshops for undergraduate students on individual development planning, career planning, abstract writing, and resume and CV writing. In collaboration with the Department of Education Title III Program and the College of Science and Mathematics, MRI assisted in the development of new course (BIO/CHE 250 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science), for the newly developed Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science. The course has an integrated professional development module with emphasis on STEM workforce preparation, indi- vidual development planning, and workforce skill development for students. In Spring of 2023, 3 junior faculty in STEM disciplines applied for the educational research mini-grant (ERMG) funding to conduct and expand educational research on the UVI Campus: Two St. Croix faculty and 1 St. Thomas faculty. The 2022 recipient of the ERMG utilized the funds to conduct research and start a productive line of research in STEM education. The MRI team disseminated research results at the PKAL (Project Kaleidoscope) Regional Network Conference in Mas- sachusetts and North Carolina, NSF EPSCoR EOD Conference, and the IHSES (International Conference on Humanities, Social and Education Sciences) 2023. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Education and Workforce Development VI-ISERP is tasked with building structures of change for improving the STEM Workforce pathways through 1) Teacher Professional Development, 2) Undergraduate Enrichment and Mentoring, and 3) Early-Career Support for STEM pro- fessionals. In Year 3 of R2R, the EWFD team met all but two of our specified goals and objectives despite limitations to in-person activities due to COVID-19 restrictions. Goal WF1. To integrate resilience research themes (i.e. mangrove restoration, coral reef ecosystems, and land-sea inter- actions) into teacher professional development to improve K-12 student preparation. The teacher PD component planned and hosted the 2022 VI STEM Institute, serving 86 local teachers. The in-person intensive training was done in partnership with the Infosys Foundation USA, Dr. Janis Modeste, an expert in behavioral and emotional interventions, and Dr. Dara Hamilton, a clinical psychologist at UVI. Through our partnership with Infosys Foundation USA, teachers were specifically trained to use Micro:bits, Chibitronics, and Finch Robots. During the aca- demic year, the STEM Institute facilitated 3 Teacher Talk Fridays and 3 virtual training courses as part of our continued professional development opportunities for practicing and prospective STEM educators. In Fall 2022, Dr. Cody Harrington presented a session on multiplicative reasoning to approximately 40 prospective and practicing teachers. In November, Dr. Harrington presented a second session on mathematics identity (12 teacher participants) and Dr. Janis Modeste presented a session on implementing SEL strategies in classrooms with (14 teacher participants). The VI STEM Institute hosted the TechKnowledge for Teachers workshop for STEM educators in October on St. Croix and in December on St. Thomas in partnership with the Infosys Foundation USA, Georgia Tech College of Computing, and CSTA. The training included ways to connect computer science into the curriculum and training with the Finch Robot, Micro:bits, and Make- Code Arcade. Six (6) teachers participated on St. Croix and 21 teachers participated on St. Thomas. In Spring 2023, the VI STEM Institute hosted one additional Teacher Talk Friday on self-care plans (6 teacher participants) and two virtual training courses on Desmos (23 teacher participants) and empowering students to live well. The teacher PD component facilitated over 4000 teacher hours of professional development. A meeting has been scheduled with the VI EPSCoR informal learning team and teachers on St. Croix for early June to discuss and schedule the implementation of the marine debris curriculum using a PBL (Project Based Learning) approach. The team consists of one member of the informal learning team, two high school teachers, and one VI-ISERP team member. Simultaneously, we are working on research instruments to explore teacher’s implementation of the curriculum and teacher’s reflections on implementation. Our partner in mangrove restoration presented curriculum and provided teachers with a tour of the mangrove nursery and an opportunity to plant a mangrove at our 2022 Summer Institute. As a follow up to this event, we are actively seeking teachers interested in developing a PBL for the mangrove curriculum. Currently, the VI-ISERP team is reviewing the mangrove curriculum to identify potential opportunities in the curriculum for PBL. A field trip has been scheduled for the Summer Institute in Summer 2023 to continue to inspire and expose teachers to R2R Research and related fields. As has been done in previous summers, the team will use the 2023 Summer Institute to recruit additional teachers for the PBL Certificate Program and to continue to facilitate meetings with master teachers, R2R Researchers and the VI EPSCoR informal learning team. Goal WF3: To support student/ faculty research infrastructure via support for pre and in-service STEM workforce, with the goal to increase STEM career interest, skills, and retention. Currently, the MRI team practicum supports two K12 teachers (one from each St. Croix and St. Thomas) working on their PBL focused on agriculture for implementation in K12 education. The MRI team hopes to recruit additional teacher participants for the practicum during the 2023 Summer Institute. The UVI Voices of Women in STEM (VOWS) Writing Sessions were held weekly during the semesters of Summer 2022 and Fall 2022 with an average of 8 – 10 participants. The summer 2023 writing sessions have been scheduled for the first week of July. There are a variety of participants including faculty and graduate students. Collectively, the female scholars have successfully presented their research at conferences, submitted articles for publication, and submitted grants to funding agencies. Preliminary results from VOWs post-survey show increased productivity through participation in the weekly writing sessions. The MRI Team continued the Slack Network Listserv to connect participants with opportunities and access to the broader research community. The MRI team conducted 9 professional workshops from Summer 2022 to Spring 2023 including one workshop for men- tors, two workshops for graduate students, and six workshops for undergraduate students on individual development plan- ning, career planning, abstract writing, and resume and CV writing. In Summer 2023, MRI will host a mentor workshop and six-weeks of professional development workshops for undergraduate students involved in the Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) Summer Research Program. Post-survey conducted with STEM student mentees on the use of IDPs found an increase in student-use following the training. In partnership with RISE, there was an exit survey for student mentees with questions on IDP use and compact use. Initially, three to four students were using the IDP, and one to two students were using the compact, so the increase greatly exceeds 20%. In terms of mentor training, in Fall 2022, the MRI Team conducted one training course for mentors on the Compact Resource Talk for the NIH Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (RISE) Mentor Meeting. In Summer 2023 there will be additional mentor training for faculty par- ticipating in the ECS Summer Research Program. In collaboration with the Department of Education Title III Program and the College of Science and Mathematics, MRI assisted in the development of new course (BIO/CHE 250 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science), for the newly developed Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science. The course has an integrated professional development module with emphasis on STEM workforce preparation, individual development planning, and workforce skill development for stu- dents. To continue to response to stakeholder needs and concerns representatives from undergraduate research training grants, career services, center for student success, freshman general education science course, STEM faculty, VI Depart- ment of Labor liaison, research mentors, have been invited to attend. In Spring of 2023, 3 junior faculty in STEM disciplines applied for the educational research mini-grant (ERMG) funding to conduct and expand educational research on the UVI Campus: Two St. Croix faculty and 1 St. Thomas faculty. The 2022 recipient of the ERMG utilized the funds to conduct research and start a productive line of research in STEM education through a study titled: "Expanding Water Quality Analyses in AAS Campus". The study integrates applied research into general chemistry laboratory courses to positively impact students’ attitudes towards STEM. The faculty member, Joseph Squillace, previously participated in Educational Research training events hosted by MRI. He reported that 26 students, 11 males and 15 females all STEM majors at the freshmen and sophomore have been impacted by the current project. The mini- grant award provided new opportunities for collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Marine and Environmental Studies- Environmental Analysis Lab. The faculty mentor is planning to use the data collected from the project to apply for additional grant funding through the EPA. Additional Accomplishments The Teacher PD team disseminated research results at the NAAAS (National Association of African American Studies) An- nual Conference [student presenter], NSF EPSCoR National Conference, and NSF EPSCoR EOD Conference. The MRI team disseminated research results at the PKAL Regional Network Conference in Massachusetts and North Carolina, NSF EPSCoR EOD Conference, and the IHSES 2023. Members of the Teacher PD team and the Informal Learning team intend to collaborate on multiple research projects over the next year and the teams are currently working on the research proposals and IRB process for these projects. SYNOPSIS: Education and Workforce Development Undergraduate Education Research Project Research Lead: Dr. Michele Guannel VI-EPSCoR’s Undergraduate Education Research (UER) investigators have observed significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student enrollment, course failure rates, and mental health, from Year 2 into Year 3 of the R2R grant and consequently, they have re-focused their efforts. The first-year courses of SCI (Science) 100 and SSC (Social Science) 100 started seeing the lowest enrollment since the lead instructors have been teaching at UVI. Additionally, although the team does not have statistics yet on student retention between first and second years at UVI, they are troubled by much higher failure rates and the disappearance of specific students from our classrooms over the semesters. While UVI first-year students have long exhibited a bimodal aspect of performance and preparedness, it appears that this gap is widening. This raises serious concerns about the long-term impact of mostly virtual teaching in this year’s first-year students, most of whom did not have in-person high school learning for multiple years due to COVID and the 2017 hurricanes. Additionally, multiple students self-report depression over the reporting period; and, for the first time to instructors’ knowledge, there was a suicide attempt by one of our students, to which multiple first-year classmates responded to bring their friend to the hospital and dealt with aftermath for all involved. Of further concern are the students who do disappear from their classrooms, sometimes after disclosure of difficulties. As one metric of the challenges of the first-year population, for SCI 100, the failure rate was around 5%, prior to the pandemic. In Spring 2021, the course failure rate was 18%. In Spring 2022, the course failure rate increased to 30%. The Undergraduate Education Research project members invest- ed more time in individualized support for these highest-risk students, through the core interventional work of experiential learning. The UER team developed a stronger first-year experience model through the resilience-themed experiential learning (RTEL) projects. While plans for the second-tier intervention (resilience leaders program) continued to be explored, they felt it paramount that their high-risk, struggling first-year students be given the closest support possible. The first-year expe-rience model focused on the St. Thomas campus in courses led by Dr. Guannel (SCI 100) and Dr. Perry (SSC 100). They were unable to implement projects in these courses on the St. Croix campus, due to continued transitions in these person-nel (new instructor for SSC 100) and/or their administrative duties (Dr. Peterson). Integral student support has been provided by the broad SCI 100 team of instructors, including the EPSCoR-supported students and recent alumna who worked individually with students pursuing projects. In total, 10 UVI undergraduate students and four Masters of Marine and Environmental (MMES) students were supervised by Dr. Michele Guannel as (undergraduate) Peer Instructors or (graduate-level) Teaching Assistants/Lab Instructors/Community Engagement Fel- lows within SCI 100, from Aug 2022-May 2023. Included in the above number of students supported: EPSCoR funding was utilized for student research and community engagement positions. Two undergraduate students were supported as Service-Learning Coordinators (D. Hunt, Aug 2022-May 2023; M. Anthony, Jan-May 2023). One MMES graduate student was supported as a Community Engagement Fellow (N. Scott, Aug-Dec 2022; March-April 2023). One UVI alumna, N. Beck, was supported as a Service-Learning Coordinator (Aug-Dec 2022) and then as a Community Engagement Fellow (Jan-May 2023). These students, and others involved in either teaching or research related to resilience education and dissemination of their experiential learning work, represent Resilience Leaders. Two important changes occurred in SSC 100: Introduction to the Social Sciences, a Caribbean Focus in the AY 2022 – 2023, which were initially implemented in the Fall Semester. The first was to adopt a timeline for the resilience-themed community-based learning experience that closely parallels the approach of SCI 100. Prior to this academic year, the SSC 100 course had followed the traditional course arrangement where focus on the project began at the mid-semester point. Concluding that this late timing limited both the number of students pursuing projects and caused students to miss natural community partnerships and events, this new timeline was implemented with a shift in the courses to create a weekly “Workshop” or discussion section more closely mirroring the SCI 100 style lab. This shift further allows collabora- tion across SCI and SSC 100 sections, as well as breaking the project into pieces that can be accomplished across the semester. As the team balances and adjusts the content demands of SSC 100, this updated timeline should continue to increase student engagement and interest in the Action projects allowing for greater support from faculty. The second important change to the SSC 100 Course was the creation of a content module in Week Three centered on the theme of “Resilience.” This timing allows the research team to assess student understanding of resilience through the survey tool and then launch into a study of the theme of resilience in the Social Sciences and in the Caribbean region. This content model drew from current research across the Social Sciences with students learning about how research-ers explore questions of resilience at the individual, community, systems, and regional levels. This new content module allows for the earlier introduction of “Resilience” as a central, driving theme of the course as the content covers human societies in the region past, present, and future. The simultaneous, parallel structure of SSC 100 and SCI 100 in Fall 2022 resulted in a noticeable acknowledgment of the project option, and an overall more cohesive first-year experience, as voiced by SCI 100 students in Spring 2023. We attribute the high number of “Project Track” SCI 100 students in large part to the scaffolding and implementation of proj- ects within the SSC 100 course that many of these students took the prior semester (Fall 2022) with Dr. Perry. Upper-level undergraduates, mainly student instructors and researchers, continue to be recognized as Resilience Leaders for ongoing teaching, research, and mentoring of first-year students. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Undergraduate Education Research Project Goal WF2: Increase recruitment, retention, and persistence of URM undergraduates in STEM and resilience-related ma- jors, minors, and certificate programs. Team members continued to build student-centered RTEL interventions into the First-Year curriculum of Science 100 (SCI 100) and Social Science 100 (SSC 100). These RTEL interventions, referred hereafter as the “Project Track” represent an alternative to the “Traditional Track,” which constitutes a research paper for SCI 100, or a proposal for SSC 100. The two tracks for first-year students will enable us to explore two overarching research questions: “(1) How can high impact educational practices enhance student leadership and (2) elevate their lived experiences to address ‘wicked problems’ in the Caribbean?” The Undergraduate Education Research Project reports successfully achieving key goals while respond- ing to the emerging challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the University of the Virgin Islands and the broader Virgin Islands community. Working across the two courses of SCI 100 and SSC 100 and across the two campus- es of St. Thomas Orville E. Kean and St. Croix Albert E. Sheen, faculty members and undergraduate students created and implemented how RTEL interventions can increase student engagement. The primary creation of complementary student learning outcomes, and comprehensive assessment of recent RTEL interventions, will occur during Summer 2022. Objective WF2.1a: Develop and implement service learning (SL) within freshman-level courses (SCI 100 & SSC 100) During Year 3, Dr. Perry revised the curriculum of SSC 100 on St. Thomas to more closely parallel the structure that al- lows for active working time on projects via lab sections in SCI 100. A Friday discussion / work period was added to SSC 100, the format of which constitutes 3 one-hour lecture sections, as opposed to two one-hour lecture sections and one three-hour lab sections, weekly, for SCI 100. She also added a module on Resilience to the beginning of the course, to integrate this theme more explicitly. During Year 3, resilience-themed experiential learning (RTEL) projects were conducted by a total of 59 students in Sci- ence 100 and Social Science 100. Project themes, and partners where relevant, are described below. ● During Fall 2022, 33 undergraduate students completed RTEL projects: ○ Science 100, St. Thomas. 17 students completed projects on marine debris, education on coral bleaching, mangroves, marine indicator species, climate change, Sargassum, building better infrastructure in the VI, sea turtles, and COVID-19 impacts on healthcare and education. Partners included: Brandt Lab, Jobsis Lab, Grimes Lab, Caribbean Green Technology Center, Molly Perry, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, UVI stu- dents) ○ Social Science 100, St. Thomas. 16 students conducted projects on topics of food insecurity, marine de- bris, preservation of Creole languages, gun violence prevention, healthcare in the VI, development of Caribbean cuisine, professional appearance for Black employees, entrepreneurship for female business owners, renewable energy, homophobia and transphobia in the VI, and human trafficking. Partners included: Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, All Saints Cathedral School, Department of Health, Virgin Islands Police Department, and De- partment of Justice) ● During Spring 2023, 26 undergraduate students completed RTEL projects, solely in SCI 100. ○Science 100, St. Thomas. Of 30 students who proposed projects (equal to approximately 30% of enrolled stu- dents), 26 students completed their projects at the time of this report. Natural sciences projects included sus- tainable agriculture, coral restoration, Sargassum bloom impacts and possible solutions, sea turtle conservation, recycling, home and community gardening, solar energy, marine debris and other ocean pollution (community perceptions; the Great Mangrove Cleanup; independent beach cleanups), mangrove restoration and mangrove ecosystem health, tsunami awareness and education, chemical analysis of drinking water quality, an artistic representation of climate change over time, and science education. Biomedically-focused topics included can- cer prevention and education, COVID-19 impacts on mental health of the community and healthcare providers, the “tripledemic” of respiratory viruses in the Virgin Islands, preventive health care, climate change impacts on workers’ health, Partners included: local farmers including a UVI agriculture professor, Brandt Lab, UVI Sea Turtle Club, Jobsis Lab, Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, Caribbean Green Technology Center, Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, UVI Gardening Club, ProSolar, UVI Counselor Patricia Towal, Miss UVI Tamia Grant, JW Behavioral Center, Grimes Lab, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, All Saints Cathedral School, VITEMA, Center for Marine and Environmental Science Environmental Analysis Lab, and local nurses, and UVI students who participated in classmates’ projects. ○Social Science 100, St. Thomas: Projects were not conducted during the Spring semester, due to the serious medical emergency and subsequent family and medical leave for Dr. Perry. In AY 2022-2023, the Project Track was completed by a total of 59 students in SCI 100 and SSC 100, on the St. Thomas campus. Each year of the grant, The team has nearly doubled the number of students engaged in RTEL projects: from 18 students (Year 1) to 33 students (Year 2), to 59 students (Year 3). This increase represents substantial progress towards Objective WF2.1, to double the number of first-year students participating in STEM and resilience-themed experiential learning opportunities that promote an interest and affinity for STEM, from 10% (Year 1) to at least 20% (Years 2-5) of student enrollment across the two courses. The Year 3 percentage of student involvement is 26% of students to whom the Project Track was offered, in SCI 100 and SSC 100 on St. Thomas. As noted in the Synopsis document, integral student support has been provided by the broad SCI 100 team of instructors, including the EPSCoR-supported students and recent alumna who worked individually with students pursuing projects. In total, 10 UVI undergraduate students and four Master of Marine and Environmental (MMES) students were supervised by Dr. Michele Guannel as (undergraduate) Peer Instructors or (graduate-level) Teaching Assistants/Lab Instructors/Commu- nity Engagement Fellows within SCI 100, from Aug 2022-May 2023. Included in the above number of students supported: EPSCoR funding was utilized for student research and community engagement positions. Two undergraduate students were supported as Service-Learning Coordinators (D. Hunt, Aug 2022-May 2023; M. Anthony, Jan-May 2023). One MMES graduate student was supported as a Community Engagement Fellow (N. Scott, Aug-Dec 2022; March-April 2023). One UVI alumna, N. Beck, was supported as a Service-Learning Coordinator (Aug-Dec 2022) and then as a Community Engagement Fellow (Jan-May 2023). The entire SCI 100 team of instructors, who support students on projects as well as provide overall support, shows increasing synergy with other R2R researchers. For example, Senior Marine Biology student Kahlifah Powell, undergrad- uate researcher with the Brandt Lab, served as a Peer Instructor with one lab group of SCI 100, again acting as a bridge and advisor for both Project Track and Traditional Track students working on topics related to coral restoration. From the students who completed outstanding RTEL projects in SCI 100 in Fall 2022, we recruited two Marine Biology students (Megan Anthony and Nathaniel Kohler as Service-Learning Coordinator and Peer Instructor, respectively). Additional- ly, Fall 2022 Project Track Students, Kaidrian Ottley (Marine Biology) and Darnilla Samuel (Chemistry) have accepted positions as Service-Learning Coordinator and Peer Instructors for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. Finally, Professor Vernon Callwood, a Lab Instructor with SCI 100 since Fall 2019, is working with the Grimes Lab in his full-time classroom at Charlotte Amalie High School, through the Mangroves in the Classroom program. WF2.1b: Evaluate resilience-themed experiential learning on first year students’ interest in and affinity for STEM. Year 2: Run two sets of focus groups: 1) Service-learning participants (one focus group per semester & course; 2018-2021) and 2) service partners (one focus group for each of SCI 100 & SSC 100) to gather data on outcomes and impacts to date. As reported in Year 2, institutional restrictions related to in-person interactions last year limited our ability to design and im- plement focus groups, until Year 3. During Summer 2022, Drs. Guannel, Jaeger, and Perry developed a new Institutional Review Board package for assessment of student experiences in SCI 100 and SSC 100. The IRB package, approved in Fall 2022, included new instruments such as resilience-themed pre- and post-surveys and focus groups for students who completed resilience-themed experiential learning (RTEL) projects in both or either course. Students are currently being recruited for focus groups to assess experiences with the RTEL projects during the Fall 2022 semester. Subsequent fo- cus group recruitment will resume in the Fall, for students who completed RTEL projects during the Spring 2023 semester. Additionally, after piloting the projects across both campuses and both courses in Year 2, we determined that changes to the SSC 100 curriculum were fundamental to the successful implementation of full-scale projects and resilience themes, across both courses. One goal for Year 2, and subsequent years of R2R funding, is to apply for external proposals to sustain this research. In Year 2, Dr. Michele Guannel submitted a proposal under the Building STEM Capacity in Education Research (BCSER) call, entitled “Application of Systems Thinking and Transdisciplinary Learning to Strengthen Retention and Preparation for a Resilience-Focused Workforce in the United States Virgin Islands” requesting $349,975 total funding for assessment of a Resilience Leaders pathway in collaboration with Islands Systems Resilience courses and internships (centered in the Physics department). Unfortunately, the proposal was not funded. Two service learning-related proposals, with investiga- tors Dr. Perry and English professor, Dr. Thalassa Tonks, were funded and began as of Year 3. One proposal is “Commu- nity Conversations and Cultural Preservation: Service Learning and Oral History Collection at the University of the Virgin Islands” is supported at the level of $15,000 by Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) via funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. More recently, another proposal submitted by Drs. Perry and Tonks, entitled “Community Conversations: A Digitized Cultural Preservation Project in the United States Virgin Islands” was funded at $50,000 by the Humanities Initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, through the National Endowment for the Humanities. Both grants incorporate service learning and will likely be leveraged to expand support for first-year students by implementing this high-impact practice into English courses. A potential multi-course collaboration, for these high-risk students, holds promise to expand support for struggling students across additional courses in the first-year experience. The Year 2 goal of establishing complementary learning outcomes and assessments across SCI 100 and SSC 100, builds upon the first full year of project development and implementation in both courses. During Summer 2022, the Team explored formative assessment of student products from SCI 100 and SSC 100. We utilized Civic Engagement, Critical Thinking, and Integrative Learning rubrics developed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). All three rubrics identify components that are key learning outcomes for our collective students and do show some differ- ences between “Project Track” and “Research Track” student products. WF 2.2. The team will also provide 10% of sophomore and junior students with deeper, resilience-themed experien- tial learning opportunities that promote retention and persistence in a STEM major, minor or certificate program; and STEM-related career goals. WF2.2a: Develop and implement a Resilience Leaders (RL) program. Year 2 work identified that the dissemination by undergraduate Project Track alumni and undergraduate researchers has served to clarify one major pathway of Resilience Leaders. Their reflections and shared experiences have contributed to re- search findings on RETL and other educational interventions from local to national levels. We now view all students directly involved in conducting, researching, and mentoring the RTEL projects, as Resilience Leaders. As part of our development of Resilience Leaders, we continued the dissemination of student-led research who completed experiential learning during earlier years of the project intervention, in SCI 100 under the Mare Nostrum grant. As report- ed in Year 2, a cohort of Project Track alumni and EPSCoR-supported SCI 100 / SSC 100 Service-Learning Coordina- tors co-authored a manuscript entitled “Student-directed service learning in the United States Virgin Islands: Resiliencing through disaster.” Originally accepted as one of 14 abstracts out of 43 international abstracts, our full chapter manuscript was submitted August 2022, and was accepted for inclusion in the book in September 2022. However, after additional discussion, the authors retracted the chapter and are revising the manuscript during Summer 2023 for submission to a peer-reviewed education research journal. The Undergraduate Education Research Team also recognizes the teaching and research accomplishment of long-time UVI student employees as well as RTEL students who go on to leadership achievements, as Resilience Leaders. Three SCI 100 undergraduate student employees and one former SCI 100 RTEL project student were nominated for four compet- itive UVI awards: Award recipients were recognized in a ceremony in April 2023. Deanna Hunt, SCI 100 Service-Learning Coordinator, won UVI Student Employee of the Year. M. Guannel nominated Ms. Hunt for her outstanding commitment and growth over the period of 3.5 years of teaching and research with experiential learning. Jaresia Elliott-Hendrickson, SCI 100 Peer Instructor, was awarded UVI’s Buccaneer Spirit Award, for her exemplary initia- tive in SCI 100 teaching, her outstanding GPA, and her leadership in two UVI clubs (UVI Conservation Club and PRISM LGBTQIA+ Club). The Buccaneer Spirit Award will be given to a student who exemplifies UVI pride by excelling in their academic endeavors, inspiring other students, and giving of their time, talent, and energy to extracurricular and curricular activities that benefit UVI and the larger community by being innovative, driven, proactive, and persistent. Kahlifah Powell, SCI 100 Peer Instructor and Brandt Lab Researcher, was identified as the Outstanding Student Leader, due to her work in supporting SCI 100 students and her commitment to coral restoration through two years of research with the Brandt Lab. Majestik Estrada-Petersen, Fall 2020 SCI 100 RTEL project student and Founder / Former President of PRISM, was nominated for Outstanding Student Leader involved in club leadership, for founding and building PRISM, which is the first club on the St. Thomas campus to support LGBTQIA+ students. M. Guannel has been the faculty advisor since the club’s inception, supporting Majestik in her desire to start the club. SCI 100 and VI-EPSCoR student employees have been nominated every year for appropriate awards, out of five years that the Student Employee Awards have been held. These peer mentors have proven to be instrumental in leading students through the RTEL project development process, as well as serving as STEM role models for our new students. SYNOPSIS: Informal Learning Led by Community Engagement Specialists Jarvon Stout & Kai Neilsen The IL team had significant success in its public and k-12 outreach initiatives in Y3. This can be attributed to maintaining and building important partnerships, identifying, and utilizing novel science education tools and resources, and connect- ing the public to science in ways previously not done in prior VI-EPSCoR projects. All of this in turn has led to the highest community engagement numbers in a single year since R2R began. Within the year and through 34 separate engagement initiatives, 2,167 Virgin Islanders spanning many backgrounds have been reached by IL and its partners. Of that number,1,005 were engaged through various small and large-scale public events. These include, but are not limited to, the annual St. Croix AGRIFEST (367 engaged), the UVI Afternoon on the Green (268 engaged), and the recent STEM Saturday which focused on R2R-supported sea turtle conservation work (101 engaged). This year has also seen IL work with international organizations such as Pangea Seed to diversify the way environmental science themes are introduced to the public. This initiative called ‘Sea Walls: Artists for Change’ aimed to increase environmental literacy and awareness through public art such as murals. A total of 8 environmentally themed murals were painted in community spaces and schools across the island of St. Thomas. Several of the community murals were inspired by, and included concepts from, R2R projects such as mangrove and coral restoration, fisheries research, and sea turtle conservation. In honor of the Sea Walls launch, IL alongside VIMAS (Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Ser- vice) and the VI Children’s Museum (VICM) also hosted an “Eco Discovery Day ‘’. This event attracted 95 community participants and highlighted the Geoscience research and conservation efforts that inspired many of the murals that were painted. The creation of several R2R-inspired exhibits within public spaces such as the VICM is still underway. A total of 1,162 k-12 students across both the STT/STJ and STX districts participated in IL-hosted activities in year 3. Of these, 47 participated in the Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) and Youth Ocean Explorers summer programs. Both ‘Learn to Swim’ and the marine science-based programs engaged 24 and 23 k-12 students, respectively. Ongoing engagement with the University Bound (UB) program included a partnership with the Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR): Division of Fish and Wildlife where students had the rare opportunity to learn more about the USVI’s terrestrial ecology and interact with living animals that many students had never seen. The VIMAS-led “Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom’’ (ELOC) project has also continued throughout the year with a total of 4 outdoor field trips that introduced more than 60 students to the shallow water ecosystems found in Brewers Bay (south coast of St. Thomas), and to reef and mangrove restoration work being done by R2R researchers. One such ELOC activity included a “Watershed Walk’’ in which 20 high school students were given the opportunity to explore a prominent watershed of St. Thomas and identify the biodiversity within these ecosystems. Another output from one of IL’s productive partnerships was its involvement in “Teen Time” which was a regular gathering of teens from surrounding underserved communities that included tutoring, counsel- ing services, educational gaming and group activities. IL participated in a total of 4 Teen Time events using Virtual Reality (VR) to introduce marine science topics to the youth. IL has continued to grow its involvement in, and ability to disseminate information within, the local VI community and the wider EPSCoR community. The outreach team and several MMES students supported by IL attended the first National EPSCoR EOD in 2023 where the group gave an interactive poster presentation that highlighted the implications of VR in science education and communication. In November 2022, Jarvon Stout, the senior IL community engagement specialist, participated in a science communication panel held at the 27th EPSCoR National Conference in Portland, Maine. Lastly, the outreach component also played an important role in helping to organize and present at the jurisdiction’s first in-per- son Annual Conference since the beginning of the R2R project. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Informal Learning Goal IL1: Increase and sustain the reach of the Informal Learning team throughout the Territory. With the addition of a Community Engagement Specialist for St. Croix (Kai Nielson), IL has been successful in increasing its reach and impact throughout the Territory. A total of 2,167 Virgin Islanders have engaged in activities hosted or attend- ed by the Informal Learning component. This is the highest number of engagements per year since the beginning of the Ridge to Reef grant. The number of schools and educators reached has also increased with the addition of schools from both districts. These include Jane E. Tuitt Elementary (STT), Pearle B. Larsen Elementary (STX), Gifft Hill School (STJ), and the St. Croix Educational Complex. Efforts with partners like the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum Exhibits (VICM), and Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) to increase R2R’s presence in public spaces such as museums and classrooms has also continued. This year has also seen the reintroduction of the popular “STEM Saturdays’’ which pro- vides the public with the opportunity to interact with R2R researchers. Goal IL2: Diversify range of topics presented in informal education and outreach initiatives. While many of the popular R2R themes (Coral Reef Ecology, Mangrove Restoration, Sea Turtle research etc.) continue to be focal points for community engagement and outreach, IL has begun putting more time and resources into other disciplines related to the current project. This has resulted in more collaborations with more R2R scientists, and better representation of their work in the public eye. Themes and concepts such as Watershed Ecology, Agricultural Land Use, Oceanography, Sustainability, Acoustic Telemetry and Shoreline Erosion. Goal IL3: Promote and guide k-12 URM students into the Geosciences and broader STEM pipeline to build a local STEM workforce. IL’s efforts in promoting Geosciences to k-12 students continues to be successful with 1,005 K12 students engaged during the past year. Of those, 47 students participated in the Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) and Youth Ocean Explor- ers (YOE) programs which served 24 and 23 students, respectively. A total of 17 YOE students have received their Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water dive certifications. Larger-scale engagements such as the “Annual BioBlitz” hosted by the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) has seen engagement numbers upwards of 500 3rd-6th grade students. IL has contributed to the new “Teen Time” event hosted by VICM and ElevateWi. While these events focus on tutoring and counseling services, they also provide opportunities for the inclusion of the VR technology used in R2R outreach with over 60 youth engaged. The Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC) program engaged over 80 K12 students across St. Thomas/St. John. The team has also begun talks with University Bound staff to pur- chase supplies that would improve students’ performance in core STEM classes. Goal IL4: Work toward becoming a recognized Hub of information and resources for STEM and environmental education, awareness and sustainability in largely underserved communities. IL has continued to expand its role and ability to disseminate information within the local VI community and the wider EPSCoR community. The outreach team and several MMES students supported by IL attended the first National EPSCoR EOD in 2023 where the group gave an interactive poster presentation that highlighted the implications of VR in science education and communication. Jarvon Stout was invited and participated in a science communication panel held at the 27th EPSCoR National Conference in Portland, Maine. Lastly, the outreach component also played an important role in helping to organize and present at the USVI jurisdiction’s first in-person Annual Conference since the beginning of the R2R project. Goal IL5: Build new, and improved-upon existing, connections and lines of communication to better reach and understand target audiences. Another example of IL’s new partnerships was its involvement in “Teen Time” which was a regular gathering of teens from surrounding underserved communities that included tutoring, counseling services, educational gaming, and group activi- ties. IL participated in a total of 4 Teen Time events using Virtual Reality (VR) to introduce marine science-related content to the youth. IL has also begun engaging members of various underserved communities (such as special needs individu- als/advocates). This will also result in IL working closely with the Data Specialist to create survey tools that help us gauge the needs of those communities. Goal IL6: Build self-sufficiency and innovation within the IL team and its efforts. Kurzgesagt, which is a German science education company, has recently become a reliable resource for IL and its partners, especially with student-focused educational resources. These resources, which will be used in both University Bound and the YOE/JOE programs this summer (2023), include field pocketbooks, and “Ocean Explorer” notebooks con- taining informative graphics throughout. As a result of networking opportunities at the recent 27th National EPSCoR Con- ference, IL has also begun talks with both the Alaska and Montana EPSCoR jurisdictions for the development of co-creat- ed Virtual Reality and kit-based tools. The use of media such as the natural science video series called “Deep Look” which is hosted by PBS Digital Studios, is also being utilized in the YOE curriculum. 5. EMERGING AREAS AND SEED FUNDING Project Outcomes Report Continued Preface: The EA research component of the R2R project was derived from a call for white papers during the initial proposal development. The following three research areas were selected based on the merit and rigor of the research proposal. The selected emerging areas were aligned with original objectives of the emerging research for the current R2R project. Seed funding is characterized in the R2R project as mini-grants. Mini-grants (Education Research Mini-Grants aka ER- MGs) are managed by our Education and Workforce Development component. The ERMGs (for Year 3) are discussed in the Education and Workforce Developments’ Major Accomplishments section. SYNOPSIS: Emerging Areas Seagrass Ecology - Brewers Bay Acoustic Fine-scale Positioning System: Animal movement in a changing marine environment. Research Lead Dr. Paul Jobsis The fine-scale positioning system in Brewers Bay is producing data and results that are being recognized locally and inter- nationally, with local press announcing the success of our students at the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium held in Cartagena, Colombia (April 2023). Thirteen Hawksbill and 17 green sea turtles as well as 9 giant hermit crabs continued to be tracked with the FPS system in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas. All the animals are showing high residency within the bay, thereby providing large amounts of data for students and the movement ecology post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Kayla Blinkow to analyze. Benthic habitat maps have been made of the seagrass meadows in the areas frequented by green sea turtles and the team has seen only small changes over 6 months. Hidden Marcov Model analysis of green turtle movement to show foraging in native seagrasses and mostly transit movements over the invasive seagrass species Halophila stipula- cea. A resource selection analysis showed the strong selection for native seagrasses, extremely small nighttime homer- ange, and some individual variation in resource selection. For example, three green turtles foraged in deep water (>10m) where the likely food source is the invasive seagrass. There were no large influxes of Sargassum into the monitored area, so the analysis continues to be focused on the effects of the invasive seagrass. Four master student thesis projects are utilizing the Brewers Bay FPS array, with the first student (T. Brunson) successful defending their thesis in May 2023. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Emerging Areas - Brewers Bay Acoustic Array Emerging Areas- Movement Ecology of Animals in a Changing Marine Environment Goal EA 1. Determine the impacts of invasive seagrasses that alter movement, habitat, and food resources for fish and sea turtle species (Obj EA 1) and the growing effects of large volumes of Sargassum (Obj. EA 4). Year 3 has been the most productive year for the Brewers Bay fine scale animal tracking projects to date. Postdoc Kayla Blinkow has taken a strong role in this research, leading weekly r-coding workshops for students, redesigning the benthic sampling method, and coordinating acoustic tracking projects in the Nemeth and Jobsis labs. In year two, hawksbill and green sea turtles were tagged as well as giant hermit crabs. In year three seven additional green sea turtles were recap- tured and retagged. This provided tracking data on 17 green turtles for an average of 121 days each over the year. The 16 green turtles showed a daily residency index of 1.0 and the last turtle had a residency index of 0.99 showing that the team has near completely captured both their day and night movements. The retagging of individuals provided records of turtle movements throughout the period of a year. Benthic habitat maps of the seagrass beds were collected and the analysis of a year of movement data was completed. Still, we were lacking a student to track fish in the array. A new student, Madison Meile, has been engaged, started her first year of classes, and will begin tagging stingrays once approvals are in place. Four MMES students and UVI Biology professor (Dr. S. Ratchford) are working with the FPS array project with Drs. Jobsis and Blinkow. Four presentations at the International Sea Turtle Symposium in Cartagena Colombia in March of 2023 were directly related to this project. This included Taylor Brunson’s poster, “Identifying space use and foraging patterns of juvenile green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, in a Halophila stipulacea-dominant using a fine- scale position-ing acoustic array.” which was the runner-up for the Archie Carr Award for best student poster in sea turtle biology. This success is a great reflection of VI-EPSCoR efforts to increase research in the territory as the poster is a direct result of the first goal in this emerging research area. The primary research goal for the project is to determine the impacts of invasive seagrasses that alter movement, habitat, and food resources for fish and sea turtle species. By tracking the green turtles, we have found that they strongly select for native species as seen in the figure below (from Brunson thesis manuscript) where 50% probability represents a ran- dom (no selection or avoidance) of the areas. Monitoring the benthic habitat over the year showed small non-significant changes in the benthic habitat, but satellite imagery (Google Earth) showed obvious changes in the seagrass beds over the past five years. The small amount of change in the past year allowed the use of Hidden Markoff Modeling to show that the greens transmitted over the Haloph- ila patches to forage in the areas higher in the native Syringodium and Haloduli seagrasses confirming the results found using the Resource Selection Function. We look forward to using similar analyses on the movements of giant hermit crabs and southern stingrays. This will be especially interesting as we measure the benthic habitat over longer periods of time, which will allow us to document larger changes in the balance between invasive and native seagrasses. SYNOPSIS: Emerging Areas - Seagrass and Beach Research Lead: Dr. Gregory Guannel Dr. Greg Guannel and his team finalized the assessment of coastal systems in the USVI, with special emphasis on coastal development trends and their potential impacts on coastal hydrodynamics. They now have developed the first ever com- prehensive characterization of coastal features in the USVI. They also developed a vulnerability index for coastal regions based on their exposure to storm surge, waves, and sea-level rise. The analysis also includes estimates of long-term shoreline change for various beaches. The results of these efforts are captured in a report submitted to the USVI Coastal Zone Management department titled “USVI Coastal Vulnerability Index”. In addition to publishing the results of the desktop analysis in a report, they also started to collect beach profile data to capture beach response to various forcing conditions. The effort was focused on monitoring beach recovery post-storm, but also finalizing beach survey protocols. The site visit and experiment planned with collaborators from the University of South Alabama has been delayed due to a combination of reasons, including delays in a subaward to University of South Alabama. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Emerging Areas - Seagrass and Beach Goal EA 2: Quantify the role of seagrass type in short and long-term beach evolution. The major accomplishment is the completion of the characterization of the coastal environment in the USVI. We now have a high-definition inventory of all coastal morphological types, coastal infrastructure types, and estimates of coastal haz- ards impacts. Further, we have developed successful beach monitoring methods to measure how beaches respond to and recover from storms, and the wave conditions that lead to these beach responses. In addition, we are training students in field data collection as well as using geospatial analyses tools. Finally, Guannel is the lead author of a report to USVI De- partment of Planning and Natural Resources titled “USVI Coastal Vulnerability Index” that presents some of the research results; Guannel is also a 2nd author of “State of the practice and engineering framework for using emergent vegetation in coastal infrastructure” in Frontiers in Built Environment (https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2022.923965). SYNOPSIS: Emerging Areas - Seagrass & Sargassum Research Lead: Dr. Edwin Cruz Rivera During Year 3 Edwin Cruz Rivera’s seagrass research team completed testing the palatability of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea against native seagrasses as a direct test of the “enemy release hypothesis” and assessed how seagrass bed composition related to predation risk of invertebrates and their diversity within seagrass meadows of differ- ent types. For their Sargassum-related research, the team was able to elucidate the genetic markers needed to assess genetic diversity of beached algae driving golden tides. Methods testing how golden tides affect water quality were also developed and preliminary sampling was undertaken. Major Accomplishments and Research Findings: Emerging Areas - Seagrass & Sargassum Goal EA 3: Measure the spread of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in the territory and the mechanisms affect- ing its expansion. Two M.S. students Jendahye Antoine and Matthew Souza were supported by the Seagrass team. Antoine’s studies focused on directly testing the possibility that escape from herbivory has favored the expansion of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in the Caribbean. This idea, known as the Enemy Release Hypothesis, has been tested before and has gained support from work done largely with green turtles, some of which were funded by VI-EPSCoR’s previous Track-1 (Mare Nostrum) award. This new research focused on the more diverse and abundant herbivorous invertebrates from St. Thomas. Three sea urchins and four crab species were used in a series of food-choice and feeding rate experi- ments. These experiments were complemented with various measurements of structural and nutritional properties of the seagrasses. Contrary to predictions, there was little support for enemy release: most herbivores consumed the invasive seagrass in equivalent amounts to at least one native species in either choice or no-choice scenarios. Nutritional and structural properties (C:N ratios, piercing force, ash-free dry mass) of the seagrasses varied significantly among spe- cies but did not clearly distinguish the invasive from at least one of the three native seagrasses compared. In summary, palatability of the invasive did not appear to play a key role on invasive seagrass expansion. Student Antoine successfully defended December 2022 and is engaged in reformatting her thesis for peer reviewed publication. Previous studies have also documented differences in the associated fauna of seagrass beds dominated by native plants vs. H. stipulacea. Matthew Souza’s studies focused on two complementary aspects of this. First, diversity inventories were conducted using two methods on native, invasive, or mixed seagrass beds. Additionally, samples outside, on the edge of, and inside, each bed type were obtained to document possible “edge effects” on species diversity. Second, tethering experiments were conducted with Caribbean fighting conch and speckled-clawed crabs to quantify predation risk on all three bed types sampled. Surprisingly, no differences in predation risk were seen among bed types for either consumer. Furthermore, preliminary measurements of total animal density suggested that beds containing at least some H. stipula- cea held higher animal densities. High resolution taxonomic assessments will be finished summer 2023 by collaborator D. Christopher Rogers. Student Souza will be defending Fall of 2023. Other studies on seagrass growth have been delayed by space unavailability as student theses were considered a priority. This work will be finished summer/fall 2023. Goal EA 4: Analyze the effects of Sargassum golden tides on Virgin Islands ecosystems. For the Sargassum work, some delays still lingering from the backlog caused by the pandemic slowed the genotyping of the algae by the company hired to conduct them. However, sequences have been finally obtained and now extraction and comparison of markers against our previously collected St. Thomas samples are proceeding. An exciting development was the donation of preserved material by two European museums. This will allow comparisons of current genetic diversity against Sargassum collected in the 1770s. Studies on golden tide genetic diversity will be finished in fall 2023. Studies of the effects of Sargassum on beach biota were begun in summer of 2022 but the student abandoned the project. A new M.S. student from the incoming cohort has been recruited to resume this research. Testing and developing methods for assessing the effects of degrading Sargassum on water quality were finished this spring (2023) and regular sampling of water quality parameters has begun. The Sargassum team’s efforts have been expanded by leveraging NASA funding obtained by Cruz-Rivera to explore coastal nutrient cycling. This effort, coupled with coordination with R2R project leads David Hensley and Paul Jobsis, will reduce sampling redundancy and integrate complementary sampling with the results from the Cruz-Rivera team. Graduate students James Powell and Kaitlin Rommelfanger will be leading sampling efforts and are being supported by Cruz-Rivera’s NASA grant. ​ • Providing core network infrastructure upgrades from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps to research facilities • Improving the research data server and storage topology • Configuring the current MS Azure environment to replicate with a newly proposed on-premises data server and storage solution • Improving University Internet connectivity data transmission throughput and speed Cyberinfrastructure met its year 1 and year 2 goals. In year 1, UVI’s Information Systems and Institutional Advancement (IS&IA) component which houses the university’s IT Networking department is responsible for successfully conducting network throughput and speed tests to determine Internet capacity bottlenecks for researchers. In year 2, we hired a new Data Manager, Mr. Travis Hamlin. Hamlin was trained on configuring and administering the MS Azure cloud environment, specifically for VI-EPSCoR’s research network and data needs. To date, he has configured the Microsoft Azure envi- ronment with file shares and secure access for researchers and collaborators who are not on the uvi.edu network via a secure Virtual Private Network. All research data has been moved from older failing on premise servers to the Azure files share. In year 2, IS&IA also collaborated with Florida International University to configure network speed and capacity according to research needs. They also developed specifications for campus network cabling and fiber Request for Pro- posals for contractors. Lastly, in May 2022, we were awarded $500,000 for the CC* Networking Infrastructure grant. Our project is called Networking Infrastructure: Improving the University of the Virgin Islands’ Scientific Research Data Move- ment Infrastructure and Network Capacity (Award Abstract # 2201481/PI K. Waddell). This grant provides funding for the upgrade of all campus core switches which will in turn allow for faster data throughput of research data. The grant also will enable the configuration of a Science DMZ for research, and training and hands-on work experience for undergraduate students. Completion of our year 3 goals is in progress. IS&IA in collaboration with VI-EPSCoR researchers and the Data Manager regularly assesses the Internet capacity throughput speeds for research data needs and is in the process of completing the network cabling for research buildings on the St. Croix campus. The fiber work on both campuses is also underway by the IT Networking department and fiber contractors. In addition, VI-EPSCoR’s Data Manager has moved all existing research data to the Azure Cloud environment for disaster recovery and redundancy purposes. Due to issues with latency related to pulling data from and downloading to the cloud we have identified the necessity for a hybrid storage environ-ment that will allow us to sync both on-premises storage and cloud storage. This will provide researchers with faster data transmission time with low latency and create a higher level of data redundancy. Work is now underway to expand our on-premises storage capacity for research data from 65 to 90 Tb to allow for growth. This storage will be paired with the capacity to back-up to the Azure cloud to create a data redundant environment. As the new storage becomes available to researchers a portion of this storage will be set aside for use in creating virtual machines capable of handling complex modeling environments for oceanographic and environmental studies. VI-EPSCoR, in collaboration with IS&IA, applied for and subsequently awarded $64,620.96, paid out in 15k milestone increments from CloudBank, a National Science Foun- dation funded project (Award #1925001). Cloudbank is a cloud based managed service that simplifies cloud access for computer science research and education. The funding will support UVI’s (specifically VI-EPSCoR) research data storage repository in Microsoft Azure cloud services. 7. BROADENING PARTICIPATION Our “Broadening Participation” efforts over the Year 3 reporting period were welcomed by local stakeholders and commu- nities across the Territory as everyone was excited to emerge from the constraints and concerns associated with the pan- demic. UVI returned to hosting their largest public event- the University’s “Day on the Green” (March 2023) which brings the community and alumni back to campus and once again VI-EPSCoR played a significant role in organizing and hosting this well-attended event. The University recently opened the “13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center” (April 2023) where members of the Oceanography team displayed new ocean gliders and robotic underwater cameras. The new Innovation center will be home to the glider facilities where students and faculty will service the equipment and download data. The EOD/IL teams engaged over 2100 people through a mix of activities that included “SeaWalls” art projects, learn to swim programs, watershed walks, STEM Saturdays and collaborations with the Virgin Islands Childrens Museum. The Mangrove team continues to recruit students and citizens out for the “Great Mangrove Cleanup” events –4 was held this year with 175 people removing over 3 tons of debris. Specific demographics (gender/race etc.) were not collected for the participants of the external engagement activities, however, 6% of the population of the Territory are Afro-Caribbean (black), while 15.6% are white, 1.4% are Asian and 2.1% are mixed or some other ethnicity. Hispanic or Latino of any race ac-count for 17.4% of the population (10.3% Puerto Rican, 5.4% Dominican), so typically, we routinely reach a highly diverse audience that is historically underserved with most of our activities. 8. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS Our partners and collaborators are still extensive and have expanded in Y3. Additional details can be found with our data submission into research.gov, but in summary, the R2R team collaborated with 27 academic institutions, 10 federal and Territorial agencies, 4 private sector firms, 11 non-profits or NGOs, and 9 other types of organizations. Some examples of our new partnerships and collaboration primarily originated with our watershed team, who finally had water and soil samples that were collected following major rain events in the Territory. For example, we engaged Auburn University (Thorsten Knappenburger) who is supporting our watershed team on questions of soil hydrology. The watershed team also collaborated with colleagues at Trent University (Canada) who processed water samples from nearshore sites in St. Croix that were suspected to have urban and industrial waste products. The team also solicited advice from the University of Oklahoma (Jason Vogel) on hydrologic sampling protocols. Our ongoing collaborations continue with Stacy Krueger Hadfield (University of Alabama, Birmingham) for her genetic analyses of Sargassum samples with Edwin Cruz Rivera and a traditional research collaboration with Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Dan Holstein and his PhD student who are working closely with Tyler Smith in our Oceanography and Coral Reef Resilience themes. Our relationship with federal and Territorial agencies includes NOAA and VI-Department of Planning and Natural Resources- who both contribute funding for our coral monitoring program in local and federal waters. Because our research sites are in federal lands, we have a long-term relationship with the National Park Service on both St. John and St. Croix. We continue to enjoy support from local foundations like the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) who supports our IL team, just as environmental focused organizations like the Baird Family Foun- dation support our sea turtle researchers and students. A final example of other organizations includes companies like the Karen Peterman consulting company that provide program assessment of our Mangrove research team, just as our IL and watershed monitoring and land use teams engage the local farmers like the owners of Ridge to Reef Farm. 9. COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION SYNOPSIS: Communication and Dissemination Led by Communication Specialist Elisa Bryan The Communication team’s efforts in Year 3 continue to focus on informing the community about the Ridge to Reef Project and its accomplishments and, on supporting the research team in their communication efforts. One of the ways that goal is being achieved is through continued refinements and updates to the website https://viepscor.org/ and a new video “Searching for Sea Turtles in Carriaçou, Grenada” which was posted to VI-EPSCoR’s YouTube channel and shared widely on social media. In addition, the communication team presented a talk at the EPSCoR Education, Outreach and Diversity conference and at the VI-EPSCoR Annual Conference. Major Accomplishments: Communication and Dissemination Dr. Marilyn Brandt, Reef Response and Lovango Resort & Beach Club have embarked on an innovative and important partnership to restore corals to historic levels at Lovango Cay, a small islet located between the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. This partnership has allowed for the establishment and maintenance of a new coral nursery, intensive outplant- ing of corals in the area, paid internships for UVI students and education of guests and community members. An important part of this endeavor is communication. Communications team lead, Elisa Bryan, designed three large informative signs which were installed around Lovango Cay explaining the project. She also designed the magazine Coral Chronicles with most photos taken by Dan Mele. The magazine goes into detail about the partnership, the science, and the goals of this project. It is available digitally and in print and is positioned in every room at the resort to inform and educate guests. Bryan and Mele attended the EPSCoR Education, Outreach and Diversity conference in South Carolina and presented a talk titled “A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words…And So Is Good Design.” In this presentation Bryan shared about her process and the challenges she faces when translating complex science into engaging and informative outputs designed for the average non-scientist. Mele similarly shared what it is like for him to capture compelling images of scientific re- search while remembering his audience (non-scientists) and working as part of a communication team. The presentation was very well received and was also presented at VI-EPSCoR’s Annual Conference in November 2022. Mele traveled to Grenada to document a first-time collaboration between UVI, The Hawksbill Project and Ocean Spirits. The resulting documentary video titled “Searching for Sea Turtles in Carriaçou, Grenada” was published in March and has already had 244 views. On social media the post announcing the publication of this video reached 7,110 individuals with 243 of those individuals watching the video as a result. Overall, in Year 3 our Facebook page reached 51,749 members and Instagram reached 12,587 – more than double our Instagram reach in Year 2. Bryan has completed her advanced training in CSS coding, and she has received her Standout Certification. These new skills will be applied while updating VI-EPSCoR website which is currently under construction. The website will bring cur- rent the website hosting platform and share updated R2R research information. The updated website will also offer team members new and interactive ways to share information with the community. In addition, Bryan has hosted training ses- sions for select lab members on how to use the website platform, Squarespace, so they can manage and update specific content themselves. Bryan hosted two workshops on Adobe Illustrator. In response to requests from research leads and MMES students, she presented an Introduction to Adobe Illustrator workshop to help facilitate student’s visual and technical science communi- cation skills. 12 individuals participated in the 1.5 hr workshops. Based on feedback, future workshops are being planned. The Spring 2023 of VI-EPSCoR’s newsletter will be published in May 2023. The title of this issue is called “Ecosystem Restoration In The US Virgin Islands”. This issue provides an update of the research teams’ accomplishments with a focus on restoration and collaboration. The newsletter will be available digitally as well as in print format. Additional accomplishments include creating all visuals for the 2022 Annual Conference “Our Islands, Our Youth, Our Future” and Mele was mentored in co-writing the blog post “What you need to know about Oceanography in the USVI”. 10. SUSTAINABILITY The sustainability of the VI-EPSCoR program and projects is strong with levels of overlapping and complimentary re- search efforts that have developed over the past decade or so with NSF, other federal, and local Territorial funders/ stakeholders. The USVI Territorial Government continues to rely on VI-EPSCoR-supported researchers and programs to advise on natural resource management decisions and provide science-based assessments. A multi-decadal example is the USVI Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program (TCRMP) under the direction of VI-EPSCoR co-PI Dr. T. Smith and the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). Together they are responsible for monitoring the condition and trajectory of coral reefs in territorial and federal waters of the USVI. These program goals are to understand the pro- cesses affecting coral reef ecosystems in the USVI and develop scientifically based management strategies. The funding support (over $500K/annum) for this work is extremely reliable and, more importantly, the data and analyses derived from this monitoring program will be used to test for the most important interacting sets of drivers with respect to supporting resilience in USVI coral ecosystems- all which are central themes to the R2R project. PI Wilson Grimes had a spectacular year securing Y3 funding, including NSF grants to expand opportunities for historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in STEM (EPSCoR RII-BEC, Cultural Transformation in the Geosciences Community, and BIO-LEAPS). These in- cluded a $1M award from the NSF RII-BEC call, entitled “Securing STEM Island Pathways,” and a $7.5M award from the NSF Transformation in the Geosciences Community entitled, “Collaborative Research: Implementation Grant: Navigating Home,” with the University of Guam and InterAmerican University. Wilson Grimes and Brandt are also coPIs on a CoPE large award for “Reducing Climate Risks with Equitable Nature-based Solutions that will bring $2.4M to UVI. New VI-EP- SCoR coral restoration ecologist Robin Smith partnered with M. Brandt to secure a $824K grant from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to establish a large scale coral restoration facility in the USVI. CoPI’s K. Waddell and G. Guannel’ are part of a new Caribbean-based NOAA Climate Adaption Partnership (CAP) award ($500K to UVI)) with colleagues in Puerto Rico. This is the first CAP project funded in America’s Caribbean and focuses on developing a Climate Adaptiation Network of underserved communities in the USVI and PR. The work from this project will complement our work to un- derstand the environmental stressors and drivers of resilience affecting our natural resources and communities. The new award will provide support for out Informal Learning team in their efforts to engage underserved and underrepresented communities that want to understand the natural hazards and consequences of climate change that impact their commu- nities and compromise the quality of their lives. Overall, the R2R team continues its success in securing additional grant funding that leverages NSF-EPSCoR’s ongoing investment in the Virgin Islands. This year, there were 34 grant proposals submitted amounting to $18,716,155. 29 of the 34 proposals are pending and 5 were funded. The R2R team was awarded 21 proposals for this reporting year totaling $5,153,306. 11. MANAGEMENT, EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT See attached document titled “Virgin Islands NSF EPSCoR Evaluation Report- Year 3”. 12. EXPENDITURES AND UNOBLIGATED FUNDS The total award increment for Year 3 totaled $4,209,691.53 and the Year 2 carry-forward totaled $1,694,430.24. We spent $3,190,843.12 in Year 3. Our total unspent funds are $2,713,278.65. Current obligated funds total $898,414.85 and the unobligated funds total $1,814,863.80. Our unobligated funds are estimated to be 14%. Cost Share and Cost Contributions Cost share funds in the sum of $811,015.77 were received to help fulfill our year 3 goals and objectives and assist the VI- EPSCoR program. Cost share of $171,653.88 were provided from the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature to support VI-EP- SCoR’s administrative staff salaries and fringe as well as travel to support marine resilience research. Additionally, costshares of $150,000.00 was provided from Florida International University and $116,200.32 from the VI Next Generation Network to support the university’s cyberinfrastructure. The University’s Information Services & Institutional Assessment provided $74,919.95 in cost share to support salaries and fringe for cyberinfrastructure personnel. In-kind cost share of $215,508.00 were provided from Broadband VI to also support the University’s cyberinfrastructure. In addition, cost share of $38,914.82 were provided from National Sea Turtle Foundation Scholarship Fund, $42,947.28 from the Baird Sea Turtle Research Assistantship Fund, and $871.52 from Sea Turtle Reserve & Conservation to support students and purchase marine research supplies at the University of the Virgin Islands. Cost contributions in the sum of $66,320.77 were also received from the University of the Virgin Islands to support a UVI grant accountant and other grant-related supplies. Non-EPSCoR Funding There were 23 non-EPSCoR-related research proposals that were submitted during the reporting period, totaling the requested amount of $7,582,802. 5 Proposals were awarded, 4 declined and 14 remain pending. 16 grants that were submitted tagged as pending in previous years were awarded this year. 13. SPECIAL CONDITIONS A. Jurisdiction-Specific Programmatic Terms and Conditions (required for Years 1-5) Year 3 Annual Report Update for R2R Project: 8.1. Hiring of Faculty and other Key Personnel: The following two tenure-track faculty hires will occur during the first two years of the project. i. A tenure-track restoration ecologist, to be hired in Year 1 or 2, who will contribute to Goal 3. This was completed in year 1. We successfully hired Dr. Robin Smith for the restoration ecologist position in Year 1. Please also note that UVI does not offer a path toward tenure for any research faculty. We offer 1 and 2-year contracts to all our research faculty and following promotion to Associate Research Professor, longer-term contracts are routinely offered. ii. A second tenure-track position that will contribute to the project will be hired by Year 3. This hire was postponed due to concerns of availability of research space for new faculty hires. Most space issues are expected to be alleviated with the reopening of the McLean Marine Science Center in Fall 2023. As the reopening of the MMSC is expected, the hydrologist position has been posted on careers. uvi.edu and on other well-known higher education career websites with the hire joining the team in early Y4. 8.2. Within 90 days after the Strategic Planning meeting, VI EPSCoR will provide a plan describing how the educational activities of the project may be leveraged or modified so that they can prepare undergraduate students directly for the job market or graduate school post-graduation. This was completed in year 1. We identified several activities in our Strategic Plan that address this and that focus on pre- paring our undergraduates for the workplace. In our Education and Workforce Development (WF) component, we detail two goals that target our undergraduates. In our WF2 Goal, we articulate that we plan to increase recruitment, retention, and persistence of URM undergraduates in the STEM and resilience-related majors, minors and certificate programs. We plan to do that by doubling (from 10% to 20%) the number of first year students participating in STEM and resilience-themed experiential learning opportunities that promote an interest and affinity in STEM. We also articulate that the VI-EPSCoR WF team will provide 10% of UVI’s soph- omore and junior students with a deeper resilience-themed experiential learning opportunities that we expect will promote retention and persistence in a STEM major, minor, or certificate program, as well as with any STEM-related career goals. The interest in multi-disciplinary majors and internships here at UVI has grown substantially, and programs like VI-EP- SCoR are creating service and experiential learning opportunities that evolve into new “science identities” for our students. Projects here at the University like the FEMA award to develop the next hazard mitigation and resilience plan for the Ter- ritory are leveraging VI-EPSCoR’s investment by hiring recent UVI graduates and providing them with training in GIS map- ping, computer skills and writing opportunities- all skills that help them connect their academic training with applied tech- nical skills essential for successful job placement here in the Territory. There are other emerging multidisciplinary projects and opportunities under development across the University, so the VI-EPSCoR leadership is tracking their emergence and will explore them for potential leveraging as they come on-line. 8.3. At the time of the strategic planning meeting, VI EPSCoR will provide a clear management plan and timeline of the project that shows integration of all activities with one another where applicable. In addition, this document will link in- vestigator and staff to all activities listed in the proposal. This should also contain all responsible parties required for the completion of each activity. This was completed in year 1. Our Management Plan for the R2R project is detailed in our Strategic Plan. R2R project leadership has implemented a thorough and responsive management structure overseen by our Leadership and Manage- ment teams and assisted by two panels of authorities and experts. Project leaders expect to benefit from annual feed- back, from our External Advisory Board which focuses on our project activities, and from our Governing Committee which reviews R2R progress and provides guidance to assure the program achieves the Territory’s Science & Technology goals. We also get feedback from our External Evaluators (The Implementation Group) who will provide annual reports, including summaries of data, findings, and recommendations, which will be shared with the R2R Leadership Team and with NSF. R2R leadership will institute annual midcourse changes based on these evaluations as needed. The R2R project has adopted a shared leadership model that has proven to be effective in large team science projects—such as our previous Track 1 awards—with five Management Team members providing day-to-day management and another eight providing science and outreach leadership. The Project Director (Kim Waddell) provides strategic guidance and leads synthesis discussions. The Project Administrator (Kelly Harrigan) oversees project coordination. Our Financial Manager (Latoya Matthew) provides financial oversight, a Communications Manager (Elisa Bryan) coordinates external engagement, and a Data Specialist (Resa Berkeley) leads our data collection and management activities. Science leadership comes from the co-PIs (Richard Nemeth and Tyler Smith), as well as from the research leads for Coastal Resilience and Oceanography (Tyler Smith), Marine Diseases (Marilyn Brandt), Mangrove Restoration (Kristin Wilson Grimes), Emerging Areas (Edwin Cruz Rivera, Paul Jobsis, and Gregory Guannel), Fish Ecology (Rick Nemeth), and EWFD areas (Lawanda Cummings and Michele Guannel). Each of these leads are responsible for the goals, objectives and outcomes detailed in our Strate- gic Plan’s components. The Leadership and Management Teams work to ensure that R2R meets the goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan. We also expect to respond to external evaluations and NSF Site Visit and Reverse Site Visit recom- mendations and implement appropriate changes and compile annual NSF reports—including creating an on-line database to facilitate annual reporting by participants. The Leadership and Management teams meet monthly to coordinate prog- ress and meet with leadership teams of individual research areas monthly. 8.4. Within the first year of the project, VI EPSCoR will produce a plan that shows a clear protocol for the strategy behind building collaborations. This will include strategies for determining how a collaboration will fit into and benefit the project. This was completed in year 2. VI-EPSCoR’s Collaboration Agreement was developed with input from the leads of each research component, as well as input from postdocs, students, and technical staff. The purpose of the collaboration agreement is to establish processes and methods to ensure an open and collaborative atmosphere over the life of the VI-EPSCoR R2R project. The agreement is a living document and will be modified as necessary to reflect changing cir- cumstances over the life of the project. The agreement establishes shared respect and collaboration amongst researchers through clearly stated guidelines on communication and conflict resolution procedures, authorship and citation guidance, data management protocols, and fiscal collaboration procedures, which includes an unspent funds policy. The collabora- tion agreement can be found on our website and linked here. B. Recommendations of the Reverse Site Visit (Required for Years 3-5) Recommendations of the Reverse Site Visit (required for Years 3-5) – See attachment document titled “USVI-1946412 2022 vRSV Report VI-EPSCoR Response 9.1.22 “. C. Recommendations of the Site Visit (Required for Years 4-5) Not applicable for Year 3 reporting. D. Other Required Actions (if any) None. 14. TABULAR/GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF PROGRESS TO DATE See following pages. Watershed Monitoring and Land Use (WL) Goal WL1: Identify sediment flux sources via sediment fingerprinting, and nutrient flux and microbial flux monitoring to characterize the role of runoff in two Virgin Islands watersheds. · Objective WL1.1: Characterize upstream sedimentary runoff sources via UV-Vis spectroscopy. · Objective WL1.2: Characterize nutrient and bacteriological fluxes into the marine environment. Objective WL1.1 Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties WL1.1a: Provide training on sediment source tracking procedures to research teams. Delivery of detailed procedures for sediment trap use and sample collection. Completed; protocol is developed and in use Hensley/Other teams. Research teams will be prepared to collect sediment samples and prepare for lab analysis. WL1.1b: Scout locations for sampling and collect permits. Locations of interest geo-tagged for permitting processes, permits acquired from government and private landowners. Completed; all study site locations have been identified and geo-tagged, all necessary permits received Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; annual reports submitted to NPS Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; annual reports submitted to NPS Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Hensley/Waddell/Other teams Sites identified that are both practicable (physical access) and scientifically applicable with stable legal access. WL1.1c: Purchase and install monitoring and sampling equipment: rain gauges, sediment traps, etc. Sediment traps and weather stations installed in multiple locations within in each watershed. Completed; sediment traps are in use Maintain and monitor stations. Completed; maintenance ongoing Maintain and monitor stations. Completed; maintenance ongoing Maintain and monitor stations. Maintain and monitor stations. Hensley/Students Rainfall data will be use to govern sediment collections Comprehensive climate data will be available for use in R2R system analysis. WL1.1d:Collect and process samples from field research locations. Sediment source samples collected and processed. Completed; samples were collected and processed for storage Samples collected and processed. In progress; samples were collected and processed for storage, awaiting final processing for data extraction in lab Samples collected and processed. Completed; samples collected and processed and analysis is beginning Samples collected and processed. Samples collected and processed. Hensley/Postdoc/Students/Other teams Characterization of sediment source tracking in both "normal" period and as a result of rainfall pulse along downstream linear zone. WL1.1e: Interface with other teams for sample collection. Samples received + quarterly check-in. Completed; samples were collected and processed for storage on STT, will be further processed Samples received + quarterly check-in. Completed; samples were collected and processed for storage on STT, will be further processed Samples received + quarterly check-in. Completed; samples from STJ and STT collected and processed Samples received + quarterly check-in. Samples received + quarterly check-in. Hensley/Other teams Maintains links with other research teams involved in sediment trap sample collection. WL1.1f: Interpret data and determine conclusions for dissemination in community and scientific literature. Reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; preliminary geospatial data interpretation and site characterization data has been analyzed; all reporting requirements fulfilled for Year 1 Reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; preliminary analysis of rainy season 2021 Data interpreted from years 1-3 and make preliminary conclusions. Completed; data interpretation has begun and early conclusions are under discussion within team Reporting requirements fulfilled. Data interpreted from years and make conclusions with recommendations. Hensley/Other teams Sediment source information characterized within watersheds to provide stakeholders information to reduce sediment fluxes. Objective WL1.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL1.2a: Purchase necessary equipment for bacteria and nutrient analysis of water samples and install field equipment. Equipment purchased and calibrated, installed in field. In progress; equipment has been purchased but has not been deployed pending collection of samples due to dry weather Equipment maintained. Completed; maintenance ongoing Equipment maintained. Completed; maintenance ongoing Equipment maintained. Equipment maintained. Hensley/Castillo/Other teams. Necessary equipment of STX/STT available for rapid processing of water samples taken from either island. WL1.2b: Scout locations for sampling and collect permits. Locations of interest geo-tagged for permitting processes. Completed; streamflow sampling locations identified and geo- tagged Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; annual reports submitted to NPS Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; annual reports submitted to NPS Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Yearly reporting requirements fulfilled. Hensley/Waddell/Other teams Sites identified that are both practicable (physical access) and scientifically applicable with stable legal access. WL1.2c: Collect and process water samples. Samples collected and processed regularly and after runoff events. Incomplete; no samples collected without sufficient rainfall. Samples collected and processed regularly and after runoff events. Incomplete; no samples collected without sufficient rainfall; alert system is in place to collect grab samples on St. Croix when water appears Samples collected and processed regularly and after runoff events. Completed; samples collected during and after tropical storm events of 2022 and on a bi-weekly basis while flow continued in study watersheds, samples processed for chemical concentrations and cross checked with third-party laboratory Samples collected and processed regularly and after runoff events. Samples collected and processed regularly and after runoff events. Hensley/Castillo/Students/Other teams Characterization of nutrient and bacteriological fluxes into marine environment in two VI watersheds. WL1.2d: Interface with other teams for sample collection. Raw data received + quarterly check-in. Completed; samples were collected and processed for storage Raw data received + quarterly check-in. In progress; samples were collected and processed for storage, awaiting final processing for data extraction in lab Raw data received + quarterly check-in. Completed; samples were collected and processed Raw data received + quarterly check-in. Raw data received + quarterly check-in. Hensley/Other teams Maintains links with other research teams involved in water sample collection. WL1.2e: Interpret data and determine conclusions for dissemination in community and scientific literature. Reporting requirements fulfilled. Completed; preliminary geospatial data interpretation and site characterization data has been analyzed; all reporting requirements fulfilled for Year 1 Reporting requirements fulfilled Completed; preliminary analysis of rainy season 2021 Data interpreted from years 1-3 and make preliminary conclusions. Completed; data interpretation has begun and early conclusions are under discussion within team Reporting requirements fulfilled. Data interpreted from years and make conclusions with recommendations. Hensley/Other teams Nutrient and bacteriological flux into the watershed characterized for policy decisions, stakeholders, scientific community, and public education. Goal WL2: Estimate the downstream impact and ecosystem services rendered by conservation land use interventions. · Objective WL2.1: Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) analysis to provide quantitative estimate of downstream benefit of conservation land use and comparison with reference forest. · Objective WT2.2: Field-scale supporting experiment in agroforestry land uses compared to reference forest for nutrient cycling and water infiltration · Objective WL2.3: Plot-scale supporting experiment in living mulch ground covers in plantain system for nutrient cycling and water infiltration. Objective WL2.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL2.1a: Design/establishment. Secure agreements with landowners, install monitoring equipment. Completed; equipment installed and permission obtained Equipment maintenance. Completed; maintenance ongoing Conservation practices implemented at project mid-point (intervention). Completed; management protocol established Equipment maintenance. Equipment maintenance. Hensley/Students Location and set-up of long term monitoring sites with necessary permissions/ participation for land use conservation interventions; demonstration sites active by Year 3 for education purposes. WL21.b: Sample collection. Random + post rainfall samplings. Completed; samples were collected Random + post rainfall samplings. Completed; samples were collected Random + post rainfall samplings. Completed; samples were collected Random + post rainfall samplings. Random + post rainfall samplings. Hensley/Postdoc/Students Randomized and rainfall-response samplings carried out to fully characterize both wet and dry period impacts downstream of upland land use practices. WL2.1c: Sample processing. Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; soil samples have been collected and processed for color and particle size analysis in profile Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; samples were collected and have been processed for volumetric flux Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; samples were collected and have been processed for volumetric flux Soil samples processed by lab. Soil samples processed by lab. Hensley/Students Soil samples submitted for lab analysis of nutrient flux from land use types with and without intervention. WL2.1d: Data analysis. Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; preliminary analysis Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; preliminary analysis Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; preliminary analysis Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Final analysis. Hensley/Postdoc Provides ongoing conclusions for public relations/education and final conclusions for presentation to scientific community. Objective WL2.2 Specific milestones. Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL2.2a: Design/establishment. Secure agreements with landowners and relevant agencies, install monitoring equipment. Completed; permission received, initial equipment installed in all plots and surveys performed Equipment maintenance, orchard maintenance. In progress; equipment arrived and partially installed except in some plots where heterogeneity was identified - final installations expected by May 2022 Equipment maintenance, orchard maintenance. Completed; core equipment installed and additional installations also currently progressing Equipment maintenance, orchard maintenance. Equipment maintenance, orchard maintenance. Hensley/Waddell/Students Location and set-up of long term agroforestry orchard establishment compared to forest with necessary permissions/participation; comparison of land use types serves as educational tool. WL2.2b: Sample collection. Samples collected from all fields. Completed; soil samples and site characterizations data has been collected from all fields Samples collected from all fields. In progress; soil bulk density samples expected in May 2022 Samples collected from all fields. In progress; soil transect data expected completed by end of April 2022 Samples collected from all fields. Samples collected from all fields. Hensley/Postdoc/Students Randomized-schedule soil samplings carried out to characterize agroforestry and reference forest soil systems, water infiltrometer carried out over project life. WL2.2c: Sample processing. Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; soil samples have been collected and processed for color and particle size analysis in profile Soil samples processed by lab. In progress; soil bulk density samples expected in May 2022 Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; samples have been processed for gravimetric moisture and bulk density Soil samples processed by lab. Soil samples processed by lab. Hensley/Students. Soil samples submitted for lab analysis in same manner as Objective WT2.1. WL2.2d: Data analysis. Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; preliminary geospatial data interpretation and site characterization data has been analyzed; all reporting requirements fulfilled for Year 1 Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; analysis for reporting, and continuing scientific analysis of plot heterogeneity Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; abstract has been submitted and research will be presented at Caribbean Food Crops Society conference in July Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Final analysis. Hensley/Postdoc Provides ongoing conclusions for public relations/education and final conclusions for presentation to scientific community. Objective WL2.3 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL2.3a: Design/establishment. Plantain planting and living mulch establishment. Completed; plantain was planted in April 2021, living mulch has been collected and is being propagated for ground cover experiment Plantain maintenance. Completed; maintenance ongoing (though project will terminate before Year 3) Plantain maintenance. Completed; project was terminated due to crop failure Plantain maintenance. Completed. Hensley/Students Plot-scale studies of living mulch used within plantain system as related to soil moisture, infiltration, and nutrient cycling. WL2.3b: Sample collection. Samples collected from all plots. Completed; soil samples and site characterizations data has been collected from all plots Samples collected from all plots. In progress; soil bulk density samples expected in May 2022 Samples collected from all plots. Completed; all data collected and being drafted as manuscript Samples collected from all plots. Completed. Hensley/Postdoc/Students Rigorous, causative and mechanistic results related to specific hypothesis stemming from larger goal work (objs. 1a & 1b). Watershed Monitoring and Land Use WL2.3c: Sample processing. Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; soil samples have been collected and processed for color and particle size analysis in profile Soil samples processed by lab. In progress; soil bulk density samples expected in May 2022 Soil samples processed by lab. Completed; all data collected and being drafted as manuscript Soil samples processed by lab. Completed. Hensley/Students Soil samples submitted for lab analysis in same manner as Objective WT2.1. WL2.3d: Data analysis. Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; preliminary analysis was performed on initial dataset Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; prelim. analysis for reporting and conferences was done Prelim. analysis for reporting reqs. Completed; all data collected and being drafted as manuscript Final analysis. Completed. Hensley/Postdoc Provides ongoing conclusions for public relations/education and final conclusions for presentation to scientific community. Goal WL3: Share communication, community education, and integration activities to support public and stakeholder benefit of the land use research. · Objective WL3.1: Participation in integration activities for community engagement and education outreach. · Objective WL3.2: Provide students with educational and experiential opportunities in science. · Objective WL3.3: Compilation and presentation of results at conferences and in publication. Objective WL3.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL3.1a: Participate in service-learning/mentoring of SCI-100 and R2R Resilience Leaders students. Incomplete; event did not take place as of May 2021 Engage and mentor 1 SL/ SCI-100/Resilience leader student. Incomplete; no student engaged Engage and mentor 1 SL/SCI-100/ Resilience leader student. Incomplete; other students engaged in community presentations, guest lectures, and field site visits Engage and mentor 1 SL/ SCI-100/Resilience leader student. Engage and mentor 1 SL/SCI-100/ Resilience leader student. Hensley Four students mentored in engagement program, possibly for higher levels of engagement further into project duration. WL3.1b: Contribution to R2R newsletter. Photographs of project and essay produced. Completed; photographs and essay produced for newsletter Photographs of project and essay produced. Completed; photographs and essay produced for newsletter Photographs of project and essay produced. Completed; photographs and essay produced for newsletter Photographs of project and essay produced. Photographs of project and essay produced. Hensley Articles relating Watershed/Terrestrial research activities with current needs of R2R project messaging. WL3.1c: Creation of lectures and presentations for EOD events. One presentation or lecture at a sponsored event. Completed; participated in informal learning event (University Bound student tour) One presentation or lecture at a sponsored event. Completed; presented a lecture at a sponsored event (PBL teacher meeting) One presentation or lecture at a sponsored event. Completed; presented a lecture at a sponsored event (PBL teacher meeting) One presentation or lecture at a sponsored event. One presentation or lecture at a sponsored event. Hensley Lectures, presentations, and attendance of outreach events. Objective WL3.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL3.2a: Participation of undergraduate students in research activities Engagement of 1 undergraduate in paid participation. Completed; one student was hired for paid research experience in March 2021 and will continue through the end of Year 1 Engagement of 1 undergraduate in paid participation. Completed; one undergraduate student was engaged in paid participation Engagement of 1 undergraduate in paid participation. Completed; one undergraduate student was engaged in paid participation Engagement of 1 undergraduate in paid participation. Hensley/Students At least one (up to 4) undergraduate students directly involved in watershed research activities. WL3.2b: Participation of graduate students in research activities. Engagement of 1 graduate student in paid participation. Completed; graduate student is engaged in paid research activity Engagement of 1 graduate student in paid participation. Completed; graduate student is engaged in paid research activity Engagement of 1 graduate student in paid participation. Engagement of 1 graduate student in paid participation. Hensley/Students At least one (up to 4) graduate students directly involved in watershed research activities. Objective WL3.3 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes WL3.3a: Attendance and presentation at scientific conferences. Attendance/present at one conference. Completed; presented at 1 conference Attendance/present at one conference. Completed; presented at 1 conference Attendance/present at one conference. Completed; presented at 3 conferences Attendance/present at one conference. Attendance/present at one conference. Hensley/Postdoc/Students Results compiled and presented at one conference per year for engagement with interested scientific community. WL3.3b: Publication of results in peer reviewed literature. Preliminary abstract completed for all research projects. Completed; all projects have been summarized in the form of a PhD dissertation proposal (Hensley) for eventual publication, and literature review for each publication has also begun Preliminary abstract completed for all research projects. Completed; abstracts created for WL1 and WL2 projects Preliminary abstract completed for all research projects. Completed; manuscript drafts in progress for WL2.3, abstracts created for all other projects Compilation of results into manuscript form, at least one manuscript resulting from Goal WL1, and a manuscript each from Objectives WL2.1, WL2.2, and WL2.3. Manuscripts drafted and submitted to peer-reviewed journals at the end of the study period. Hensley/Postdoc/Students Communication of results and conclusions with scientific community; finalization of scientific conclusions for use in future projects or grants. Watershed Monitoring and Land Use Mangroves and Mangrove Restoration (M) Goal M1: Investigate current and historic USVI mangrove distribution, recovery, and loss. · Objective M1.1: Years 1-3: Document historical and current mangrove extent and estimated species composition across the territory using archival information and the application of new technology. · Objective M1.2: Years 1-5: Document the current status and recovery of mangroves using aerial imagery and long-term field plots. Objective M1.1 Years 1-3: Document historical and current mangrove extent and estimated species composition across the territory. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes M1.1a:Compile current and historical aerial imagery. Compilation initiated: Open-source images complied. Private imagery prices identified. Gap analysis used to determine priority imagery for purchase, and purchases completed. Communications with collaborators regarding potential for shared imagery discussed. Completed; compilation initiated. Compilation completed. In progress; we are still compiling images, but have been in communication with collaborators from the Smithsonian, Pennsylvania State University and The Nature Conservancy on methods and approaches. Delayed; death of student Stephanie HIbberts and the transition of Dr. Heather Stewart to a new institution, has delayed this product. Grimes, Durdall Contributes to analysis of current mangrove distribution and mangrove loss. M1.1b: Compile historical maps and charts. Initiation of online and in-person searches for historical maps and charts containing mangrove distribution information. This will include communications with the Danish and US archives, local historical societies and organizations, territorial libraries and/or other resources as they arise. Completed; compilation initiated. Compilation completed. In progress; searches and communications have begun but are not yet complete. Delayed; death of student Stephanie HIbberts and the transition of Dr. Heather Stewart to a new institution, has delayed this activity. Grimes, Durdall Contributes to analysis of current mangrove distribution and mangrove loss. M1.1c: Take new drone imagery of mangroves across the territory. Identification of priority USVI mangrove sites for drone imagery collection. Team becomes acquainted with drone flight operation & imagery processing software. Imagery collection begins. In progress; sites are identified, team has become familiar with the steps needed to become legally authorized to fly in the USVI and has started those steps. We have investigated image processing options, but no acquisition of images have begun. Drone flights completed over territorial mangroves for high resolution imagery of current mangrove extent. Images georeferenced and organized into Geodatabase. Delayed; Durdall passed her FAA part 107 certification in March 2022 and the lab will participate in the acquisition of drone images in wetland habitats in May 2022 with The Nature Conservancy, but all images are not yet collected, georeferenced or organized. In-progress, territorial permits secured, test flights and mapping at mangrove sites on St. Thomas and St. Croix began in winter 2022 and spring 2023. Mapping software and application trials have begun, with plans to begin a more extensive drone imagery collection of field sites in summer 2023 Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Contributes to analysis of current mangrove distribution and mangrove loss. M1.1d: Create atlas (map mangrove extent over time). Creation of a Geodatabase where aerial imagery, historical maps and new drone footage is cataloged as it is acquired. Resources geo-referenced, as needed. Mangrove mapping methods established and mapping begins. In progress; draft database started but we are delayed on establishing methods for mapping as we are still acquiring data sources and need to assess what will work best across those. Completion of atlas of mangrove historical and current extent, with estimation of species composition areas, where possible. In progress; still acquiring and processing images. In progress; still acquiring and processing images. Grimes, Durdall Map of current mangrove distribution and analysis of historic mangrove loss. M1.1e: Atlas and historical narrative shared. Summary document written; detailed report of atlas tool and key takeaway findings shared with stakeholders. In-progress; story map draft has been started. Grimes, Durdall Written summation of mangrove atlas shared with stakeholders. Objective M1.2 Years 1-5: Document the current status and recovery of mangroves using aerial imagery and long-term field plots. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M1.2a: Site selection. Finalization of research sites coordinated with other research areas. Completed; Fish Bay, St. John and Salt River, St. Croix were selected in coordination with other R2R research areas. Grimes, Durdall Sites chosen for long-term monitoring. M1.2b: Apply for permits. Permits drafted, submitted, and approved. Completed; all territorial and federal permits have been drafted, submitted and approved. Grimes, Durdall Permits acquired. M1.2c: Conduct repeat drone surveys of sample sites. Drone surveys completed (2x per year) In progress; additional licensure and accreditation needed to legally fly drone to collect these data. Process has been investigated and started. Drone surveys completed (2x per year) In progress; license to fly acquired in March 2022. Permits to fly acquired from CZM. Drone surveys completed (2x per year) In-progress, territorial permits secured, test flights and mapping at mangrove sites on St. Thomas and St. Croix began in winter 2022 and spring 2023. Mapping software and application trials have begun, with plans to begin a more extensive drone imagery collection of field sites in summer 2023 Drone surveys completed (2x per year) Drone survey completed (1 in final year) Grimes, Durdall Contributes to mangrove atlas as well as long- term monitoring site recovery mapping. M1.2d: Document areas of existing canopy extent, damage, and dead trees at study sites. Drone survey aerial imagery georeferenced, mapping completed for that year's imagery Incomplete; unable to legally collect drone imagery. Drone survey aerial imagery georeferenced, mapping completed for that year's imagery In progress; license to fly acquired in March 2022. Permits to fly acquired from CZM. Drone survey aerial imagery georeferenced, mapping completed for that year's imagery In progress; more drone imagery to be collected in summer 2023, no change analysis possible. Drone survey aerial imagery georeferenced, mapping completed for that year's imagery Drone survey aerial imagery georeferenced, mapping completed for that year's imagery Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Contributes to long-term monitoring site recovery mapping. M1.2e: Analyze mapping data to estimate percent mortality and percent recovery. Completed analysis of year 1 data. Incomplete; unable to legally collect drone imagery. Completed analysis of year 2 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-2. In progress; license to fly acquired in March 2022. Permits to fly acquired from CZM. Completed analysis of year 3 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-3. In progress; more drone imagery to be collected in summer 2023, no change analysis possible. Completed analysis of year 4 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-4. Completed analysis of year 5 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-5. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Map of mangrove recovery and loss at research sites. M1.2f: Assess new mangrove growth. Develop and complete field methods for rapid assessment of new mangrove growth, to be completed at main sample sites and potentially at additional sites across the territory. In progress; methods developed and materials ordered. Fieldwork to begin in May 2021. Completed; survey of 19 mangrove forests completed. Completed; survey of 19 mangrove forests completed. Grimes, graduate student, Durdall Rapid assessment of new growth completed. M1.2g: Establish and re-survey long term mangrove plots within research sites. Determined location of long term plots within each site, developed and finalized a long term monitoring methodology using pre-existing USGS methods, established and surveyed the plots. In progress; locations TBD, but methods established. Fieldwork to begin in May 2021. Completed re-survey of long term plots. Completed; first survey of 19 mangrove forests completed. A subset of these will be re-surveyed annually starting in Year 3 (no Year 2 data, however). Completed re-survey of long term plots. Completed; re-survey of 19 mangrove forests completed. Completed re-survey of long term plots. Completed re-survey of long term plots. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Long-term mangrove dataset created for research sites. M1.2h: Analyze long-term monitoring plot data. Completed analysis of year 1 data. In progress. Completed analysis of year 2 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-2. Incomplete; the first year of field data collection occurred in Year 2, so there is no change analysis. Completed analysis of year 3 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-3. In progress; analyses of Year 2 and Year 3 data has begun and changes over this period documented. Completed analysis of year 4 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-4. Completed analysis of year 5 data, including change over time analysis of years 1-5. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Investigation of the status and recovery of mangroves at long-term sampling sites. M1.2i: Analyze cores for carbon storage. Collected sediment cores at long-term monitoring site locations. Completed laboratory analysis of cores for organic matter (OM) as a proxy for carbon content. Initial analysis of year 1 cores completed. In-progress; materials ordered, fieldwork to begin in May 2021. Repeated collection of sediment cores at long-term monitoring site locations. Completed laboratory analysis of cores for OM. Analysis of year 2 cores completed, including comparisons to carbon storage from prior year. Incomplete; cores for all permitted sites have been collected but not yet analyzed. Field data collection happened in Year 2 so there is no change analysis possible. Graduate student Julia Plotkin will analyze these cores as part of her thesis. Repeated collection of sediment cores at long-term monitoring site locations. Completed laboratory analysis of cores for OM. Analysis of year 3 cores completed, including comparisons to carbon storage from prior years. Year 2 and 3 cores collected; year 2 cores analyzed. Year 3 cores yet to be analyzed. Repeated collection of sediment cores at long-term monitoring site locations. Completed laboratory analysis of cores for OM. Analysis of year 4 cores completed, including comparisons to carbon storage from prior years. Repeated collection of sediment cores at long-term monitoring site locations. Completed laboratory analysis of cores for OM. Analysis of year 5 cores completed, including comparisons to carbon storage from prior years. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Contributes to investigation of the status and recovery of mangroves at long-term sampling sites. M1.2j: Share long-term monitoring results. Peer-reviewed publication submitted or management document created and shared with stakeholders.. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Written summation of long-term monitoring results shared with stakeholders. Goal M2: Grow USVI Mangrove Restoration Opportunities. · Objective M2.1: Years 1-5: Examine where and how mangrove restoration can be implemented in the USVI · Objective M2.2: Years 3-5: Field test different mangrove restoration techniques to understand factors affecting resilience of seedlings. · Objective M2.3: Years 1-5: Grow the mangrove citizen science program. · Objective M2.4: Years 2-5: Evaluate the impacts of the mangrove citizen science program. Objective M2.1 Examine where and how mangrove restoration can be implemented in the USVI. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes M2.1a: Apply for mangrove propagule collection permits. Permits drafted, submitted, and approved. Completed. Grimes, Durdall Permits acquired. Mangroves and Mangrove Restoration M2.1b: Prepare, develop, and maintain a land-based nursery for mangrove seedling grow-out. Researched mangrove nursery methods. Acquired materials and supplies needed for establishment of nursery infrastructure. Nursery established and fine-tuned to support sapling growth of all local mangrove species if possible. Completed; methods researched, materials and supplies acquired, plumbed et nursery constructed (8 tables with 24, 45 gallon tanks). Nursery maintained and fine-tuned. Completed; nursery methods continue to be refined and number of tables expanded (25 tanks fully plumbed with fresh and salt-water on the flow- through system) and 9 unplumbed tanks. Nursery maintained and fine-tuned. Completed; nursery methods continue to be refined through experimentation and innovation. Nursery maintained and fine-tuned. Nursery maintained and fine-tuned. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Establishment of novel, large-scale, mangrove sapling nursery. M2.1c: Collect mangrove propagules for nursery stocking. Propagule collection sites determined. Propagule tracking/tagging methodology established. Mangrove nursery database established. Initial propagules collected, tagged, added to the database and transferred to the nursery. In progress; collection sites determined, initial propagules collected, database still under development. Collection of additional propagules as needed for nursery grow-out and outplanting experiments. Completed Collection of additional propagules as needed for nursery grow-out and outplanting experiments. Completed Collection of additional propagules as needed for nursery grow-out and outplanting experiments. Collection of additional propagules as needed for nursery grow-out and outplanting experiments. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Propagules acquired for grow-out experiments and citizen science program. System established for propagule/sapling tracking. M2.1d: Conduct water-table and field grow-out experiments. Established experimental design for water-table and field grow out experiments for mangrove saplings. Experiments initiated and maintained. Results added to mangrove nursery database. In progress; design almost completed, expect to begin in June 2021. Experiments completed. Results added to mangrove nursery database. Nursery stocking techniques refined based on results. In progress; one experiment examining the effects of container on red mangrove growth and survival was initiated in September 2021 and will run for 7 months. Graduate student Allison Hoelvoet will start her experiment looking at the effects of substrate and clumping on red mangrove growth and survival in late spring 2022. Completed Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Best practices documented and established for mangrove water-table nursery and field grow-out. M2.1e: Analyze mangrove nursery grow-out experiment results. Analysis of year 1 nursery data initiated. In progress; data collection to begin in June 2021. Analysis of years 1-2 nursery data completed. In-progress; most data have been entered, QA/QC process has begun, some preliminary results on survivorship have been completed. In progress and completed; nursery results from container experiments have been analyzed, but the experiment continues through to outplanting. Preliminary results of sprouting experiment started. Allison Holevoet's experiment examining the effects of site, clumping, and substrate on red mangrove growth are completed. Grimes, graduate student Investigation of water-table and grow-out experiment results. Contributes to creation of mangrove propagule nursery best-practices. M2.1f: Mangrove nursery grow-out methods, best practices, and results shared. Graduate student thesis In-progress; graduate student Allison Holevoet will begin her experiment in Spring 2022. Initial experimental infrastructure setup and material acquisition complete. 1-peer-reviewed publication submitted. Results shared with stakeholders. In progress; Allison is working with her committee to prepare her thesis for peer-reviewed publication. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Written summary of best practices is created and shared with stakeholders. Objective M2.2 Field test different mangrove restoration techniques to understand factors affecting resilience of seedlings. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M2.2a: Determine mangrove restoration sites. Used the territorial mangrove atlas (created in Goal 1), and other existing local mangrove data to determine a list of candidate sites for mangrove restoration. Candidate sites ranked for restoration potential, and final sites for experiment chosen. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student List of candidate mangrove restoration sites in the territory. M2.2b: Apply for mangrove outplanting permits. Permits drafted, submitted, and approved. Completed. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Permits obtained. M2.2c: Conduct restoration experiments to investigate effects of spacing and bioturbator abundance on seedling resilience. Experimental design determined. Experiments initiated (seedlings outplanted & regularly monitored and assessed). In-progress; outplantings at Salt River, St. Croix and Hull Bay, St Thomas test effects of spacing. Experiments completed. Grimes, Durdall, graduate student Contributes to mangrove restoration experiment publication. M2.2d: Analysis of restoration experimental data. Analysis of year 3 outplant data initiated. In-progress; plants are being monitored to determine survivorship and growth. Analysis of years 3-4 nursery data completed. Grimes, graduate student Contributes to mangrove restoration experiment publication. M2.2e: Mangrove restoration experimental outcomes shared. graduate student thesis 1-peer-reviewed publication submitted Grimes, graduate student Peer-reviewed publication. Mangrove restoration best-practices identified. Objective M2.3 Grow the mangrove citizen science program. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M2.3a: Coordinate with existing partners and seek new partnership opportunities to support program development Meet with partners to discuss program goals and strategies Completed; met with VIMAS, NPS, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, USGS, DPNR. Grimes, Durdall, partners Collective understanding of program goals and plan among research team and partners. M2.3b: Recruit program participants. Develop recruitment materials. Advertise and begin participant recruitment In progress; recruitment materials are being developed to align with program goals and strategies. Recruit participants In progress; application to UVI IRB submitted in March 2022 to conduct community listening sessions to inform program design. Recruit participants Completed, but on-going. Recruit participants Recruit participants Grimes, Durdall, partners Citizen science participants recruited and involved in mangrove nursery operations. M2.3c: Engage participants in mangrove restoration activities. Engage participants in mangrove grow-out activities Incomplete; we anticipate this will begin in July 2021 as the new post doc comes on board. Engage participants in mangrove grow-out activities Completed; 4 UVI undergraduates volunteered at the nursery this year. Engage participants in mangrove grow-out activities; engage participants in restoration experiments Completed, but on-going. 1,490 individuals engaged in year 3. Engage participants in mangrove grow-out activities; engage participants in restoration experiments Engage participants in mangrove grow-out activities Grimes, Durdall, partners Citizen science participants recruited and involved in mangrove nursery operations and field experiments. Objective M2.4 Evaluate the impacts of the mangrove citizen science program. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M2.4a: Obtain UVI IRB approval. Apply for and obtain IRB approval. In progress; application to UVI IRB submitted in March 2022. We are awaiting a decision. Completed. Grimes, Peterman IRB approval. M2.4b: Develop and test assessment instruments. Existing instruments tested for cultural relevance; embedded assessment activities identified and/or created In progress; instruments have been developed but not yet tested. Pending UVI IRB approval. Completed; instruments developed and tested. Grimes, Peterman Culturally-appropriate evaluation instruments developed and used. M2.4c: Collect participant data. Collect demographic, engagement and pre-post outcomes data on participants; conduct interviews with sub-set of participants on motivation and stewardship In-progress; citizen science surveys, mangrove perceptions survey, and workshop survey data collected. Collect demographic, engagement and pre-post outcomes data on participants; conduct interviews with sub-set of participants on motivation and stewardship Collect demographic, engagement and pre-post outcomes data on participants; conduct interviews with sub-set of participants on motivation and stewardship Grimes, Durdall, Peterman Mangrove citizen science program described: who participates and why they do. M2.4d: Analyze participant data. Year 3 participant data analyzed. In-progress; Master's student Laura Palomino has begun analyzing mangrove perceptions survey. Year 4 participant data analyzed. Year 5 participant data analyzed; 3- year temporal analysis completed. Grimes, Peterman Mangrove citizen science program described: who participates and why they do. M2.4e: Communicate and build on research findings. Peer-review publication of citizen science program submitted. Grimes, Peterman 1 peer-reviewed publication submitted. Goal M3: Share USVI Mangrove Research with Stakeholders & Provide Opportunities for New Partnerships. · Objective M3.1: Years 1-5: Share mangrove research through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities). · Objective M3.2: Years 1-5: Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. · Objective M3.3: Years 1-5: Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Objective M3.1 Share mangrove activities through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities). Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Mangroves and Mangrove Restoration M3.1a: Integration Activity: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (e.g., promotions, announcements & blog posts). Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Completed; content provided for 6 social media posts on instagram. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Completed; contributed content for 6 social media posts on instagram, newsletters (Summer 2021 and Spring 2022), and revised webpage content for the mangrove section. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Completed; contributed content for social media posts on instagram, newsletters, and revised webpage content for the mangrove section. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Grimes, Durdall, graduate students, undergraduate students Mangrove research shared with a broad audience. M3.1b Share research through community outreach events (e.g., Reef Fest, Sip N' Science) Participate in 1 event per year Completed; 2021 St. Thomas Great Mangrove Cleanup. Participate in 1 event per year Completed; 2021 St. John Great Mangrove Cleanup, 2022 St. Thomas Great Mangrove Cleanup, 2022 Friends of the St. John National Park Earth Day Event. Infographics created and shared. One Science Saturday completed in July 2021. Participate in 1 event per year Completed; 4 Great Mangrove Cleanup events, 2 Science Saturday events, St. John Earth Day Event, Children's Museum Eco Discovery Event, St. Croix Agricultural Fair, UVI Afternoon on the Green. Participate in 1 event per year Participate in 1 event per year Grimes, Durdall, graduate students, undergraduate students Mangrove activities shared with local audiences. M3.1c: Integration Activity: Participate in VI-ISERP activities. Participate in summer institute Completed; Grimes participated in Summer 2021. Mentor teachers Completed; Grimes and Durdall participated in Summer 2022. Participate in summer institute Mentor teachers Grimes, Durdall, graduate students, undergraduate students USVI teacher professional development, potential student professional development. M3.1d: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Completed; materials and revisions provided. Grimes EPSCoR Website developed. M3.1e: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; materials and revisions provided for the newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; materials and revisions provided for the newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; materials and revisions provided for the newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Grimes, Durdall, graduate students, undergraduate students EPSCoR Newsletter developed. Objective M3.2 Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M3.2a: Engage undergraduate students in mangrove research. 2 undergraduates engaged. In progress; two UVI undergraduate students interviewed for summer research opportunities in the Grimes lab and will begin in June 2 undergraduates engaged. Completed; 7 UVI undergraduate students have been engaged in mangrove research activities. 2 undergraduates engaged. Completed; 7 UVI undergraduate students have been engaged in mangrove research activities. 2 undergraduates engaged. 2 undergraduates engaged. Grimes 2-10 undergraduates engaged in the geosciences M3.2b: Engage graduate students in mangrove research. 2 graduate students engaged. Completed; 4 UVI MMES students recruited to work on mangrove research and restoration goals. 2 graduate students engaged. Completed; to-date, 6 UVI MMES students have been recruited to work on mangrove research and restoration goals. 2 graduate students engaged. Completed; this year 21 UVI MMES students contributed to mangrove research and restoration goals. 2 graduate students engaged. Grimes 4 graduate students engaged in the geosciences M3.2c: Explore synergies for student training and enrichment with other partners and programs. Opportunities explored as they arise. Completed; opportunities leveraged with the SEAS Islands Alliance and NRT Strong Coasts. Opportunities explored as they arise. Completed; opportunities leveraged with the SEAS Islands Alliance and NRT Strong Coasts. Nursery tours for UVI clubs and classes and visiting classes (e.g., Yale). Opportunities explored as they arise. Completed; opportunities leveraged with the SEAS Islands Alliance and NRT Strong Coasts. NSF CoPe, RII- BEC Securing STEM Island Pathways Opportunities explored as they arise. Opportunities explored as they arise. Grimes, Durdall, partners Additional funding, professional development and opportunities provided for students Objective M3.3 Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties M3.3a: Participate in R2R writing workshops. Workshop participation. Incomplete; delayed to Year 2. Workshop participation. Completed though not as envisioned; Grimes, Durdall, and Stewart participated in VOWS writing workshops this year and the Grimes lab held a workshop for the lab in April 2022. Workshop participation. In-progress; Grimes and Brandt are co-organizing an EPSCoR-wide writing workshop for July 2023. Workshop participation. Workshop participation. Grimes, Durdall New partnerships formed, grant proposals, and/or publications drafted and submitted M3.3b: Attend and share research efforts at local, national and international conferences. Participate in 1 conference per year. Completed; 8 presentations at local, national, and international conferences. Participate in 1 conference per year. Completed; 11 presentations at local, national, and international conferences. Participate in 1 conference per year. Completed; 5 presentations at local, national, and international conferences. Participate in 1 conference per year. Participate in 1 conference per year. Grimes, Durdall, graduate students Dissemination of data to the community. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. M3.3c: Integration Activity: Attend annual VI EPSCoR Conference. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Completed; Grimes, Durdall, Stewart and graduate students participated in the Annual Conference in July 2021. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Completed; Grimes, Durdall, and graduate students participated in the Annual Conference in October 2022 Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Grimes, Durdall, graduate students Dissemination of data to the R2R team. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. Mangroves and Mangrove Restoration Emerging Areas: Brewers VPS Array, Beaches, Seagrass, Sargassum (EA) Goal EA 1. Determine the impacts of invasive seagrasses that alter movement, habitat, and food resources for fish and sea turtle species (Obj EA 1) and the growing effects of large volumes of Sargassum (Obj. EA 4). · Objective EA 1.1: Install Innovasea fine-scale positioning system to monitor the movement of tagged macrofauna (sea turtles, fish, and conch) in areas of changing seagrass communities. · Objective EA 1.2: Acoustically tag an sea turtles and fish utilizing these areas susceptible to changes in seagrass communities and influxes of sargassum to monitor their movement and relative population size. · Considerations: local permits are expected to be accessed through VI-DPNR relatively easily, National Marine Fisheries Permits to handle turtles is under review. If the NMFS permit is declined Dr. Jobsis has been in discussion with Dr. K. Hart (USGS) for this project to be added to her current NMFS permit. Objective EA1.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA1.1a: Obtain permitting and equipment; ordering required for tagging sea turtles and fish. Receive ten year NMFS permit, two year local permit, and equipment orders received. UVI's IACUC board approved the research plan, The local Department of Fish and Wildlife permit for array installation and outreach with sea turtle project has been submitted. The national permit for in water work with turtles was returned and will be resubmitted. The research can begin in July under the NOAA / NMFS permit of USGS researcher, Dr. Kristen Hart. Annual NMFS and DPNR permit report completed. DPNR permit was not required. New NMFS permit application was completed by Paul Jobsis on April 1st, 2022. The work remains covered under Dr. Hart's NMFS permit #20315 Annual NMFS and DPNR permit report completed. Renew Local DPNR permit. Completed; NMFS (NMFS#25818) and DPNR (DFW22093T) permits were received to conduct in- water and land-based activities with protected sea turtles. With the lifting of COVID restrictions, the DPNR (territorial) permit was needed to allow land-based activities with the turtles, such as public tagging events. Annual NMFS and DPNR permit report completed. Annual NMFS and DPNR permit report completed. Paul Jobsis and students With permit in place sea turtle tagging and tracking will occur. As will outreach and education events. EA1.1b: Install acoustic receivers, Hobo temp loggers, DO2 Loggers. Design and order additional Innovasea receivers, tags and batteries The acoustic array has been designed and the appropriate tags, receivers and batteries have been ordered Innovasea position system array installed. Download acoustic data and analyze every four months. The FPS array was installed. A test download was completed after two week. The system is working well but two receivers needed to be and were moved. Per the manufacturers recommendation we will download the date every 6 months. Innovasea position system array maintained (battery replacement). Download acoustic data and analyze every four months. Completed; The Innovasea Fine Scale Positioning array (FPS) has was downloaded in October of 2022. The next download is scheduled for September of 2023. The four month downloads were found to be unnecessary. Decommission Innovasea Acoustic Array, or find other funding to maintain. Paul Jobsis; Movement Post- Doc, Edwin Cruz-Rivera EA1.1c: Acoustic tracking student and postdoc engagement for turtle and fish tracking in changing seagrass beds, and sargassum events. Attract and enroll students interested in invasive seagrass and Movement Ecology/acoustic tracking. Advertise for Acoustic tracking Post-doc MMES students Andrew McGregor and Taylor Brunson have been recruited to conduct research on movement ecology in Brewers Bay. Candidates for the Acoustic Tracking Post-doc have been interviewed. Post doc hired, 2 MMES students engaged, 2 undergraduate students engaged Post-doc Kayla Blincow-Israel was hired in Nov. of 2021. Graduate students Taylor Brunson and Andrew McGregor are engaged with the projects and their theses will be conducted using this data. Two undergraduate students, Keedencia Harris and Nicholas Durgendeen, have been helping with the project. Post doc fully engaged, 2 MMES students engaged, 2 undergraduate students engaged Completed; Postdoc Kayla Blinkow is fully integrated into the Brewers Bay FPS array research. She sits on several student committees in the MMES program. MMES students, Taylor Brunson, Andrew McGregor, Madison Meile and Corinne Johnson have thesis projects related to the Brewers Bay FPS Array. Taylor Brunson will graduate in May of 2023, and Andrew McGregor is scheduled for graduation the December. Madison and Corinne are on track to graduate in May or December of 2024. Test the hypothesis that turtles and other macro-fauna avoid H. stipulacea seagrass beds and prefer (spend more time) in native S. filiforme and T. testudinum. Develop and publish theses results related to benthic habitat, invasive seagrass and sea turtle, fish and macroinvertebrate movement Paul Jobsis and Post doc 2 MMES students graduating with movement ecology based theses. 2 or more conference presentations, 1 or more movement ecology peer-review publications EA1.1d: Dropcam and sample seagrass beds quarterly randomly sampled in 100cm2 subplots quarterly NA Randomly sample 3 seagrass type beds within the array and use DropCam to characterize benthic habitat within the VPS array biannually. Benthic sampling of seagrass beds with in the array has begun. It has not been focused on the species type. Instead they are focused on areas used by sea turtles. Randomly sampled 3 seagrass type beds within the array and use DropCam to characterize benthic habitat within the VPS array biannually. Completed; The benthic sampling of seagrass continues in Brewers Bay. MMES student Taylor Brunson replaced the Dropcam method with repeated quadrat sampling of 150 positions within the seagrass meadows of Brewers Bay. This allowed the use of resource selection algorithms to test the turtle's selection for different seagrasses. As Ms. Brunson graduates, the responsibility of continuing the benthic surveys will be transferred to Madison Meile. Paul Jobsis, MMES Students EA1.1e: Brewers Bay Water quality sampling. Collect water samples quarterly and test for standard water quality and nutrients. Water samples were collected and analyzed by UVI's Environmental Analysis Laboratory Collect water samples quarterly and test for standard water quality and nutrients. Water samples are collection continues six times a year and processed by UVI Environmental Analysis Laboratory Collect water samples quarterly and test for standard water quality and nutrients. Completed; Water samples are collected six times a year and processed by UVI Environmental Analysis Laboratory Collect water samples quarterly and test for standard water quality and nutrients. Test hypothesis that movement is affected by water quality. Paul Jobsis and Packard (EAL) related to ambient monitoring project EA1.1f: Outreach and Education. 1 blog post. Research stories were submitted the VI-EPSCoR newsletter and website, which can be converted to a blog post. A news story was published about the (matching) funds from the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. 1 public sea turtle tagging event. Two events were held but the size was limited due to COVID-19 and the current state of the marine center 1 public sea turtle tagging event. Completed; A public tagging event was held April 15th at Brewers Beach. One hundred and one participants signed in for the event. Fifteen volunteers from the UVI sea turtle club, VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, and MMES graduate students helped to manage the event. 1 public sea turtle tagging event and 1 blog post. 1 public sea turtle tagging event. Paul Jobsis, MMES Students Objective EA 1.2 Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties EA 1.2a: Acoustically tag sea turtles and fish. Recruit students interested in movement ecology and acoustic tracking. Completed 10 to 15 of each species tagged, engage/enroll students interested in acoustic tracking. 16 green turtles, 11 hawksbill turtles and 9 giant hermit crabs were tagged with V16p or V9 acoustic tags. Hermit crabs were used instead of fish. Fish will be tagged in year 3 Continue tagging if needed. In progress; 7 of the green turtles were retagged and one new green was tagged to ensure the activities of the green turtles are covered for a full year. Analyze VPS array data by Vemco. Theses and manuscript development and publication. Manuscript Development and publication. Paul Jobsis' students and postdoc Publish results of movement study and mark and recapture studies in years four and five. EA 1.2b: Tag sea turtles (non- acoustic tags) for mark and recapture population estimates. Recruit students interested in movement ecology and acoustic tracking. Completed Turtle and fish tagging (non acoustic) every four months to estimate population size in the affected areas. Tagging was conducted on nearly a monthly basis. Giant hermit crabs were tagged instead of fish. Turtle and fish tagging (non acoustic) every four months to estimate population size in the affected areas. Completed; We have been tagging turtles every month on the second Saturday. Turtle and fish tagging (non acoustic) every four months Turtle and fish tagging (non acoustic) every four months to estimate population size in the affected areas, thesis development. Manuscript Development and publication. Paul Jobsis' students and postdoc Estimate population size annually. Research Team Cohesion: Integration Activity: List communication and collaboration activities developing within teams, across research sites and across disciplines. Integration Activities: completed discussions with Dr Cruz-Rivera and his student Matt Souza about tagging conch in Brewers Bay; conch tags were purchased. Discussions with Dr. Nemeth (Fish Ecology) about duplication of Reef Bay parrotfish study in Brewers Bay. The two movement ecology studies (Reef Bay and Brewers Bay) personnel meet regularly and have tested equipment together. Bi-weekly Acoustic Tracking meeting are held with participants from the Jobsis and Nemeth's labs and postdoc Kayla Blinkow. Dr Ratchford (ug professor) also participates in theses meetings. Large operations (receiver downloads, etc) are joint projects between the Jobsis and Nemeth lab groups. Dr. Jobsis participates in weekly meeting with Cruz-Rivera on sargassum. He also is on the committee of two of Cruz-Rivera's students. Completed; Bi-weekly Acoustic Tracking meeting are held with participants of the Jobsis and Nemeth's labs and postdoc Kayla Blinkow. Dr Ratchford (ug professor) also participates in theses meetings. Large operations (receiver placement, downloads, etc) are joint projects between the Jobsis and Nemeth lab groups. Dr. Jobsis participates in weekly meeting with Cruz-Rivera on sargassum. Jobsis is on the committee of two of Cruz- Rivera's students. Goal EA 2: Quantify the role of seagrass type in short and long-term beach evolution. · Objective EA 2.1: Quantify wave and water column velocities characteristics and difference between two species of seagrass under different conditions. · Objective EA 2.2: Quantify sediment movement and shoreline evolution under different wave conditions, shoreward of different types of seagrass beds. Objective EA 2.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity EA 2.1a: Explore selected sites and acquire equipment and obtain permit(s). Permit received for wave buoy, pressure transducer, and site; Registration and license to fly drones received, with appropriate exemptions for research when and where applicable. Tested instruments and deployed them to capture wave data. Conducted field surveys without drones Permits, licenses and registration from Year 1 renewed as appropriate. Ongoing- Permits received for field work on beaches in St. Croix and St. John for shoreline change analysis. Permits not received for seagrass bed analysis due to delay in getting student and field work. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 1 renewed as appropriate, new permit for pressure transducer and velocity profiler received. In progress; Deployment hasn't happened yet with the student. Continuing to deploy instruments with undergraduate student and understand behavior of beaches Permits, licenses and registration from Year 3 renewed as appropriate. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 3 renewed as appropriate. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera Authorized to work in the field. EA2.1b: Recruit student. Identify graduate student at UVI or other EPSCoR jurisdiction to perform field work; identify and recruit undergraduate student at UVI to perform field work as appropriate. Graduate student identified and recruited for Ph.D. position Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student. PhD student hired through University of South Alabama. The student is a foreign national, so she had to wait until Jan. 2022 to enter the United States, after Covid restrictions were lifted. An undergraduate student was recruited. Because of other commitment, she was replaced by another student who's continuing her work. Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student. In Progress; Graduate student identified and recruited, however the graduate student has not yet visited the Territory to complete field work. Work planned for Summer 2023. Work with UVI undergraduate is ongoing. Graduate student identified and recruited; recruit undergraduate student as needed to perform seasonal work Graduate student identified and recruited; recruit undergraduate student as needed to perform seasonal work Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera Graduate and undergraduate students are working on the project and learning new skills. EA2.1c: Seagrass bed characteristics. Measure characteristics of seagrass beds (density, stem diameter, stem height) for the two species in order to include them appropriately into the wave model. Delayed due to delay in getting the student and field work started. Monitor any changes in seagrass characteristics from Year 2. There has been a delay in recruiting and hiring interested students which has delayed field work. Focus shifted on modeling wave field and monitoring beach evolution in specific bays based on data collected during field work. Monitor any changes in seagrass characteristics from Year 2. Prepare publication on changing of characteristics if we observe a change and can relate change wave conditions, or recolonization patterns. Monitor any changes in seagrass characteristics from Year 2. Publication on changing of characteristics if we observe a change and can relate change wave conditions, or recolonization patterns. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera, Graduate student Physical characteristics of seagrass meadow. EA2.1d: Wave measurement and analysis. Deploy and test wave buoy offshore of seagrass bed, in ~10 m water depth to establish offshore wave conditions outside of the shoaling and breaking region to model wave evolution; deploy and test pressure transducer in shallower water in regions with little or no seagrass for wave model calibration. Equipment received and tested. Planning extensive site work in the summer Deploy pressure transducers in various locations in and around seagrass fields and buoys offshore; calibrate wave model to identify appropriate friction coefficient associated with seagrass beds and wave attenuation caused by seagrass beds. In progress - Field work has been delayed because of lack of graduate students. Work is now scheduled for Summer 2022 Continue to deploy instruments in and around the seagrass meadow to measure wave characteristics; calibrate wave model to compute drag coefficient associated with seagrass - we expect that the drag coefficient will vary based on the species, but also based on the location where measurement was conducted, as well as offshore wave conditions. There has been a delay in recruiting and hiring interested students which has delayed field work. Focus shifted on modeling wave field and monitoring beach evolution in specific bays based on data collected during field work. Establish initial estimates of how seagrass meadow(s) affect wave evolution; prepare and submit publication. Focus on following activities. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera, Graduate student Understanding of how seagrass type affect wave evolution; understanding of the uncertainties associated with the calculation of drag coefficient based on location of wave measurements, seagrass meadow characteristics, and offshore wave conditions. Emerging Areas EA2.1e: Wave-induced current measurement and analysis. Deploy pressure transducers in and around seagrass meadows with velocity profilers for testing and obtain preliminary results. There has been a delay in recruiting and hiring interested students which has delayed field work. Deploy pressure transducers with velocity profilers in the surf zone inside and outside the meadows to compare profiles of wave generated currents; using the calibrated wave model (Activity 4), compute how the theoretical and traditionally observed profiles of velocity compare inside and outside the meadow. Prepare proposal based on existing record to start similar types study on nearshore coral reefs. Use results of Activity 4 and the wave model created and calibrated during this activity with results obtained so far in Activity 5 to explain how seagrass meadows modify waves and wave-induced currents, and infer consequences for sediment transport. Results will also be analyzed to characterize the uncertainty associated with the ability to properly model how meadows and seagrass species impact wave and wave- induced currents. Prepare publication. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera, Graduate student Understanding of how seagrass type affect wave evolution and wave-induced current; understanding of the uncertainties in the proper modeling of wave and wave- induced current associated with the calculation of drag coefficient based on location of wave measurements, seagrass meadow characteristics, and offshore wave conditions. Activity EA2.1f: Align with Objective 1.2b Relate beach response to sedimentation on seagrass beds, wave and wave-induced currents evolution on seagrass bed. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera, Graduate student Role of seagrass on beach response. Objective EA 2.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA 2.2a: Identify site(s), acquire equipment and obtain permits(s). Permit received for wave buoy, pressure transducer, and site; Registration and license to fly drones received, with appropriate exemptions for research when and where applicable. In progress- permits are in the process. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 1 renewed as appropriate. Ongoing- Permits received for field work on beaches in St. Croix and St. John for shoreline change analysis. Permits not received for seagrass bed analysis due to delay in getting student and field work. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 1 renewed as appropriate, new permit for pressure transducer and velocity profiler received. In progress; Awaiting response from Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 3 renewed as appropriate. Permits, licenses and registration from Year 3 renewed as appropriate. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera Authorized to work in the field. EA 2.2b: Recruit student. Identify graduate student at UVI or other EPSCoR jurisdiction to perform field work; identify and recruit undergraduate student at UVI to perform field work as appropriate. Graduate student identified and recruited for Ph.D. position Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student. Graduate student has started working at University of South Alabama (USA) in January. Her arrival was delayed because she's European, and there was a COVID related travel ban for Europeans to enter the US. UVI submitted paperwork to NSF to provide a subaward to USA so they can support part of the graduate student studies. A site visit is being planned for the summer. Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student. In progress; graduate student hired. Challenges with recruiting and hiring interested undergraduate students. Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student. Graduate student identified and recruited; identify new graduate student for following year as appropriate; recruit undergraduate student Greg Guannel, Graduate and undergraduate students are working on the project and learning new skills EA 2.2c: Sedimentation on seagrass beds. Install sediment rods on seagrass meadows (two species) and outside the meadow to monitor sedimentation rates; get familiar with sedimentation monitoring and results reporting. Field work has been delayed due to late recruitment of student. . Continue to monitor sedimentation inside and outside of seagrass meadows; compare sedimentation rates to observed wave climate from Objective 1.2a. Delayed due to challenges with recruiting and hiring interested undergraduate students. Relate qualitatively wave and sedimentation. Greg Guannel Relationship between wave environment and sedimentation on seagrass. EA 2.2d: Beach and bathymetric surveys. Test and establish routine for beach survey and bathymetric survey with single beam sonar data measurement and post-processing. Equipment received and tested. Planning extensive site work in the summer Regularly survey beach and bathymetry. We conducted surveys of 20 different beaches in the USVI, familiarizing ourselves with the instruments. These surveys are also baseline surveys that will be useful to later understand the periodic changes that they experience. More regular surveys at the sites chosen with the graduate student and collaborator at USA will follow. Regularly survey beach and bathymetry, ensure that observed changes match results from sediment rods measurements; relate qualitatively observed changes in sedimentation above and underwater with offshore and nearshore wave characteristics. Completed; This work is ongoing. Relate qualitatively wave and sedimentation and beach response; use bathymetry measured in calibrated wave model from Activity 1.2a appropriately to evaluate how it modify drag coefficient and other calibrated wave evolution parameters; continue beach and bathymetric surveys. Establish relative role of seagrass meadows in controlling cross-shore sediment movement and beach response to wave forcing; establish the relative importance of updating bathymetry in wave model impact wave modeling and calibration, and the uncertainty associated with modeling the role of seagrass in wave evolution, wave-induced currents and beach response. Prepare publication. Greg Guannel, Edwin Cruz- Rivera, Graduate student, Undergraduate students Understanding of seagrass bed on beach response and cross-shore sediment budget; understanding of how changes in offshore wave conditions, bathymetry and seagrass types impact profiles of wave-induced currents and wave evolution over seagrass beds; understanding of how changes in input conditions change calibration parameters in wave models and the sensitivity of wave models to changes in site conditions. Goal EA 3: Measure the spread of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in the territory and the mechanisms affecting its expansion. · Objective EA 3.1: Measure the distribution and expansion rate of the invasive seagrass. · Objective EA 3.2: Determine the physiological tolerance of the invasive seagrass to environmental variation. · Objective EA 3.3: Assess the role of herbivores as top- down control of H. stipulacea. · Objective EA 3.4: Quantify the effect of seagrass type on associated invertebrate communities. Objective 3.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA 3.1a: Select sampling sites , apply for field permits and order tagging supplies. Long term monitoring sites established; permits obtained; marking and measuring supplies purchased. Sites have been determined in coordination, two permits have been obtained, some supplies have been obtained Sampling permit renewal obtained; seagrass markers maintained or renewed, quadrats fixed or replaced. Permit submitted Sampling permit renewal obtained; seagrass markers maintained or renewed, quadrats fixed or replaced. In progress; Sampling permit renewal obtained; seagrass markers maintained or renewed, quadrats fixed or replaced. Edwin Cruz-Rivera EA 3.1b: Marking seagrass beds and establishing long term transects. Three Halophila beds at <5, ~15 and ~30 m marked and expansion rate measured 2 times a year. Will begin summer 2021 Three Halophila beds at <5, ~15 and ~30 m marked and expansion rate measured 4 times a year. Because of covid restrictions diving certification was not possible. Transects will begin summer 2022 Three Halophila beds at <5, ~15 and ~30 m marked and expansion rate measured 2 times a year, data analysis. In progress; Scheduled for this summer Scheduled for this Summer Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Graduate student Detection of natural rates of expansion of the invasive seagrass. EA 3.1c: Monitoring of environmental conditions at expanding Halophila beds. Measurements of temperature, salinity, PAR and photosynthesis at 2 times a year. Will begin summer 2021 Measurements of temperature, salinity, PAR and photosynthesis at 4 times a year. Linked directly to previous Measurements of temperature, salinity, PAR and photosynthesis at 2 times a year, data analysis. In progress; Scheduled for this summer Manuscript submission and publication. Cruz-Rivera, graduate and undergraduate students Will provide first assessment into golden tide algal community structure. EA 3.1d: Guidance of M.S. thesis on field. Recruitment of interested graduate student, begin of student courses and research engagement. Student Matthew Souza is being funded through this project Student finishes required graduate courses and is engaged in research; student provides blog entry for EPSCoR site. Accomplished. Souza's project well underway and projected to finish by summer 2022 Student completes studies, defends MS, presentation at national meeting. Completed Manuscript submission and publication. Cruz-Rivera, graduate and undergraduate students Provides summary of field work and research for internationally read blogs. Objective EA 3.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA 3.2a: Lab experiments on Halophila growth: light and salinity. Delayed due to lack of research space Purchase of growth lights, pots and filters; low- replication pilot experiment run. Materials were purchased and received. Expected experiments begin summer 2022 Fully factorial growth experiment run, data analysis. In progress; Scheduled for this summer. Lack of space and facilities Edwin Cruz-Rivera Understanding of invasive seagrass response to variation in light and salinity. EA 3.2b: Lab experiments on Halophila growth: light and temperature. Delayed due to lack of research space Purchase of heaters, pumps and reservoir tanks, trial run. Delayed due to lack of research space. Fully factorial growth experiment run, data analysis. In progress; Scheduled for this summer. Lack of space and facilities Biochemical analysis of seagrass tissue. Manuscript submission and publication. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Understanding of invasive seagrass response to variation in light and temperature. EA 3.2c: Undergraduate student recruitment and training. Student recruitment will not proceed until space issues are resolved Delayed due to lack of research space. Recruitment and engagement of undergraduate students in research. In progress; Recruitment of Undergraduate students done but no applications. Alternatively, we plan to restructure funding for a graduate student. Undergraduate students analyze data with mentor and present work at UVI Research Day. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Training of undergraduates will enhance their competitiveness to apply to graduate programs. EA 3.2d: Proposal development. A proposal with collaborators in FL and PR is in progress Proposal submission based on preliminary data from trial runs. Proposal was submitted but not funded Proposal resubmission if necessary. No completed; Inted to re-submit with help from collaborators who will facilitate process. Proposal resubmission if necessary. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Pursuit of extramural funding. Objective EA 3.3 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA 3.3a: Feeding experiments with Halophila and native seagrasses. Multiple choice laboratory experiments on relative palatability of Halophila vs. native seagrass Will be conducted summer 2021 No-choice laboratory experiments on relative palatability of Halophila vs. native seagrass. Completed - All experiments have been finished Edwin Cruz-Rivera, graduate student Measurements of palatability of the invasive seagrass provide insights into top-down control of the invader. EA 3.3b: Exploration of mechanism of deterrence. Comparisons of nutrient profiles among studied seagrasses (protein, carbohydrates, lipids, C:N ratios). Will begin summer 2021 Analysis of polyphenolics in seagrasses. Samples have been collected and freeze-dried. Tests will be finished summer 2022 Isolation of bioactive metabolites if present. On going; Slowed down by equipment availability at Morgan State Edwin Cruz-Rivera, graduate student Mechanism of low palatability in the invader is elucidated. Activity EA 3.3c: Graduate student engagement. Recruitment of interested graduate student, begin of student courses and research engagement. M.S. student Jendehaye Antoine is finishing her coursework to engage in this project; a thesis committee has been formed Student finishes required graduate courses and is engaged in research; student provides blog entry for EPSCoR site. Student Antoine is set to defend by the end of summer Student completes studies, defends MS, presentation at national meeting. Complete; Student Antoine successfully defended December. Manuscript submission and publication. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, graduate student Student development enhances probabilities of employment or further graduate studies. Objective EA 3.4 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes EA 3.4a: Assessments of seagrass invertebrate diversity in Halophila and native meadows. Long term monitoring sites established based on those of objective 3.1 to include native nearby beds; permits obtained; suction sampling begins twice a year. To begin in June 2021 Sampling permit renewal obtained; supplies for sample preservation replenished, suction sampling continues twice a year. In progress- Permit submitted Sampling permit renewal obtained; supplies for sample preservation replenished, suction sampling continues twice a year. In progress; This work is ongoing. Specimen identification, analysis of diversity patterns. Manuscript submission on seagrass invertebrate diversity. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Christopher Rogers, graduate and undergraduate students Community assessment of invertebrates in communities will elucidate the effects of the invasive species on fish prey at fish nursery habitats and could elucidate reservoirs of invertebrate fish parasites. EA 3.4b: Description of new species. Undescribed species described or sent out to experts for characterization. In progress; We have submitted the samples to the collaborators and samples are being evaluated. So far we have not discovered any undescribed species but the sample evaluation has not been completed Submission of manuscripts on new species, undescribed species described or sent out to experts for diagnosis. Manuscript submission on new species. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Christopher Rogers Contributions to the knowledge in biodiversity of the US Virgin Islands. EA 3.4c: Proposal preparation. Proposal submission on marine invasions and biodiversity. Proposal resubmission if needed. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Christopher Rogers Proposal to establish training opportunities and bridge to the PhD with Univ of Kansas. Goal EA 4: Analyze the effects of Sargassum golden tides on Virgin Islands ecosystems. · Objective EA 4.1: Determine genetic diversity of golden tides. · Objective EA 4.2: Measure the effects of Sargassum accumulations of beach biota. · Objective EA 4.3: Measure the effects of decomposing algal accumulations on water quality. Objective EA 4.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity EA 4.1a: Establish sampling protocols; obtain permitting; purchase supplies. Sampling protocols established; permits obtained; molecular genetics supplies purchased. Sampling protocols have been determined; purchase of supplies is in progress Molecular genetics supplies replenishment; collection permit renewed. Supplies obtained; permit submitted Molecular genetics supplies replenishment; collection permit renewed. In progress; Replenishment of supplies done and the collection permit was submitted. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Stacy Krueger-Hadfield Establishment of project protocols that can be applied to future projects Emerging Areas Activity EA 4.1b: Selecting UAB MS student. Student identified and begins studies in Marine Biology at UAB. Student Anna Smith has been recruited to begin studies Fall 2021 Student continues studies at UAB; student passes qualifying exam. Student Alexis Oetterer has replaced previous student Student completes studies in Marine Biology at UAB, defends MS. In progress; Students changed course but collaborator will complete the studies Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Stacy Krueger-Hadfield Student development will enhance employment and graduate study prospects for the student Activity EA 4.1c: Collect samples; process samples. Samples collected from min. 3 sites (~50 thalli per site); samples freeze-dried; DNA extracted. Starting May 2021 Primers for HiPlex genotyping pipeline developed; year 1 bloom analyzed; year 2 bloom samples extracted. Samples processes, shipped, and ready to analyze in July 2022 Year 2 bloom samples analyzed; thesis/manuscript preparation. In progress; scheduled for the Spring Manuscript submission and publication. Cruz-Rivera, Krueger-Hadfield, graduate student Genetic information on Sargassum will provide important insights into the development of golden tides Activity EA 4.1d: Science communication via EPSCOR blog and The Molecular Ecologist/AGA blog Krueger-Hadfield writes EPSCOR blog and one each for TIME and AGA. Blog entries are pending on research conducted during travel to the VI. Due to covid restrictions, this will occur in September 2021 UAB student writes EPSCOR blog and TME and AGA about field work or recent papers on pop gen. Blogs are dependent on research conducted during travel to the VI. Due to covid restrictions, this will occur in September 2022 UAB student writes EPSCOR blog and TME and AGA about lab work or recent papers in popgen. Not completed; Student changed course. UAB student writes blog post about manuscript after acceptance. Cruz-Rivera, Krueger-Hadfield, graduate student Public education on a topic of territorial interest Activity EA 4.1e: Capacity building. A NASA proposal was funded. Collaborative proposal submitted on Sargassum ecological genetics. Proposal resubmission if necessary. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Stacy Krueger-Hadfield Capacity building and expansion of collaboration with UAB, including the foundation of a bridge to the Ph.D. Objective EA 4.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity EA 4.2a: Select sampling sites , apply for field permits and order trapping and preservation supplies. Application for collection permit and purchase of pitfall traps, purchase sample preservation and storage supplies. On going. Submitted permits awaiting response from the permitting body. Renewal of collection permit and replenishment of sample preservation and storage supplies. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Archival samples will be among the few documenting beach biota in the Virgin islands. Activity EA 4.2b: Measuring Sargassum effects on beach invertebrates with pitfall traps. Pitfall traps deployed at two sites with Sargassum accumulations and two nearby sites without Sargassum, sample preservation and sorting. On going. Submitted permits awaiting response from the permitting body. Pitfall traps deployed at two sites with Sargassum accumulations and two nearby sites without Sargassum, sample preservation and sorting, data analysis. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Christopher Rogers, graduate student Trapping results will provide key information on the effect on Sargassum on detrital communities of the Virgin Islands. Activity EA 4.2c: Identification and description of species. Analysis and description of new species. Manuscripts on new species (if any) are submitted for publication. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Christopher Rogers, graduate student Contribution to the knowledge of US Virgin Islands biodiversity. Activity EA 4.2d: Mentoring of a graduate student. Recruitment of interested graduate student, begin of student courses and research engagement. On going. Made 2 offers but both of the students declined to come to UVI Student finishes required graduate courses and is engaged in research; student provides blog entry for EPSCoR site. Student completes studies, defends MS and submits manuscript for publication; presentation at national meeting. Edwin Cruz-Rivera, graduate student Student development will enhance employment and graduate study prospects for the student. Objective EA 4.3 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity EA 4.3a: Permit application, election of sites with and without Sargassum and supplies purchase. Application for collection permit and purchase of supplies for microbial and nutrient analyses. On going. Submitted permits awaiting response from the permitting body. Renewal of collection permit and replenishment of supplies for microbial and nutrient analyses. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Nutrient analyses can serve as supporting data on other projects. Activity EA 4.3b: Measuring Sargassum decomposition effects on coastal nutrients. Longitudinal sampling of water during the decomposition cycles of a Sargassum accumulation (golden tide) for dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. On going. This work started in May 2023. Longitudinal sampling of water during the decomposition cycles of a Sargassum accumulation (golden tide) for dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Trapping results will provide key information on the effect on Sargassum on detrital communities of the Virgin Islands. Activity EA 4.3c: Measuring Sargassum decomposition effects on coliform abundance. Longitudinal sampling of water during decomposition of a golden tide using Colilert to measure coliform bacteria. Not completed; Scheduled to start this Summer (2023). Longitudinal sampling of water during decomposition of a golden tide using Colilert to measure coliform bacteria. Data analysis and manuscript submission, publocation. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Contribution to the knowledge of US Virgin Islands biodiversity. Activity EA 4.2d - Capacity building Proposal on golden tide-water quality relations. Proposal resubmission if necessary. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Student development will enhance employment and graduate study prospects for the student. Emerging Areas Fish Ecology (FE) Goal FE1: Advance our understanding of how natural and anthropogenic stressors on coral reefs change herbivore (i.e. parrotfish) assemblages. · Objective FE1.1: Determine if variability in resilience of coral reefs during 2005/2006 mortality event affected the composition of herbivore fish communities (greater shift from Scarus to Sparisoma spp. at low resilience sites). ·Objective FE1.2: Determine if variability in sedimentation rates onto coral reefs affected the composition of herbivore fish communities (negative relationship between sediment load and Scarus spp.). Objective FE1.1: Determine if variability in resilience of coral reefs during 2005/2006 mortality event affected the composition of herbivore fish communities Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity FE1.1a: Synthetic analysis of Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring data. TCRMP fish and coral data compiled and organized from years before (2002-2005) and after (2006-2010) the 2005/2006 bleaching and disease mortality event. MMES capstone project focused on data synthesis of coral resilience and herbivore communities and grazing rates. A second data synthesis initiated is focused on the response of herbivore community to coral reef decline. Changes in herbivore fish and benthic communities compared statistically before (2002-2005) and after (2006-2010) the 2005/2006 mortality event. First draft of manuscript completed. In progress; Data analysis completed and significant results obtained showing changes in parrotfish diversity, density and biomass following disturbance. First draft of manuscript in progress. Continuation of Year 2 goals In progress; Data synthesis completed and significant results obtained showing changes in parrotfish diversity, density and biomass following disturbance. First draft of manuscript in progress. Rick Nemeth, Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Elizabeth Kadison, Rosmin Ennis, Sarah Heidmann Peer-reviewed publication/ New perspective on how changes in coral and algal community affects herbivore community. this will provide an important baseline for understanding data from following studies. Objective FE1.2: Determine if variability in sedimentation rates onto coral reefs affected the composition of herbivore fish communities (negative relationship between sediment load and Scarus spp.). Specific milestones Activity FE1.2a: Analyze historical data on terrestrial sedimentation rates and structure of herbivorous fish communities Historical fish and sedimentation data compiled, QA/QC and preliminary statistical analysis completed Sedimentation data has been compiled in form of manuscript by T. Smith (Henderson et al) and submitted. Data of herbivore communities at sites with variability in sediment flux statistically analyzed. First draft of manuscript completed. Data on parrotfish diversity, density and biomass and historical sedimentation rates over the past 20 years and across 23 sites were analysed. Significant effects of sedimentation on parrotfish biomass and composition were found. first draft of manuscript in progress. Continuation of Year 2 goals In progress; Data on parrotfish diversity, density and biomass and historical sedimentation rates over the past 20 years and across 23 sites were analysed. Significant effects of sedimentation on parrotfish biomass and composition were found. first draft of manuscript in progress. Rick Nemeth, Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Elizabeth Kadison, Rosmine Ennis Peer-reviewed publication/ Guide best management practices on harmful effects of terrestrial sedimentation Goal FE2: Advance our understanding of how benthic characteristics of impacted reefs affect feeding rates and reproduction (frequency of spawning, fecundity) of herbivorous parrotfishes. ·Objective FE2.1: Determine if feeding rates of Sparisoma and Scarus spp are affected differently by differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. ·Objective FE2.2: Determine if frequency of spawning and fecundity of S. rubripinne are affected by differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Objective FE2.1: Determine if feeding rates of Sparisoma and Scarus spp are affected differently by differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity FE2.1a: Measure differences in sediment flux among parrotfish feeding sites. Undergraduate student recruited. Sediment trap locations identified and sediment collectors installed in Reef Bay (n=20 distributed within two target feeding areas). Sediment traps collected monthly, sediment flux measured and terrigenous component determined. Undergraduate students recruited (Keedencia Harris, Samuel Gittens). Sediment traps installed Sept 2021 following NPS permit approval. Graduate student Race Stryker recruited to work with marine sediments and watershed dynamics lead David Hensley Sediment traps collected monthly, sediment flux measured and terrigenous component determined. Data from first 12 months analyzed. Sediment from sediment cups collected monthly since October 2021. Sediment samples currently being analyzed by graduate students Jenna Cheramie and Race Stryker. Relationship between sedimentation and feeding rates analyzed. Completed; Sediment from sediment cups collected monthly since October 2021. and all sediment samples processed (rinse, dry, weigh) by EAL (Amber Packard) Rick Nemeth, Sarah Heidmann, grad student, undergrad Activity FE2.1b: Measure differences in algal composition and height and sediment load in filamentous algae. Benthic and algal composition data collection sites identified. Methods for algal composition, turf height and sediment load in filamentous algae initiated. Data collection sites identified and tiles matrices installed Sept 2021 following NPS permit approval July 2021. Data collected on algal composition, turf height and sediment load in filamentous algae using standardized benthic assessment methods in feeding areas (links to Reef Resilience). Standardized limestone tiles deployed in parrotfish feeding areas and sedimentation in filamentous algae measured. Clay tiles deployed Sept 2021. Benthic data collected monthly since October 2021 and currently being analyzed by graduate students Jenna Cheramie. Relationship between algal composition characteristics and feeding rates analyzed. Completed; All tiles processed for organic, marine and terrestrial sediments and data analyzed by MMES student Jenna Cheramie Nemeth, Heidmann, grad student, undergrad provides fine resolution data on algal communities/ MS thesis. Activity FE2.1c: Measure feeding rates of a Scarus and Sparisoma species in areas that differ in algal cover and sedimentation NPS research permit application submitted, feeding locations identified, graduate student recruited. NPS research permit submitted and approved July 2021. MMES Graduate student Jenna Cheramie recruited. Two parrotfish spawning sites and feeding areas identified. Feeding areas and feeding habitats quantified and feeding rates of 30 yellowtail parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) measured from two sites that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Feeding habitats and feeding rates of 30 yellowtail parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) data collection ongoing from 6 sites that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Feeding areas and feeding habitats quantified and feeding rates of 30 yellowtail parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) measured from two sites that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Completed; Monthly benthic composition and quarterly fish feeding behavior completed for all sites. Data analysis completed. Feeding behavior of Scarus species (queen parrotfish, Scarus vetula) in progress - about 60% complete. Nemeth , Heidmann, grad student, undergrad Provides quantitative data on feeding patterns of shallow water herbivores/ MS thesis completed. Activity FE2.1d: Measure differences in parrotfish diet among feeding sites that differ in algal composition and sediment load. IACUC application approved. Parrotfish collected (see 2.2.2) and digestive tract sent to UPR for diet analysis. Lab-based metabarcoding analysis conducted of stomach contents of yellowtail parrotfish feeding in areas that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. One UVI undergraduate student hosted in Dr. Schizas lab. Fish collections completed (April 11-15), fish guts dissected and DNA extracted and sent to lab for diet metabarcoding analysis. Gonads collected for fecundity analysis. Parrotfish collected (see 2.2.2) and digestive tract sent to UPR for diet analysis. Lab-based metabarcoding analysis conducted of stomach contents of yellowtail parrotfish feeding in areas that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. In progress; Parrotfish collections completed for April, August and November 2022 and digestive tract sent to UPR for metabarcoding analysis. Metabarcoding analysis completed on all samples. Data synthesized and analyzed with feeding and spawning rates. First draft of manuscript for publication completed. Preliminary data used to develop new grant proposals. Rick Nemeth, Chelsea Harmes-Tuohy, Nicholas Schizas Novel information on dietary differences among feeding habitats. Undergraduate trained in DNA metabarcoding techniques. Objective FE2.2: Determine if frequency of spawning and fecundity of S. rubripinne are affected by differences in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity FE2.2a: Measure frequency of spawning of S. rubripinne that feed in areas that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. NPS research permit application submitted, locations for acoustic array identified, equipment purchased. Acoustic receivers installed in Reefs Bay and range testing initiated. Recruiting process for post doc started. Graduate student recruited. NPS permit submitted and approved July 2021. Receiver QA/QC testing completed. Locations for receiver array identified. Movement ecology postdoc interviews in progress. MMES Graduate student Jenna Cheramie recruited. Post-doc hired. Range testing completed. Acoustic data downloaded and receiver array maintained every 6 months. S. rubripinne tagged with acoustic transmitters from two feeding sites (n=15/ feeding site) and at two spawning sites (n=15/ site). Post Doc Kayla Blincow-Israel hired Nov 2021. Receivers array (n=54) installed and range testing completed. Sixty yellowtail parrotfish tagged at 6 different feeding sites (n=10/site) in Sept 2021.first 6 mo acoustic data download completed Feb 2021. Preliminary data analysis done. Complete acoustic receiver data downloads and analysis of parrotfish movement patterns Completed; 12 month data download occured in October 2022 and majority of acoustic data analyses by Jenna Cheramie for her thesis. Additional data analysis being conducted by Kayla Blincow. Rick Nemeth, Post- Doc, Sarah Heidmann, Elizabeth Kadison, grad student Will provide data on seasonal and site specific differences in fecundity and spawning site fidelity. Data will provide important information on how feeding habitats affect frequency of visits to spawning aggregation sites. Fish Ecology Activity FE2.2b: Measure fecundity of S. rubripinne that feed in areas that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. Ten (10) female S. rubripinne from two spawning aggregation sites collected every four months over two years to determine seasonal and site specific differences in fecundity, Lab based analysis conducted on fecundity (estimate number of eggs in ovaries), gonad-somatic index (ratio of body weight to gonad weight) and condition factor (ratio of length to weight) of female S. rubripinne from two spawning aggregation sites. Fish collections completed (April 11-15) and fish dissected for diet metabarcoding analysis and gonads. These fish were collected from feeding grounds as fish migrated to spawning aggregation sites (not at spawning site) to ensure that fish have not yet spawned and had full ovaries. Ten (10) female S. rubripinne collected from two spawning aggregation sites every four months over two years. Fecundity (estimate number of eggs in ovaries), gonad-somatic index (ratio of body weight to gonad weight) and condition factor (ratio of length to weight) measured for female S. rubripinne from two spawning aggregation sites. Masters thesis completed. Completed; 35 - 40 female parrotfish were collected in April, August and November . Fish were dissected for stomach contents (diet using metabarcoding), otoliths (age) and ovaries (fecundity, gonad-somatic somatic index, egg size). Jenna Charamie successfully defended her thesis (March 10, 2022). Data synthesized and first draft of manuscript for publication completed. Preliminary data used to develop new grant proposals. Rick Nemeth, Post- Doc, Sarah Heidmann, Elizabeth Kadison, grad student Will provide information on variation in reproductive output of female parrotfish from different feeding and spawning sites. Activity FE2.2c: Conduct direct and remote observations of spawning activity of S. rubripinne. Methods (visual, auditory) developed for remotely recording spawning activity at two S. rubripinne spawning aggregation sites. Remote camera/hydrophone used to collect preliminary data at primary S. rubripinne spawning aggregation site. Direct observations conducted on a monthly basis of spawning activity at two S. rubripinne spawning aggregation sites. Direct observations and counts of spawning adults at two sites completed multiple times monthly. First trial video/hydrophone deployment started Apr 2022. Direct observations conducted on a monthly basis of spawning activity at two S. rubripinne spawning aggregation sites. Completed; Direct observations and counts of spawning adults at two sites completed multiple times monthly. Video/hydrophone equipment failure prevented additional collections. Data collections will resume April 2023. Stefanie Maxin, MMES student recruited July 2022, is analysing data that was collected in April 2022 and working with Kayla Israel, post-doc on . Direct observations conducted on a monthly basis of spawning activity at two S. rubripinne spawning aggregation sites. Rick Nemeth, Post- Doc, Sarah Heidmann, Elizabeth Kadison, grad student Will provide novel approaches to remotely monitor spawning aggregation sites. Goal FE3: Improve our understanding of oceanographic and environmental variables that influence reproductive rates (frequency of spawning and fecundity) of coral reef fish that spawn in aggregations. · Objective FE3.1: Determine which oceanographic and environmental variables (current speed and direction, seawater temperature, wave height, salinity, turbidity, wind speed, rainfall) are most important for frequency of spawning at aggregation sites. ·Objective FE3.2: Determine which Oceanographic and environmental variables are most important for reproductive output of S. rubripinne. Objective FE3.1: Determine which oceanographic and environmental variables (current speed and direction, seawater temperature, wave height, salinity, turbidity, wind speed, rainfall) are most important for frequency of spawning at aggregati. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity FE3.1a: Measure oceanographic features at spawning aggregation sites. Suite of oceanographic and environmental sensors deployed and other sources of data from ocean buoys, thermistors, weather stations, etc. incorporated into analysis. Signature AWAK with echosounder installed at both fish spawning sites in January 2022. First data download in March 2022. ADCP had technical issues which were resolved. A second trial deployment occured Apr 6-14, 2022 and data is being analyzed. Statistical relationship between oceanic and environmental variables on reproductive output examined (using data from Goal 2). Completed; Signature AWAK with echosounder deployed at both fish spawning sites in April, August, October 2022, and January 2023. Kayla Blinkow-Israel is working with Vanessa McKaige, Doug Wilson, Nortek engineers and Stephanie Maxine on analysis of these data. Kayla Blincow-Israel has been conducting analyses of oceanographic patterns on fish spawning frequency Rick Nemeth, Sennai Habtes Peer reviewed manuscript/ Will provide statistical analysis of relationship between ocean and environmental variables affecting frequency of spawning at two parrotfish aggregation sites. Objective FE3.2: Determine which Oceanographic and environmental variables are most important for reproductive output of S. rubripinne. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity FE3.2a: Measure fecundity of S. rubripinne that feed in areas that differ in benthic algal composition and sediment loads. On-site plankton collection methods developed using diver operated plankton nets and collection bags. This work is scheduled to begin in May 2022. Delayed due to departure of Sennai Habtes. Stefanie Maxin, MMES graduate student recruited. Gamete clouds collected at spawning sites. Characteristics of S. rubripinne egg structure and preflexion larvae identified. Completed; Graduate student Taylor Hobbs completed fecundity measurements of 202 female parrotfish from across study area. Data is being analyzed for trends across sediment and benthic algal gradients. the fish eggs are also being measured for egg size by undergraduate students Chloe Comacho and VerNele Callwood. Stefanie Maxin was recruited to study relationship between oceanographic patterns and reproductive output. Test on collecting eggs was conducted with a hand net and eggs were collected and identified. Gamete clouds collected at spawning sites and data analyzed relative to seasonal oceanographic and environmental conditions. Coordinate sampling with Oceanography group (Habtes). Rick Nemeth, Sennai Habtes Will allow us to identify characteristics of S. rubripinne egg structure and preflexion larvae. Activity FE3.2b: Examine egg and pre-flexion larvae dispersal patterns. Plankton tows conducted monthly in a 1km radius around each spawning site to determine S. rubripinne egg production and dispersal patterns. Not completed due to departure of Oceanographer Dr. Sennai Habtes. Plankton tows conducted monthly in a 1km radius around each spawning site to determine S. rubripinne egg production and dispersal patterns. Data synthesized and first draft of manuscript for publication completed. Preliminary data used to develop new grant proposals. Nemeth, Habtes Will determine S. rubripinne egg production (link to oceanography) Goal FE4: Share results of Fish Ecology Research with Stakeholders & Provide Opportunities for New Partnerships. · Objective FE4.1: Years 1-5: Share Fish Ecology research through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities). · Objective FE4.2: Years 1-5: Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. · Objective FE4.3: Years 1-5: Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Objective FE4.1: Share fish ecology activities through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities). Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Fish Ecology Activity FE4.1a: Integration Activity: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (Promotions, announcements & blog posts). Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Nemeth and Cheramie contributed article on parrotfish project to annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Provided text and photos for 1 blog post and semi-annual newsletter. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. In progress; Working with communications staff to update blog on grouper spawning aggregation. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate student, undergraduate student fish ecology research shared with a broad audience Activity FE4.1b: Share research through community outreach events (e.g., Reef Fest, Sip N' Science). Participate in 1 event per year. Shared research on parrotfish herbivory project at informal gathering to generate interest in Sip N' Science at new venue. Nemeth and grad student Kayla Budd participated in Reef Fest mangrove cleanup activity and used opportunity to promote watershed management awareness through mobile app for reporting environmental issues. Participate in 1 event per year. Kayla Budd promoted sediment awareness with a virtual demonstration at a Science Saturday event. R. Nemeth solicited the diving community to report on rainbow parrotfish sightings. This citizen Science effort resulted in 27 sightings of 70 rainbow parrotfish. Participate in 1 event per year. Completed; Set up a tent and table with interactive research displays at Afternoon on the Green. We estimate interacting with 200-250 persons. The fish ecology team put on an interactive display of ongoing research, which included a laptop with video loop of fish tracking research, a mobile acoustic receiver that let people hear what a ping from a transmitter placed in aquarium sounded like, and a range of transmitters that are used to track fish. The aquarium was packed with information. We displayed 4 different species of seagrasses (3 native and 1 invasive) found in the USVI as well as 3 live parrotfish and pieces of rubble overgrown with turf algae and brown macroalgae to show what healthy and impacted reefs look like. Finally, we set up pictures of 6 species of fish that make sounds underwater and had a Bluetooth speaker that played the different sounds that these fish make. Participants had to match the sound to the correct fish. Participate in 1 event per year. Participate in 1 event per year. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate student, undergraduate student fish ecology research shared with a broad audience Activity FE4.1c: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Updated VI-EPSCoR website with new information on parrotfish project. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Photos and text submitted to Elisa to update Fish Ecology website. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. In progress; Content is currently under review and revision. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate student, undergraduate student EPSCoR Website developed Activity FE4.1d: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Nemeth and Cheramie contributed article on parrotfish project to annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Provided text and photos for 2 newsletters. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; Provided text and photos for 2 newsletters. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate student, undergraduate student EPSCoR Newsletter developed Objective FE4.2: Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Activity FE4.2a Engage undergraduate students in fish ecology research. Keedencia Harris participated in seagrass research along with R. Nemeth and graduate student Sophie Costa. She is completing her scuba certification and will begin to assist on parrotfish project his summer. 1 undergraduates engaged as intern with Univ. of Puerto Rico (N. Schizas lab - see FE2.1d). Samuel Gittens (Fall 2021) and Gregory O'Neill (Spring 2022) completed directed independent research in Nemeth lab. Fifteen (15) undergraduates engaged in field methods for fish ecology in Fall 2021. 1 undergraduates engaged as intern with Univ. of Puerto Rico (N. Schizas lab - see FE2.1d). In progress; Two UVI undergraduate marine biology students (VerNele Callwood and Chloe Comacho) engaged in Fish ecology lab from August 15 2022 to April 30, 2023. UVI student not hosted in Schizas lab due to covid concerns. 2 undergraduates engaged. 2 undergraduates engaged. Nemeth 4-6 undergraduates engaged in the geosciences. Fish Ecology Activity FE4.2b Engage graduate students in fish ecology research. 1 graduate students engaged Five graduate students engaged in a variety of fish ecology research (Sophie Costa, Kayla Budd, Danielle Olive, Jenna Cheramie and Maksym Cohen), including effects of invasive seagrass on juvenile snapper demographic rates, effects of coral disease on cleaning goby populations, life history characteristics of mutton snapper under different management, effects of sedimentation and benthic algae community on parrotfish life history characteristics and influence of oceanographic patterns on grouper spawning behavior, respectively. 2 graduate students engaged. Seven (7) graduate students worked on thesis research in fish ecology including Sophie Costa, Kayla Budd, Danielle Olive, Macsym Cohen, Jenna Cheramire, Sierrah Mueller and Taylor Hobbs. Fourteen (14) graduate students engaged in field methods for research diving in Fall 2021. 2 graduate students engaged. Completed; Three (3) graduate students successfully completed their thesis (Sophie Costa, Danielle Olive, Jenna Cheramie). Seven other (7) graduate students worked on thesis research in fish ecology including Kayla Budd, Macsym Cohen, Sierrah Mueller, Taylor Hobbs, Greg O'Neill, Stefanie Maxin, Madison Miele. Nine (9) graduate students engaged in field methods for research diving in Fall 2022. 2 graduate students engaged. Nemeth 2-3 graduate students engaged in the geosciences. Objective FE4.3: Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Activity FE4.3a:Participate in R2R writing workshops. Workshop participation. no progress Workshop participation. Workshop was not organized due to COVID Workshop participation. Workshop was not organized due to COVID. Workshop to be held in Year 4. Workshop participation. Workshop participation. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc New partnerships formed, grant proposals, and/or publications drafted and submitted. Activity FE4.3b: Attend and share research efforts at local, national and international conferences. Participate in 1 conference per year. no progress due to COVID Participate in 1 conference per year. Nemeth lab submitted 7 abstracts to ICRS for 2021 but in-person presentations were postponed to July 2022 due to COVID. One presentation was conducted virtually at ICRS in July 2021 by Danielle Olive: "Olive, Danielle A., Virginia Shervette, Molly Stevens, Jeremiah Blondeau, Richard S. Nemeth "An Evaluation of Life History Characteristics of Mutton Snapper, Lutjanus analis, in the U.S. Virgin Islands". Six (6) abstracts were submitted to ICRS for July 2022. Participate in 1 conference per year. Completed; Nemeth lab made 6 presentations (4 oral, 2 poster) at 13th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bremen, Germany (July 2022), 1 presentation (oral) at Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute in Florida (November 2022) and 1 invited speaker presentation (oral) at Gordon Research Conference on Mesophotic reefs in Ventura, CA (Feb 2023). Participate in 1 conference per year. Participate in 1 conference per year. Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate students, undergraduate students Dissemination of data to the community. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. Activity FE4.3c: Integration Activity: Attend annual VI EPSCoR Conference. Attended and presented at VI-EPSCoR annual conference 14-15 July, 2021. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Provided two presentations at VI- EPSCoR annual conference in July 2021. Presentations were "Connecting the dots between watershed management, coral reefs, and parrotfish" and "Meet the Scientists: Tools and Technology to measure spawning frequency and reproductive output. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Completed; Nemeth lab provided 3 oral presentations at ViI-EPSCoR annual conference, as well as tour of coral nursery for EAB. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Participate in VI- EPSCoR annual conference Nemeth, Kadison, Post doc, graduate students, undergraduate students Dissemination of data to the R2R team. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. Research Team Cohesion: Integration Activity: List communication and collaboration activities developing within teams, across research sites and across disciplines. Surveyed Fish Bay gut with David Hensley (Activity # WL1.1b, WL1.2b); Working with Tyler Smith on the coral resilience data synthesis (CR1.1d, CR1.2e,f:); Assisted Kristin Grimes with acquiring historical mangrove restoration data from St. John (M1.1b), working with Sennai Habtes on acquisition of oceanographic instrumentation (OC1.1a) and plankton sampling strategy (OC1.2a); Edwin Cruz- Rivera helping on plankton identification for seagrass project (E3.4a) and assisting his student on seagrass sample collections and expansion rates (EA3.1b) Shared data with Edwin Cruz- Rivera on invertebrate collections in seagrass beds (E3.4a). Cruz- Rivera and Habtes assisted my graduate (Sophie costa) and undergraduate (Gregory O'Neill) students in plankton identification. Facilitated sediment data analysis with Hensley's graduate student (Race Stryker). Shared data analysis on coral reef disturbance and sedimentation on parrotfish diversity, density and biomass with Tyler Smith ((CR1.1d, CR1.2e,f). Shared observation of SCTLD coral disease prevalence in Reef Bay study sites with Marilyn Brandt (MD 1.1a). Completed; Nemeth Fish Ecology research area started to collaborate with Brandt coral disease research on increasing water quality sampling around the Reef Bay study site In March 2023. We also collaborating closely with Hensley Watershed group on synchronized terrestrial and marine sediment monitoring. Fish Ecology Oceanography (OC) Goal OC1: Quantify the influence of oceanographic and environmental variables on the variability in reproductive rates (frequency of spawning and fecundity) of S. rubripinnis. · Objective OC1.1: Determine which oceanographic and environmental variables (current speed and direction, seawater temperature, wave height, salinity, turbidity, wind speed, rainfall) are relevant at spawning aggregation sites and other R2R research sites. · Objective OC1.2: Determine (quantify) the frequency of spawning of S. rubripinnis at Reef Bay, St. John. . Objective OC1.3: Determine fecundity (abundance of eggs and reflection larvae) of S. rubripinnis at Reef Bay, St. John during spawning periods; Objective OC1.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Activity OC1.1a: Deploy suite of oceanographic and environmental sensors and utilize other sources of data from ocean buoys, thermistors, weather stations, etc), including terrestrial R2R measurements if available. Define desired parameters and spatial/ temporal scales of measurements required to address objective. - Plan and execute site surveys and develop deployment plans and oceanographic and environmental sensor requirements considering important habitat locations and model resolution. -Select the appropriate equipment for experiment sites and secure quotes. - Complete inventory and best use analysis of newly purchased and existing oceanographic sensors, identify appropriate sites, and develop deployment protocols. - Create detailed list of all measured parameters (Oceanographic, Environmental, and Terrestrial) at reef bay site and other sites relevant to Oceanography R2R research. Full list of available oceanographic data in the US Caribbean is being compiled by Dr. Habtes in collaboration with researchers from the CFMC. A subset of the most suitable data for use in the reef bay study will be combined with UVI long term datasets appropriate for analysis. All data from UVI instrumentation (adcp's, CTD's, hobo loggers) have been QA/QC'd and archived. Current oceanography equipment has been surveyed, 6 new instruments have been purchased and existing equipment maintained and calibrated. Preliminary surveys have been completed at reef bay by R. Nemeth, and descriptions of the sites have been communicated to S. Habtes. Deployment and sampling protocols are in development. Complete purchase of a Nortek aquadopp Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)/ Signature AWAC and SeaBird 19plus moored CTD for Reef Bay H&O site, these are suggested equipment but best available equipment will be determine based on site surveys and best use analysis conducted in year 1. - Complete purchase of between 2 and 4 AWAC’s or 2 ADCP and 2 wave buoys for Reef Bay and other R2R sites. - Develop deployment, data management, and equipment maintenance plans for all listed equipment. - Complete Deployment of all oceanographic equipment at R2R research sites. In progress: Deployment of moored thermistor string with real-time data transmission at Grammanik Bank to measure and monitor full water column T-S structure and variability at this important mesophotic coral reef and fish spawning location. (D. Wilson / T. Smith, Planned for May/June 2022) Signature AWAK with echosounder installed at both fish spawning sites in January 2022. First data download in March 2022. ADCP had technical issues which were resolved. A second trial deployment occured Apr 6-14, 2022 and data is being analyzed. - Ensure accurate data collection, QA/QC, and archiving - documented via Compiled Data Checklist. - Ensure regular equipment calibration and maintenance - via equipment cal/val checklist, with deployment and recovery dates. - Finalize and distribute equipment deployment and data recovery manuals for oceanographic equipment and begin training of other R2R researchers and students to shift responsibility from Oceanography team staff to R2R researchers and staff. In progress: Thermistor string components have been ordered are awaiting final assembly at the manufacturer. Still delayed but will go in the water by Summer 2023. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) deployments have continued at Reef Bay sites in conjunction with parrot fish spawning aggregations. An ADCP was deployed at a priority coral restoration site in April 2023. This ADCP will establish baseline data on currents that can be used to determine the impact of coral outplanting on reef-level current dynamics. We are collecting current speed/direction data that will be paired with parrotfish movement data to investigate relationships with interesting patterns we have been seeing, including marked gaps in visitation of the spawning aggregations across the entire tagged population of fish. We have been working with Doug Wilson, David Velasco at Nortek and and Briony Hutton at Echoview to determining whether the echosounder in the ADCP Signature 1000s is going to be effective at tracking egg clouds, or as a backup track spawning parrotfish using fish trajectories as indicators of spawning rates. We are considering purchasing specialized software from Echoview to analyse echosounder data after a few more field trials. - Finalize 2-3 yr dataset of oceanographic, environmental, and terrestrial data for reef bay completed (continued collection despite analysis) of environmental and oceanographic variables for use in statistical model with reproductive output. - Finalize archiving of oceanographic equipment datasets into formats suitable for archiving, use by other R2R researchers, for use in OCE1.1b, and integration into other regional (CariCOOS) and national (NOAA NODC NCEI) environmental and oceanographic databases. - Coordinate with regional and national data warehouses to track use of R2R oceanographic data product view/ use. - Develop new/integrate into existing participant/stakeholder product use tracking measures for the VI-EPSCoR program. V. McKague, S. Habtes, R. Nemeth, A. Breton, D. Wilson, S. Mukherjee, T.B. Smith MMES Graduate Student - Increased understanding of the influence of oceanographic and environmental variables on south coast of STJ. - Increased oceanographic data products that can be used by regional Stakeholders. - Increased opportunities for stakeholder engagement through EOD using oceanographic and environmental monitoring data. - New data point for time series nearshore oceanographic monitoring (SE. Coast STJ). Activity OC1.1b: Examine statistical relationship between oceanic and environmental variables on reproductive output (using data from OCE1.2). - Develop and organize time-series database,for all oceanographic, environmental, and terrestrial data collected at reef bay site and from other external sources (i.e. ocean buoys, thermistor string, weather stations) OCE1.1a. - Identify appropriate statistical model for examining the influence of oceanic and environmental variables on reproductive output. Existing UVI time-series data has been QA/QC'd and archived, review of determining appropriate datasets is in progress, along with research to identify appropriate statistical methods for analysis. Further progress was delayed until the data from UVI instrumentation was archived and prepared for analysis, and research in conjunction with the CFMC has identified pertinent longterm datasets in the US Caribbean. - Identify appropriate statistical data program, complete background research and begin compiling a model/analysis of the relationship between predictor variables (oce, env., ter.) on S. rubripinne reproductive output. - Run preliminary test of model/analysis using NOAA NMFS USVI CRER database of larval Scaridae and Sparisoma abundance. In progress: Postdoc Kayla Blincow- Israel Israel is starting to work with Ocean technician Vanessa McKague on learning acoustic Doppler wave and current logger (AWAC) data output. We are still in the testing phase of the echosounder data and working with Nortek engineers to refine the sensor calibrations to detect parrotfish egg densities at spawning sites. We are also testing the ability of remote cameras to collect data on frequency of spawning rushes at two spawning sites. Lasly, with Dr. Habtes no longer an active participant, we are not able to run preliminary test of model/ analysis using NOAA NMFS USVI CRER database of larval Scaridae and Sparisoma abundance. - Finalize the Initialize model using data collected in year 2 at reef bay site. - Advertise for graduate and undergraduate Research Assistants for OCE1.1b. Completed; Graduate student Jenna Cheramie found a significant relationship between spawning site visitation rates and oceanographic variables (water temperature and salinity) . She successfully defended her thesis. - Run and iteratively test statistical model. - Identify which variables contribute most to variability in S. rubripinne reproductive output. - Develop 1 manuscript for publication on results of the statistical analysis. - MMES student defend thesis related to OCE1.1b research. - Recruit 1 MMES graduate student and 1-3 UVI undergraduate students for projects related to understanding the influence of appropriate R2R predictor variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output for OCE1.1b. - Recruit 1 MMES graduate student and 1-3 UVI undergraduate students for projects related to understanding the influence of appropriate R2R predictor variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output for OCE1.1b Complete 1-peer reviewed publications on influence of environmental and oceanographic variables on s. rubripinne reproductive output and summative oceanography of south coast St. John and submit for publication. - Share data with interested stakeholders particularly CFMC through EBFM TAP, and E&O group via 1pager or presentation at CFMC general meeting. S. Habtes & MMES Grad student, V. McKague, R. Nemeth, A. Breton, S. Mukherjee, MMES Graduate student - Increased understanding of the influence of oceanographic variability on parrotfish/reef fish localized spawning.- Increased data for Fisheries DSS partners to incorporate in EBFM. - Mentoring of 1 MMES graduate student and at least 1 undergraduate student. - Increased understanding of mixed- modeling approach to bio-physical interactions. Objective OC1.2 Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Activity OC1.2a: Conduct plankton tows at spawning sit - Complete site surveys at Reef Bay. - Conduct literature search on Scarid and Sparisoma pelagic larval duration and early life history. - Use information from surveys and literature search to design ichthyoplankton survey and collection protocols. -Identify meristic/phenotypic characteristics of larvae or eggs (if possible) to use in analysis. - Advertise for graduate and undergraduate Research Assistants for OCE1.2a/ OCE1.3a. Site surveys at reef bay conducted by R. Nemeth, and site information communicated to S. Habtes during planning meetings. Literature search for Scarid and Sparisoma completed as part of completed MS research by K. Ewen. Survey design is in progress, delayed due to leave of absence requested by S. Habtes until determination of sampling abilities and priorities determined by R. Nemeth. Recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students within oceanography delayed until succession plan for lead researcher within the oceanographic research area is determined. - Summarize data on S. rubripinne. - Recruit 1 MMES graduate student and 1 UVI undergraduate students for projects related to understanding the influence of appropriate R2R predictor variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output for OCE1.2a/OCE1.3a. Completed: We have recruited 1 graduate student, Taylor Hobbs, to assist in field and lab work when egg collections begin. We have also recruited undergraduate Stefanie Maxin , who has experience in video and audio data analysis and will exploring using sound of spawning rushes as proxy for spawning frequency at each spawning site. - Conduct sampling of S. rubripinne fecundity from spawned egg clouds at Reef Bay. - Summarize fecundity data on Sparisoma spp. from NOAA SEFSC CRER Database. Engage 1 MMES graduate student, 1-3 undergraduate students in research. In Progress: Trial sampling of parrotfish eggs from the western spawning site was conducted in fall 2022. We successfully collected parrotfish eggs and are gearing up for more systematic sampling using larger plankton nets. We also discovered that western parrotfish use a second spawning aggregations site exclusively during the warmest months of year (Aug-Oct), and are looking at ways of collecting additional oceanographic data at all three spawning sites. Due to some technical failures of existing video-hydrophone equipment, graduate student Stefanie Maxin is exploring new ways of capturing time-lapse video data during spawning periods. Two UVI undergraduate students (Chloe Camancho, VerNele Callwood) were recruited to work in Nemeth lab on parrotfish life history related to reproduction. Strikethrough text is no longer achievable due to departure of Dr. Sennai Habtes. - Compare influence of oceanographic factors on reproductive output. - Develop database of oceanographic factors and egg abundance. - Develop statistical model to assess the influence of oceanographic factors on egg production during spawning. - Develop at least manuscript. - Graduate 1 MMES student associated with this research. - Produce at least 1 research output for US Caribbean stakeholders (CariCOOS – OCE data products; CFMC presentation, and 1 pager.) S. Habtes and MMES graduate student, V. McKague, R. Nemeth, NOAA SEFSC AOML & FORCES lab personnel, Oce Lab undergraduate researchers - Increased understanding of the influence of oceanographic and environmental variables on reproductive output of S. rubripinne. - An increased understanding of drivers of reproductive success in coral reef environments. - Increasing knowledge on resilience in a ridge to reef environment. - 1 manuscript, and increased fisheries decision support system products that can be used by regional stakeholders to improve EBFM. Objective OCE1.3 Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Activity OC1.3a: Collect eggs at spawning sites to identify fecundity potential during spawning aggregations and understand the influence of oceanographic and anthropogenic - Complete site surveys at Reef Bay, use information to design collection of egg clouds via SCUBA/ship. - Design SCUBA/ship net sampling egg collection apparatus. - Design survey and collection protocols for egg collection during spawning. - Advertise for graduate and undergraduate Research Assistants for OCE1.2a/OCE1.3a. Site surveys at reef bay conducted by R. Nemeth, and site information communicated to S. Habtes during planning meetings. Literature search for Scarid and Sparisoma completed as part of completed MS research by K. Ewen. Survey design is in progress, delayed due to leave of absence requested by S. Habtes until determination of sampling abilities and priorities determined by R. Nemeth. Recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students within oceanography delayed until succession plan for lead researcher within the oceanographic research area is determined. - Conduct sampling of S. rubripinne fecundity from egg clouds at Reef Bay. - Use NOAA NMFS CRER cruise to collect eggs/larvae at standard US Caribbean stations. - Summarize data on Sparisoma spp. from NOAA SEFSC CRER Database. - Recruit 1 MMES graduate student and 1 UVI undergraduate students for projects related to understanding the influence of appropriate R2R predictor variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output for OCE1.2a/OCE1.3a. In progress: We have collected yellowtail parrotfish females from four parrotfish feeding areas to examine fecundity. Next month we will also attempt to collect egg clouds by hand, with nets or plastic bags, in lieu of plankton tows that Dr. Habtes was going to do. - Conduct sampling of S. rubripinne fecundity from egg clouds at Reef Bay. - Use NOAA NMFS CRER cruise to collect eggs/larvae at standard US Caribbean stations. - Summarize data on Sparisoma spp. from NOAA SEFSC CRER Database. -Mentor 1 MMES graduate student and 1 UVI undergraduate students in research related to understanding the influence of appropriate R2R predictor variables on S. rubripinne reproductive output for OCE1.2a/OCE1.3a. Completed: We completed sampling of adult parrot fish for summer (August) and winter (November) seasons. Fecundity analysis has been completed by graduate student Taylor Hobbs and measurements of egg diameters have been started with assistance of UVI undergraduates Chloe Camancho and VerNele Callwood. - Compare influence of oceanographic factors on reproductive output. - Develop database of oceanographic factors and egg abundance. - Develop statistical model and assess the influence of oceanographic factors on egg production during spawning. - Develop 1 manuscripts. - Graduate 1 MMES student associated with OCE1.2a/OCE1.2b research. - Produce research outputs for local outreach and stakeholder engagement and dissemination. S. Habtes and MMES graduate student, V. McKague, R. Nemeth, A. Breton, D. Wilson, S. Mukherjee Increased understanding of the influence of oceanographic and environmental variables on south coast of STJ. 1 manuscript, and increased oceanographic data products that can be used by regional Stakeholders. Goal OC2: Determine larval dispersal pathways from point-source spawning aggregation sites of S. rubripinne. · Objective OC2.1: Use ichthyoplankton abundance data and regional ROMS model to model dispersal, and if possible retention, pathways. · Objective OC2.2: Increase the resiliency of the oceanographic research capacity (personnel and equipment) within UVI. Objective OC2.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Oceanography Activity OC2.1a: Develop realistic and accurate hydrodynamic outputs from the US Caribbean Regional Ocean Modelling System for use by the Connectivity and Biodiversity research component and a wider audience of US Caribbean stakeholders. - Develop an US Caribbean coastal ocean model (USCCOM) based on the ROMS architecture with fine resolution nested grids for STX and STT/STJ (300 m) that cover the R2R research sites. - Iterative testing of the nested grid outputs compared to current and temperature measurements in the nearshore areas. - Develop LTRANS connectivity module to model larval dispersal of S. rubripinne, E. striatus, L. analis from spawning locations. In progress- The US Caribbean Coastal Ocean Model (USCCOM), a primitive equation numerical modeling system for the US Caribbean coastal ocean based on the ROMS AGRIF (Regional Ocean Modeling System with Adaptive Grid Refinement in Fortran) architecture developed. Post-doc S. Mukherjee is familiarizing himself with the use of the LTRANS module for dispersal module with USCCOM outputs. - Integrate the USCCOM with data assimilation for better prediction of ocean properties. - Develop computing infrastructure and protocols for data sharing between UVI and connectivity modeling researcher (D. Holsteing at LSU). - Secure 1 source of extramural funding to extend physical oceanographic research from Postdoc S. Mukherjee. Completed - USCROMS model finalized and published (Mukherjee et al. 2022. J. Opr. Oceanogr.), 330 m over the entire US Caribbean, data produced for years 2019 and 2020, manuscript in prep. on oceanographic dynamics from model, model runs shared to Daniel Holstein who is incorporating into a connectivity modeling system, a proposal (Jobsis and Wilson) was submitted in March 2022 to the Office of Insular Affairs "Development of Strategies for Sargassum Mitigation in the US Virgin Islands Using Oceanographic Methods and Modeling" that would partially support Dr. Mukherjee if funded. Upgrade the USCCOM with infrastructure for shared output to US Caribbean stakeholders through partner like CariCOOS. Develop 1 manuscript on USCCOM development or use in connectivity modeling. Completed; Jobsis and Wilson OIA TAP proposal "Development of Strategies for Sargassum Mitigation in the US Virgin Islands Using Oceanographic Methods and Modeling" was funded. USCROMS will be used to forecast Sargassum landing in the USVI, including validation with tagged sargassum patches and quantitatively monitoring coastal Sargassum landings and coastal impacts. Publication" Mukherjee, S., D. Wilson, P. Jobsis, and S, Habtes, 2023. Numerical modeling of internal tides and submesoscale turbulence in the US Caribbean regional ocean. Sci Rep 13(1) DOI 10.1038/s41598-023-27944-2. Nemeth is working with Mukerjee on manuscript conducting particle simulation modeling of eggs from a mutton snapper spawning aggregation site. S. Mukherjee, S. Habtes, D. Holstein, T. Smith, A. Breton, D. Wilson, P. Jobsis - Development of an operational Regional Ocean Circulation model. - Development of Data Management and Communications (DMAC) infrastructure for dissemination of USCCOM to US Caribbean Stakeholders. - 1 manuscript on Nested Grid USVI model comparison. - Increased connection with local partners NPS, CFMC, CariCOOS. Activity OC2.1b: Integrate oceanographic variables, coral reef condition, parrotfish reproductive output, and connectivity models parameterized from regional ocean models and time series of synoptic remotely sensed data (Chlorophyll a, Sea Surface Temperatures, Sea Surface Height Anomalies, etc) - Summarize all available oceanographic, environmental, and terrestrial R2R data for use in mixed statistical model. - Identify appropriate statistical model and parameterization. Full list of available oceanographic data in the US Caribbean is being compiled by Dr. Habtes in collaboration with researchers from the CFMC. A subset of the most suitable data for use in the reef bay study will be combined with UVI long term datasets appropriate for analysis. All data from UVI instrumentation (adcp's, CTD's, hobo loggers) have been QA/QC'd and archived - Historical data analysis and model testing using CRER database and larval abundance and R2R Reef Bay data. In progress: We are in process of collecting data on oceanographic variables and coral reef condition. We will be able to estimate parrotfish reproductive output from fecundity and spawning visitation rates of females but other calibrating reproductive output using AWAC data and plankton tows are uncertain at this time due to equipment calibration issues and Dr. Habtes departure, respectively. - Historical data analysis and model testing using CRER database and larval abundance In Progress: Jenna Cheramie successfully defended her thesis which focused on examining sedimentation rates, benthic characteristics and oceanographic variables on parrotfish spawning site visitation rates and duration. We have not yet started ocean modelling but have the data from ocean current meters available for the past years. However we do not have data from larval dispersal patterns from plankton tows due to departure of Dr. Habtes - Final model run including reef bay data collection. - Develop research outputs, for outreach and stakeholder dissemination (e.g. CFMC presentation). - Integration of research data into island Fishery Management Plans (FMP) or Ecosystem Based Fishery Management (EBFM) plan for the CFMC. Develop research outputs for US Caribbean stakeholders (CariCOOS – OCE data products; CFMC presentation, and 1 pager.) S. Habtes, S. Mukherjee, R. Nemeth,V. McKague, MMES graduate student - Increased understanding of oceanographic data and anthropogenic impacts influence on reproductive output of coral reef fish. This information will be compiled into a manuscript to disseminate within the scientific community. - The model will be disseminated to fisheries DSS stakeholders (CFMC, DPNR) to aid in EBFM within the territory. - Increase the understanding of drivers of coral reef ecosystem resilience through impacts to reproductive potential. - This research will also provide direct research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students at UVI. Objective OC2.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes OC2.2a: Develop more permanent physical and human infrastructure to conduct oceanographic research. - Solicit quotes, and select contractors, and begin 55’ Derecktor ANB oceanographic equipment upgrades. - Complete vessel stability testing and design of winch and frame for installation. - Secure at least 2 extramural funding sources (i.e. NSF MRI proposal or CariCOOS EOI) to supplement salary for oceanographic personnel and needed equipment upgrades for coastal research vessel. - Develop working group for vessel management, use, and associated infrastructure for vessel maintenance and development. - Review and approve Org chart for vessel management and operations (in development by VI- EPSCoR Admin and CMES director. A list of available vendors and quotes for suite of necessary equipment and upgrades to the vessel required for development of an operational coastal oceanographic research vessel is under development by Dr. Habtes, and will be delivered to VI EPSCoR administration prior to his leave of absence. They can decide on how to proceed once a determination has been made on whether to continue a the vessel program without a lead oceanography researcher, or when one has been put in place. Drs. Habtes, Jobsis, and Wilson have identified at least 3 sources of funding and have been collaborating on developing the preliminary documents to use in submission of proposals. A working group of VI EPSCoR researchers and administration and at least 4 outside members which have vessel program experience has been developed. We are still awaiting an organizational chart of vessel management responsibilities from VI-EPSCoR Admin and CMES director. - Installation of oceanographic winch and frame for ichthyoplankton sampling as part of OCE1.3. - Identify and secure extramural funding to hire coastal ocean vessel captain and engineer. Completed - Given the lack of focused administration in the oceanography program and the lack of a clear stream of funding to support the medium sized RV Derektor it was decided to sell the vessel and use the proceeds to pursue a smaller research vessel with a faster cruising speed. This vessel would put the entire USVI waters in a days range, suport diving operations as the core of marine R2R activities, and other light oceanographic projects. Submitted a proposal (Wilson and Jobsis) to National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program in January 2021 MRI:Acquisition of Ocean Gliders for Marine Science Research Support at the University of the Virgin Islands - Develop protocols and infrastructure for improved oceanographic data collection, and data product development and distribution for US Caribbean Stakeholders. - Improve use of VI EPSCoR data products through CariCOOS, CFMC, recreational Boating community. Completed; Wilson and Jobsis NSF MRI Proposal (Acquisition of Ocean Gliders for Marine Science Research Support at the University of the Virgin Islands) was awarded in August 2022. Two new Slocum G3 Gliders (1000m and 200m) with Conductivity, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and current profilers have been purchased and will arrive in June 2023. Glider Lab is being established in the UVI Innovation Center / Marine Science Center to be used for Training, Operations and Maintenance, Piloting, and teaching oceanography. Glider missions in the USVI are funded in 2023 for NOAA hurricane studies, and are in pending proposals (Nemeth & Wilson, NOAA; Wilson, NOAA) to equip with acoustic receivers to track tagged fish and assess regional marine mammal populations (respectively). Additional training and educational missions ain 2023 and 2024 re funded through the NSF MRI. - Identify 2 new oceanographic data products and have them shared with stakeholders through regional partners. - Increase coastal ocean vessel use by external users. - Secure at least 1 contract for external vessel use. S. Habtes, V. McKague, D. Wilson, P. Jobsis, K. Waddell, Vessel Management Steering Committee - Clarification of management and organizational responsibilities, and university infrastructure to manage and maintain coastal ocean vessel. - Increased opportunity for collaborative research with oceanographers at other institutions. - Development of coastal and deepwater overnight research vessel platform within the US Caribbean. - Strengthened partnership with regional & National partners (CFMC, CariCOOS, NOAA NMFS, NPS, DPNR F&W). - Possibility to hire at least part-time capt. and engineer for the vessel. - Establish platform for training of graduate & undergraduate students on oceanographic research. - Increased funding to support the retention of current ocean staff and needed infrastructure to grow the oceanography program at UVI. Goal OC3: Share USVI Oceanography Research with Stakeholders & Provide Opportunities for New Partnerships · Objective OC3.1: Share oceanography research through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities). · Objective OC3.2: Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. · Objective OC3.3: Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Objective OC3.1 Share oceanography research through Integration Activities (planned EOD and VI- ISERP activities, community events, and other opportunities) Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties OC3.1a: Integration Activity: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (Promotions, announcements & blog posts). Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Provided submissions to VI EPSCoR for annual newsletter and website. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Completed - working on a blog post with EPSCoR to highlight the oceanographic program. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Completed - Assisted with newsletter article and website revamp. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 2 products or events per year. S. Habtes, V. McKague, graduate students, undergraduate students Oceanography research shared with a broader audience. Participate in 1 event per year. co-authors on two published papers (Marine Ecology Progress Series & Aquatic Botany), and authors on one submitted paper under review (Journal of Operational Oceanography. Three presentations on our research at conferences, workshops, and online meetings. A presentation and panel discussion at the 2020 SACNAS, National Diversity in STEM Conference; a panel discussion for the GEO REU Workshop Series: Elements of an REU; and a panel discussion for #BlackinMarineScienceWeek. Participate in 1 event per year. Completed: Made presentation at annual VI-EPSCoR conference and introduced concept of using various technologies (remote video camera, AWAC) to document reproductive output at yellowtail parrotfish spawning aggregation sites. Participate in 1 event per year. Completed - Presented in Annual Conference and for External Advisory Board. Participate in 1 event per year. Participate in 1 event per year. S. Habtes, V. McKague, S. Mukherjee, A. Breton, graduate students, undergraduate students Oceanography activities shared with local audiences. OC3.1c: Integration Activity: Participate in STEM Faculty Support, Resilience Leaders, and Service Learning Program activities. Coordinate with EOD to develop integration activities in STEM Faculty Support, Resilience Leaders, and Service Learning Program activities. Participated in EOD surveys to identify interest for collaboration. Collaborations are planned for later years. Participate in 1 event per year. Due to leave of absence, S. Habtes did not participate in integration activity. However his MMES advisee, Naomi Scott, was TA for SCI 100 for two years including Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. This role encompassed teaching labs to approximately 40 students per semester and helping to explain the service learning option to students. Participate in 1 event per year. Completed; Participated in outreach activity - Agricultural Fair held in February on St. Croix. Participate in 1 event per year. Participate in 1 event per year. S. Habtes, V. McKague, graduate students, undergraduate students UVI early career faculty development, potential student professional development. OC3.1d: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Website text was developed and published on the website in February 2021. S. Habtes EPSCoR Website developed, increased dissemination of research outputs to regional and national stakeholders. OC3.1e: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Developed newsletter article on the development of the USCCOM, March 2021 Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed - Contributed to the April 2022 EPSCoR newsletter with a segment "Oceanography" written by Dr. T Smith. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed. Contributed to newsletter and Website revamp. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. S. Habtes, V. McKague, S. Mukherjee, A. Breton, D. Wilson, graduate students, undergraduate students EPSCoR Newsletter developed, increased dissemination of research outputs to regional and national stakeholders. Objective OC3.2 Provide opportunities for student training and enrichment. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Oceanography OC3.2a: Engage undergraduate students in oceanography research. Advertise and recruit. Not completed due to leave of absence by S. Habtes 2 undergraduates engaged. Completed: Two Undergraduate students recruited by Doug Wilson via lecturing in MSC 239 have participated in joint UVI-OCOVI-Rutgers University ocean glider field activities; both have applied to the Rutgers summer 2022 Glider Camp. 2 undergraduates engaged. Not completed in year 3. 2 undergraduates engaged. 2 undergraduates engaged. S. Habtes, V. McKague, D. Wilson, P. Jobsis 2-10 undergraduates engaged in the geosciences. OC3.2b:Engage graduate students in oceanography research. 1 graduate student engaged (OCE1.2a/b). Completed: We are recruiting graduate student Taylor Hobbs to assist on plankton collection at Reef Bay study site. 2 graduate student engaged (OCE1.2a/b). Completed; Two MMES students recruited to work on the glider program and to work on thernistore. 1 graduate student engaged (OCE 1.1b). 1 graduate student engaged (OCE 1.1b). S. Habtes 2 graduate students engaged in the geosciences. OC3.2c: Explore synergies for student training an enrichment with other partners and programs. opportunities explored as they arise. developed opportunities for collaborative research between R2R and NSF Strong Coasts NRT. opportunities explored as they arise. 2 UVI Undergraduate students have applied to the Rutgers summer 2022 Glider Camp. (OC3,2a) opportunities explored as they arise. On going; VI- EPSCoR Data Manager recruited to work on glider program. In addition, Oceanographic tech and Postdoc Kalya Blinkow received professional development on use of ADCP for use in the parrotfish spawning work. opportunities explored as they arise. opportunities explored as they arise. S. Habtes, V. McKague, D. Wilson, P. Jobsis Additional funding, professional development and opportunities provided for students. Objective OC3.3 Participate in professional development opportunities that boost communication of research and strengthen partnerships. Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties OC3.3a: Participate in R2R Coral Resilience workshop, R2R data working groups, and stakeholder meetings relevant to R2R (i.e. CFMC, DPNR, etc..) Workshop and working group meeting participation. S.Habtes chair of CFMC EBFM TAP, attended 2 EBFM TAP meetings and 4 CFMC meetings. R2R Coral Resilience workshop delayed until later in the year or during year 2, and are waiting for scheduled R2R working group meetings later in the year. Workshop and working group meeting participation. In Progress - Dr. Mukherjee working with Dr. T. Smith to provide oceanographic data outputs for the Marine Resilience analysis with a workshop to be held in Year 3. Workshop and working group meeting participation. Completed - Oceanographic data ready for analysis and metric determination to be used in the resilience workshop. Workshop and working group meeting participation. Workshop and working group meeting participation. S. Habtes, V. McKague, S. Mukherjee New partnerships formed, grant proposals, and/or publications drafted and submitted. OC3.3b: Attend and share research efforts at local, national and international conferences, meetings, or workshops. Participate in 1 per year. co-authors on two published papers (Marine Ecology Progress Series & Aquatic Botany), and authors on one submitted paper under review (Journal of Operational Oceanography. Three presentations on our research at conferences, workshops, and online meetings. A presentation and panel discussion at the 2020 SACNAS, National Diversity in STEM Conference; a panel discussion for the GEO REU Workshop Series: Elements of an REU; and a panel discussion for #BlackinMarineScienceWeek. Participate in 1 per year. Completed - USCROMS model presented: Mukherjee S, Wilson D, Habtes S, Jobsis P, Smith TB. “The impact of submesoscale turbulence and internal tides on the US Caribbean ocean circulation: A modeling study” 2022 Ocean Sciences Meeting, March 3. D. Wilson, Session Co-chair Session OT17 Ocean Observation for the Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and presenter The Need for Innovative Ocean Observing Tools for Small Island Developing States. Archived Presentation, 2022 Ocean Sciences Meeting. Participate in 1 per year. Wilson, D., 2022. Gliders, climatology, and ocean models – what we can learn about the NE Caribbean by increasing upper ocean observation density. Underwater Gliders Users Group Workshop Seattle ’22, https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ 1QFua98fWN6yAlyWmtnVS22kjX89t0Rg6. Wilson also hosted a display at the opening of UVI's innovation center which resulted in a news article in local news paper. Participate in 1 per year. Participate in 1 per year. S. Habtes, V. McKague, S. Mukherjee, undergraduate & graduate students Dissemination of data to the community. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. OC3.3c: Integration Activity: Attend annual VI EPSCoR Conference. Planned attendance in July of 2021 Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Completed: Made presentation at annual VI-EPSCoR conference and introduced concept of using various technologies (remote video camera, Signature ADCP) to document reproductive output at yellowtail parrotfish spawning aggregation sites. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Completed: Doug Wilson and T.B. Smith presented on progress in the oceanography theme at the VI EPCoR annual conference Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. Participate in VI-EPSCoR annual conference. S. Habtes, V. McKague, S. Mukherjee Dissemination of data to the R2R team. Strengthening of partnerships and research opportunities. Oceanography Marine Disease and Restoration (MD & MR) Goal MD1: Determine how species biodiversity affects the spread and impact of coral disease · Objective MD1.1: Test how variability in species assemblages affects disease prevalence across reef habitats · Objective MD1.2: Compare disease incidence among experimental species assemblages Objective MD1.1. Test how variability in species assemblages affects disease prevalence across reef habitats Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD1.1a: Quantify disease across species assemblages using existing datasets Datasets on disease and species composition identified and compiled. Completed Analysis of disease and species assemblages completed. Completed Manuscript submitted on disease and species assemblage linkages. Completed: Costa et al. 2021 Marilyn Brandt, Tyler Smith Understanding of how species susceptibility affects disease prevalence among reef habitats. [CR1.2a,b] Objective MD1.2: Quantify disease incidence among experimental species assemblages Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD1.2a: Involve MMES student and undergraduates in experiment. Recruitment of MMES student and undergraduate(s). In progress Involvement of MMES student and undergraduates in research. In progress. All undergraduates and graduate students in the Brandt lab participate in disease transmission experiments and work. MMES student finishes. Marilyn Brandt Student participation in research, MS thesis. MD1.2b: Acquire necessary permits for experimentation. Permits applied for/acquired. Completed Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician, MMES student Permit for experiment. MD1.2c: Experimentally test disease transmission in mesocosms with specific species compositions. Experiment initiated. Publication of Meiling et al. 2021 Experiment completed. In progress; No further experimentation building on the Meiling et al. 2021 paper can occur until the completion of the Marine Science building. Analysis of experiment completed. MMES student, Marine Disease Technician, undergraduates. Understanding of transmission dynamics among tested species assemblages in a controlled setting. Goal MD2: Determine how local stressors (e.g., nutrients, turbidity) and global stressors (e.g., temperature stress) drive temporal and spatial distributions of disease. · Objective MD2.1: Test effect of water quality and temperature stress on disease prevalence and transmission. Objective MD2.1: Test effect of water quality and temperature stress on disease prevalence and transmissioned. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD2.1a: Use existing data sets to investigate disease prevalence in relationship to locally driven water quality parameters and temperature stress. Data sets on local water quality parameters, thermal stress and disease prevalence compiled - output from Coral Resilience section. In progress. Water quality sampling has occurred in 3 consecutive months in each of the wet and dry seasons. Data are in process of being analyzed and collated with existing data sets. Key parameters associated with disease prevalence identified. In progress. Water quality data collected in year 2 were analyzed and compared with white pox disease prevalence as part of MMES student N. Bestrom's masters thesis. Bestrom defended in April 2023 and will graduate in May and will begin work on a manuscript. Bestrom and MMES student L. Dade also summarized and presented water quality data for the VI EPSCoR conference. Water quality data continue to be collected and collated into a database. Marilyn Brandt, Tyler Smith, Marine Disease Technician Results on relationships between disease and locally driven water quality parameters. [CR1.1a,c,d], [CR2.1a,b,j] MD2.1b: Involve MMES student and undergraduate in experiments. MMES student R. Mason recruited to perform disease transmission experiment under different thermal stress regimes. Recruitment of MMES student and undergraduate(s). In progress; Undergraduate and graduate students have participated in water quality sampling. MMES student R. Mason completed experiment on disease transmission under different thermal stress regimes and defended in April 2023. She will graduate in May and begin work on a manuscript. Involvement of MMES student and undergraduates in research. MMES student finishes. Marilyn Brandt Student participation in research, MS thesis. MD2.1c: Acquire necessary permits for experimentation. Permits required. Permits applied for/acquired. Completed; Permits required. Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician,MMES student Permit for experiment. Activity MD2.1d: Perform lab-based transmission experiment under different levels of temperature stress (levels: no stress, moderate, severe). These experiments will be disease transmission experiments among experimental corals. We will adapt the methods of Williams et al. 2020. MMES student R. Mason planning disease transmission experiment under different thermal stress regimes permits required and experiment started. Completed; Experiment testing disease transmission under different thermal stress regimes completed. Experiment completed. Analysis of experiment completed. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student, Marine Disease Technician Data on disease transmission in relationship to temperature stress. [CR1.1a] MD2.1e: Perform lab- based transmission experiment under different levels of local water quality parameters determined to be important in Activity MD2.1a. permits required and experiment started. In progress. No specific water quality parameters beyond thermal stress were identified to be associated with disease. Continued water quality sampling and analysis of the microbial composition of corals through a disease event in Acropora palmata will continue by MMES graduate N. Bestrom who will join the Brandt lab as a technician in May 2023. Experiment completed. Analysis of experiment completed. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student, Marine Disease Technician Data on disease transmission in relationship to water quality parameters. [CR1.1c], [D2.1a] Goal MD3: Predict the spread and impact of multi-species coral disease. · Objective MD3.1: Develop a connectivity-based disease spread model. · Objective MD3.2: Develop species assemblage map for region. · Objective MD3.3: Test effect of influential species assemblage parameters (identified under Goal 1.1) and influential water quality parameters (identified under Goal 1.2) on disease spread model accuracy. Marine Disease and Restoration Objective MD3.1: Develop connectivity-based disease spread model. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD3.1a: Use hydrodynamic model outputs to parameterize a connectivity model for the northern Virgin Islands. Produce final metrics/model runs to assign network placement for long- term coral reef sites and spatially randomized sites (aligns with Coral Resilience) Completed: Post-doc Sonaljit Mukherjee has provided ROMS simulations to D. Holstein for parameterization of connectivity model Daniel Holstein, Tyler Smith Connectivity network for use in modeling. [CR1.1c], [CR1.2a,b], [CR2.1], Oceanography (Habtes), D. Holstein Laboratory at LSU Objective D3.2: Develop coral species assemblage map for region Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD3.2a: Identify and combine data sources for coral species assemblages from existing long-term and spatially randomized coral reef monitoring programs Team assembled and working towards database production of stony coral diversity at long-term sites [links to Coral Resilience Objectives CR1.2a and 1.2b]. Completed Database of diversity at long-term sites completed [links to Coral Resilience Objective 1.1.b]. Completed Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein, Peter Edmunds, Jeff Miller, Caroline Rogers, Leslie Henderson First of its kind dataset on coral attributes in the USVI. Possible manuscript. [CR1.2a],[CR2.2], [CR2.3] MD3.2b: Produce basic species distribution grid. Identify/develop spatial grid. Species distribution data assembled. Grid in progress. Produce coral species assemblage grid with links to connectivity model. In progress; Species distribution grid in progress in collaboration with D. Holstein's laboratory. M. Brandt joined Holstein's PhD student B Farmer's dissertation committee. A part of B Farmer's dissertation will be to make a species distribution grid. Marilyn Brandt, Tyler Smith, Marine Disease Technician Species assemblage grid for US Virgin Islands. [CR2.2] Objective MD3.3: Test effect of influential species assemblage parameters (identified under Goal 1) and influential water quality parameters (identified under Goal 2) on disease spread model accuracy Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies Activity D3.3a: Hire post- doc Begin process of hiring post-doc In progress. A post-doc position description is currently in progress. Post-doc begins work Brandt Post-doc hired MD3.3b: Use model framework to determine how species diversity (Goal 1.1) and water quality (Goal 1.2) affect coral disease spread. Post-doc works to combine modeling framework with databases and perform testing. Model framework and testing complete. Marine disease postdoc, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein, Tyler Smith, Mukherjee, Sennai Habtes Understanding of how species diversity and water quality affect disease spread. [CR1.1a,c,d], [CR1.2a,b], [CR2.1] Goal MD4: Share Disease Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. · Objective MD4.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities. · Objective MD4.2: Participate in professional development activities. Objective MD4.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI- ISERP activities. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MD4.1a: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (Promotions, announcements & blog posts). Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Completed Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Completed Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Completed - Provided information about Arelys Chaparro's disease transmission experiment for facebook post Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician, MMES students, undergraduates Disease research shared with a broad audience. Coordination with STEM team on needs, content and timing; coordination with IL. MD4.1b: Share research through community outreach events (e.g., Reef Fest, Sip N' Science). Participate in 1 event every other year. Participate in 1 event every other year. Presenting TEDx talk April 2022. Participate in 1 event every other year. Completed; MMES students N. Bestrom and L. Dade presented in the NOAA CRCP community lecture series. MMES student A. Chaparro presented at the VI EPSCoR conference Participate in 1 event every other year. Participate in 1 event every other year. Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician, MMES students, undergraduates Restoration activities shared with local audiences Coordinate with partners. Activity D4.1c: Integration Activity: Participate in VI- ISERP activities TDB TDB M. Brandt presented to and participated in STEM Institute PBL Certification Program as a presenter and mentor TDB TDB TDB Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician, MMES students, undergraduates USVI teacher professional development, potential student professional development Coordination with FL/VIISERP . MD4.1d: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. M. Brandt provided information to communications team for website updates. Completed; M. Brandt provided information to communications team for website updates. Marilyn Brandt EPSCoR Website developed. Coordination with communication team. MD4.1e: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. M. Brandt provided information and photos for annual newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; M. Brandt provided information and photos for annual newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Marilyn Brandt, Marine Disease Technician, MMES students, undergraduates EPSCoR Newsletter developed. STEM team. Goal MR1: Expand capacity for restoration ecology research in the US Virgin Islands. · Objective R1.1: Hire Restoration Ecologist Research faculty. Objective MR1.1. Hire Restoration Ecology Research faculty. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies Marine Disease and Restoration MR1.1a: Hire faculty Develop request for proposal for Research faculty; advertise through UVI Human Resources; Assemble hiring committee; Review applicants. Position description developed, Position advertised and committee formed for review. Top candidates interviewed and one top candidate invited for presentations. Top candidate selected and offered the position. Restoration Ecologist position begins. New Restoration Ecologist Dr. Robin Smith started in September 2021. Marilyn Brandt, Kim Waddell, Paul Jobsis Restoration Ecologist hired. HR Goal MR2: Determine how diversity affects success of coral outplanting. · Objective MR2.1: Compare growth and survival of outplanted corals among different species configurations. Objective MR2.1. Compare growth and survival of outplanted corals among different species configurations. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MR2.1a: Involve MMES student and undergraduate in experiments. Recruitment of MMES student and undergraduate(s). Six graduate and 5 undergraduate student interns trained in coral restoration techniques. One MMES student (D. Strobel) recruited for thesis work on coral outplanting. Involvement of MMES student and undergraduates in research. Completed; Five graduate and 2 undergraduate student interns trained in coral restoration techniques. One new MMES student (A. Coble) recruited for thesis work on coral restoration. One current MMES student (A. Shelby) designed thesis project around work. MMES student finishes. Marilyn Brandt Student participation in research, MS thesis. MR2.1b: Acquire necessary permits for experimentation. Permits applied for/acquired. Permits for coral outplanting acquired. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student Permit for experiment. MR2.1c: Perform experiment testing effect of different species composition on restoration success Permits required and experiment started. Permits acquired. Multi-species outplanting experiment commenced in January 2022. Experiment completed. In progress. Experiment has been deployed for >1 year. Preliminary results presented at the International Coral Reef Symposium in July 2022. Analysis of monitoring of experiment ongoing. Analysis of experiment completed. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student Understanding of how species diversity affects success of outplanting. Goal MR3: Determine how gradients in water quality affect success of coral outplanting. · Objective MR3.1: Measure growth and survival of outplanted corals across range of water quality. Objective MR3.1: Measure growth and survival of outplanted corals across range of water quality. Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MR3.1a: Involve MMES student and undergraduate in experiments. Recruitment of MMES student and undergraduate(s). Completed; MMES student A. Shelby recruited to work on effect of water quality on coral outplanting. Involvement of MMES student and undergraduates in research. MMES student finishes. Marilyn Brandt Student participation in research, MS thesis. [CR1.1d,e] MR3.1b: Acquire necessary permits for experimentation Permits applied for/acquired. Completed; All permits required. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student Permit for experiment. MR3.1c: Outplanting at sites representing a range of water quality permits required, Outplanting begins. Completed; Outplanting of corals in different water quality environments began in January 2023. Assessment of outplants. Experiment completed, Analysis completed. Marilyn Brandt, MMES student Understanding of how water quality affects success of outplanting. Goal MR4: Share Restoration Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. · Objective MR4.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities. Objective MR4.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI- ISERP activities Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Interdependencies MR4.1a: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (Promotions, announcements & blog posts) Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Complete Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Contributed content for press releases and blog posts. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Completed; Contributed content for press releases and blog posts. Created the Coral Chronicles - a booklet documenting coral restoration process. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Marilyn Brandt or Restoration Ecologist Hire, MMES students, undergraduates Restoration research shared with a broad audience. Coordination with STEM team on needs, content and timing; coordination with IL. MR4.1b: Share research through community outreach events (e.g., Reef Fest, Sip N' Science). Participate in 1 event every other year. Participate in 1 event every other year. Presenting a TEDx talk April 2022. Participate in 1 event every other year. Completed; Participated in Ag Fair, and Eco Discovery Fair at the VI Children's museum Participate in 1 event every other year. Participate in 1 event every other year. Marilyn Brandt or Restoration Ecologist Hire, MMES students, undergraduates Restoration activities shared with local audiences. Coordinate with partners. MR4.1c: Integration Activity: Participate in VI- ISERP activities. TDB TDB M. Brandt presented to and participated in STEM Institute PBL Certification Program as a presenter and mentor TDB TDB TDB Marilyn Brandt or Restoration Ecologist Hire, MMES students, undergraduates USVI teacher professional development, potential student professional development. Coordination with FL/VIISERP. R4.1d: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Complete M. Brandt provided information to communications team for website updates. Completed; M. Brandt provided information to communications team for website updates. Marilyn Brandt EPSCoR Website developed. Coordination with communication team. R4.1e: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Complete Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. M. Brandt provided information and photos for annual newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; M. Brandt provided information and photos for annual newsletter. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Marilyn Brandt or Restoration Ecologist Hire, MMES students, undergraduates EPSCoR Newsletter developed. STEM team Marine Disease and Restoration Coral Resilience (CR) Goal CR1: Determine the internal and external drivers most critical to coral reef ecosystem resilience in the USVI and identify targets for restoration of resilience. Hypothesis I (H I): The resilience of USVI’s marine ecosystems is reduced through interacting stress drivers but may be modulated through increased genetic and species diversity. · Objective CR1.1: Create a comprehensive database of external drivers (biophysical regimes) at 42 long-term research sites, with emphasis on describing stressors, disturbance, and other processes that have a potential influence on reef resilience at each location. · Objective CR1.2: Create a comprehensive database of the internal drivers (biological characteristics and processes) at 42 long-term research sites, with an emphasis on factors that have a potential influence on coral reef resilience. · Objective CR1.3: Develop metrics describing biological resilience (resistance and recovery) at 42 long-term research sites, including trajectories of diversity and abundance of corals and associated biota · Objective CR1.4: Identify gaps in knowledge within databases of biophysical drivers and response variables at each location that need additional information. · Objective CR1.5: Conduct analysis of the influence of biophysical drivers on coral reef resilience across sites, identify most critical internal and external drivers on ecosystem resilience and targets for restoration of resilience. Objective CR1.1. External Drivers Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR1.1a: Assemble and analyze temperature regimes at long-term coral reef monitoring sites by assembling an expert working group to identify metrics and gaps in knowledge. Team assembled and working towards database production. In progress Database produced of thermal regimes. Characteristics of thermal regimes analyzed (long-term means, variability, thermal extremes/marine heat waves, drivers such as doldrums and Amazon/ Orinoco river plumes). In progress - QA/QCed database assembled. Working with Sonaljit Mukherjee and Doug Wilson to analyze processes. Database needed for resilience study is complete. Need to determine which metrics (e.g., mean, thermal stress, variability) to include in the analysis In progress - Publication Mukherjee S, Habtes S, Jobsis P (2022) Comparative analysis of the performance of the GOFS, PSY4 and AMSEAS ocean model frameworks in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico coastal ocean. Journal of Operational Oceanography:1-25; Publication Mukherjee S, Wilson D, Jobsis P, Habtes S (2023) Numerical modeling of internal tides and submesoscale turbulence in the US Caribbean regional ocean. Scientific Reports 13:1091. Task before workshop will be to finalize metrics from data set to be used in resilience analysis (mean, heating weeks, variability). All data is ready for final calculation of metrics. Tyler Smith, Viktor Brandtneris, Doug Wilson, Sonaljit Mukherjee, Sennai Habtes, Rosmin Ennis An understanding of the USVI thermal regimes from surface to 100 m and how that can potentially impact coral ecosystems Proposals, manuscripts data sets as milestones CR1.1b: Assemble and analyze wave and benthic orbital velocity regimes at long-term coral reef monitoring sites by assembling an expert working group to identify metrics and gaps in knowledge. Team assembled and working towards database production. In progress Database produced of wave and benthic orbital velocity regimes. Characteristics of wave regimes analyzed (long-term means, variability, extremes and potential for disturbance, cumulative energy). In progress - QA/QCed database assembled. Database needed for resilience study is partially completed. Need to verify model outputs and benthic orbital velocities accurately represent the wave climate at the monitoring sites. A manuscript is in preparation on storm wave impacts on coral reefs using outputs from the Simulation of Waves Nearshore Model. In progress - Database ready for determination of final metrics. Sonaljit Mukherjee, Miguel Canals (UPR Mayaguez) An understanding of how wave regimes vary across the USVI and how those regimes can shape coral ecosystems through disturbance (storms and swells) and mean conditions (wave-tolerant/dependent and wave-intolerant faunas) CR1.1c: Assemble and analyze current regimes at long-term coral reef monitoring sites by assembling an expert working group to identify metrics and gaps in knowledge. Team assembled and working towards database production. Incomplete; Awaiting publication of finalized ocean current products Produce a description of the benthic current regimes at each of the long-term monitoring sites based on the hydrodynamic model. In progress - the USCROMS model completed and published (Mukherjee et al. 2022). Need to extract the current metrics at monitoring sites to be used in the resilience study. In progress - Database ready for determination of final metrics. Sonaljit Mukherjee, Miguel Canals (UPR Mayaguez), Sennai Habtes, Doug Wilson, Daniel Holstein Multiple years of current model runs to feed into the connectivity modeling system. An understanding of long-term current regimes and how they might impact coral communities. CR1.1d: Assemble and analyze water quality regimes at long-term coral reef monitoring sites by assembling an expert working group to identify metrics and gaps in knowledge. Team assembled and working towards database production. In progress Explore the use of the connectivity modeling system to develop a vulnerability index of each long-term monitoring site to land-based run off of sediments and pollutants. In progress - Optical properties database based on remote sensing created for each site (partners: Joseph Ortiz, Kent State U. and K. Adem Ali, College of Charleston). A manuscript is in revision for water quality regimes (Adem K, *Flanagan D, Brandt ME, Ortiz J, Smith TB (in revision) Semi- analytical inversion modelling of Chlorophyll a variability in the U.S. Virgin Islands. PLoS ONE). In progress - Database ready for determination of final metrics. Tyler Smith, Ali Adem, Joseph Ortiz, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein A spatiotemporal understanding of water quality around the USVI, with particular emphasis on water quality affecting coral reefs. Provides validation outputs for the [Watershed Studies] through ocean color characterization from remotely sensed data and, potentially, through modeled sediment plume connectivity. CR1.1e: Compile physical oceanography drivers into geographic surfaces to characterize the physical regimes around the USVI. Georeferenced surface of physical oceanography regimes produced. In progress - Outputs from the CR1.1 physical objectives are coming in. Manuscript characterizing the physical environments of the USVI shelf systems from 1-100 m depth. In progress: compiling of data sets to describe physical regimes of the USVI. Will be scoped out in the workshop to examine drivers of coral reef resilience Tyler Smith, Sonaljit Mukherjee, and all others involved in physical drivers research A spatiotemporal understanding of physical oceangraphy and driver regimes around the USVI that can be used in multiple lines of ecosystem research Objective CR1.2. Internal Drivers Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR1.2a: Assemble data of coral species and attribute diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database production of stony coral diversity at 42 long- term coral reef monitoring sites. Database of diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites completed. Analysis of site groupings using multivariate statistics to provide background material for understanding attributes of 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Multivariate analysis has not yet been started. However, metrics of diversity are ready for the resilience analysis. In progress: Postdoctoral Associate hired April 21, 2023. She has already begun synthesizing and analyzing reef data sets Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein, Peter Edmunds, William Miller, Caroline Rogers, Leslie Henderson First of its kind dataset on coral attributes in the USVI to understand gradients of diversity. CR1.2b: Assemble data and analyze internal drivers of marine disease at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites by assembling an expert working group to identify metrics and gaps in knowledge. Team assembled and working towards database production of disease incidence and diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Database of marine disease incidence completed at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Marilyn Brandt, Tyler Smith, Rosmin Ennis A comprehensive description of disease incidence in the USVI. Provides a foundation for understanding disease impacts at all long-term monitoring sites CR1.2c: Assemble data and analyze internal drivers of nuisance species (Ramicrusta, lionfish) at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database of the distribution of Ramicrusta textilis (encrusting red algae) and Pterois volitans (lionfish) at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Database of invasive species completed. Manuscript on the spatio-temporal patterns of Ramicrusta and peyssonnelia algal crusts at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Manuscript on Ramicrusta emergence in the USVI is in the writing phase (analyses completed). To be submitted by the end of 2022. Data on lionfish to be presented at the International Coral Reef Symposium. Manuscript on lionfish temporal changes and impacts inside and outside marine protected areas. In progress - Database has been assembled. Manuscript on Ramicrusta is in final stages [Ennis RS, Smith TB (in prep) The scale and impact of the encrusting red algae Ramicrusta sp. (Peyssonneliaceae) overgrowing coral colonies in the United States Virgin Islands] and to be submitted in summer of 2023. Tyler Smith, Rosmin Ennis, Sarah Heidmann, Richard Nemeth An understanding of the distribution of key invasive species in the US Virgin Islands. For lionfish, its predation may skew trophic structure of key fish groups (e.g., parrotfish) that could impact coral resilience by increasing macroalgal abundance and coral-algal competition (space preemption, space monopolization, recruitment limitation of coral, coral disease). For Ramicrusta its occurrence suggests areas of high coral-algal competition. CR1.2d: Other Invertebrate Diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards how to assemble a database of invertebrate biodiversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Determination made of how to measure this level of diversity. Database of non- coral sessile and motile invertebrates at long-term sites potentially completed completed. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In progress: Postdoctoral Associate hired April 21, 2023. She has already begun synthesizing and analyzing reef data sets Tyler Smith, Paul Sikkel, Steve Ratchford, Edwin Cruz Rivera Understanding of how to measure diversity of more cryptic organisms CR1.2e: Fish Diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database of fish diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Database of diversity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites completed. Analysis of site groupings using multivariate statistics to provide background material for understanding attributes of 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the fish survey methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In progress - Database assembled for 34 sites of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program; Paper presented at 14th International Coral Reef Symposium "Long-term changes in fish communities after lionfish arrival on mesophotic reefs inside and outside of marine protected areas in the US Virgin Islands" Sarah L. Heidmann, Elizabeth Kadison, Viktor Brandtneris, Rosmin Ennis, Tyler B. Smith, Richard S. Nemeth; Submitted papers in review: (1) Grove LJW, Blondeau J, Swanson DW, Heidmann SL, Smith SG, Brandtneris VW, Smith TB (in review) Expansion of an established fishery-independent survey into the U.S. Virgin Islands’ upper mesophotic zone: feasibility and management implications. Bulletin of Marine Science; (2) Heidmann SL, Brandtneris VW, Ennis RS, Blondeau J, Grove LJW, Smith TB (in review) Depth and structure as environmental drivers of fish communities across a shallow to mesophotic gradient in the northern US Virgin Islands. Bulletin of Marine Science Richard Nemeth, Sarah Heidmann, Elizabeth Kadison Database of USVI fish communities Coral Resilience CR1.2f: Herbivory at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled, metric of herbivore pressure agreed to, and working towards database of herbivore pressure at 42 long- term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Produce final metrics, a model of herbivore pressure based on diversity, size, and biomass of herbivores, and database of herbivore pressure. In progress - Masters of Marine and Environmental Science students (2020 Cohort) investigated herbivory as part of their year 1 capstone. Finalizing analysis to publish manuscript. Need to determine a final metric of herbivore pressure for use in the resilience analysis. Richard Nemeth, Tyler Smith, student RA Dataset. Possible manuscript on herbivory and impacts at monitoring sites CR1.2g: Management Regimes at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database production of management regimes across the 42 sites. In progress Estimate levels of protections and vulnerability to fishing and physical damage at each site. Produce final metrics, complete database of management effectiveness. In progress - Working group needs to determine the best metrics for level of protection. Working on manuscript to determine the role that depth has a refuge of fishes from fishing pressure. In progress - Working group needs to determine the best metrics for level of protection. Manuscript submitted evaluating depth and marine protected areas on fish communities (Heidmann et al. In Review) Leslie Henderson, Caroline Pott, Caroline Rogers, Jeff Miller, Zandy Hillis-Starr, Clayton Pollock, and DPNR Coral Liaison Dataset on management regimes and ranking of effectiveness CR1.2h: Connectivity at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards modeling of connectivity among 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Incomplete; Awaiting publication of finalized ocean current products Produce final metrics/model runs to assign network placement for 42 long- term coral reef monitoring sites and spatially randomized sites in Goal 2. In progress - USCROMS has been finalized and outputs transferred to Dr. Daniel Holstein. Connectivity model is being created based on USCROMS and can then be parameterized to create a connectivity matrix for the long-term sites and to conduct other R2R analyses. In progress - Doctoral Student at Louisiana State University, Benjamin Farmer, using connectivity model to analyze diversity and coral disease patterns in USVI (Dr. Daniel Holstein's Lab) Daniel Holstein, Marilyn Brandt, Tyler Smith A deeper understanding of connectivity among USVI coral reefs habitats. CR1.2i: Rugosity (proxy) at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database production rugosity at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites In progress Produce final metrics and database at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Jeremiah Blondeau Rugosity estimates used to understand background physical reef structure that supports fish and invertebrate communities and is related to structure forming stony coral species and other sessile invertebrates. CR1.2j: Coral Health (indicator) at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database production of coral health (bleaching and partial mortality) at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team to determine how to prepare metrics to be best used in the resilience analysis. In progress Produce final metrics and database at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In progress - Database has been assembled. Needs to be QA/QCed and alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Rosmin Ennis, Tyler Smith An understanding of coral health at the 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Bleaching is needed for the 2005 impact assessment of resistance. Partial mortality records past impacts at monitorings sites. CR1.2k: Coral Interactions at long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Team assembled and working towards database production of coral interactions (algae, sponges, sediment, predation, territorial damselfish) at 42 long- term coral reef monitoring sites. Team to determine how to prepare metrics to be best used in the resilience analysis. In progress Produce final metrics and database at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress - Database has been assembled. Alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Working with Masters student Erin Hollister to look at TCRMP interactions data as part of her thesis and as a stand-alone publication. She is analyzing data now. In progress - Database has been assembled. Alternate metrics need to be calculated for sites not with the coral health methodology of the Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Masters student Erin Hollister has analyzed the coral interactions data and is synthesizing as part of her thesis. Rosmin Ennis, Tyler Smith An understanding of coral interactions at the 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. Provides and understanding of how ecological interactions, such as competition for benthic space, contribute to resilience. Objective CR1.3. Resilience Metrics Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR1.3a: Develop metrics describing biological resilience (resistance and recovery). Team assembled and analyzing coral cover, abundance, and diversity trends at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites. In progress Produce final metrics (dependent variables, responses of coral community) to be used in the analyses of resilience. In progress In progress - Postdoctoral Associate hire Lauren Olinger has an official start date of April 21, 2023. However, she has already begun synthesizing and analyzing reef data sets Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein, Peter Edmunds A score of resilience at each monitoring site Objective CR1.4. Gaps Specific milestones In progress Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR1.4a: Identify gaps and seek additional information. Collate gaps from working groups and identify gaps that might be important in understanding coral reef resilience. Incomplete; Deliverables pushed back one year to allow for in-person meeting after COVID-19 restrictions Collect information to address important gaps (if any). Incomplete; Deliverables pushed back one year to allow for in-person meeting after COVID-19 restrictions In progress - Postdoctoral Associate hire Lauren Olinger has an official start date of April 21, 2023. However, she has already begun synthesizing and analyzing reef data sets Tyler Smith, Marilyn Brandt, Daniel Holstein, Peter Edmunds Will identify and attempt to shore-up any data deficiencies prior to analyses Objective CR1.5. Analyses Specific milestones In progress Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR1.5a:Lay out famework for statistical models to ensure data is ready. Layout the framework for the statistical modeling, identify data issues. Identify Bayesian statistical modeler and enact a contract for the work in the project. Finalize statistical modeling framework and finalize data sets for analyses. In progress Bayesian Modeler (contracted, TBD), Tyler Smith A fully validated database of all available drivers at 42 rlong-term coral reef monitoring sites which can be shared freely and used in a variety of analyses on physical and ecological processes, including the coral reef resilience study. Statistical framework for analyses produced and prepared for modeling. CR1.5b: Conduct analyses of resilience. Prepare hiring documents for a resilience postdoctoral associate and advertise position. In progress Once components are assembled, conduct analysis of resilience drivers. Hire post-doc early in Y2. In progress - Postdoc job announcement is in preparation. To be closed after the International Coral Reef Symposium, July 2022. Will use that event to recruit. Completed; Post-doctoral researcher Lauren Olinger hired (start date of 8/21/2023). Has already begun working with biological data sets and testing analyses that might be appropriate. Resilience Post-Doc, Bayesian Modeler, Tyler Smith An analysis of drivers of resilience at 42 long-term coral reef monitoring sites, with identification of drivers most important to determining the level of resilience from - to +. CR1.5c: Conduct workshop with participants to go over results of resilience analysis, identify and last tasks, and plan outputs and manuscripts. Hold analyses review workshop with all participants to review the outcomes and prepare for outputs. In Progress; Meeting planned for Fall 2023 All A finalized analysis of resilience and a determination of what should be included, prioritized, and emphasized in reports, press, outreach, and manuscripts CR1.5d: Prepare synthesis manuscript (s) on drivers of coral reef resilience. Dovetail analyses workshop with writing workshop and prepare at least one manuscript on the analyses of resilience drivers in the USVI. In Progress; Workshop tentatively planned for fall 2023, but final date will be determined in conjunction with arriving postdoc Lauren Olinger. Manuscript publication. All Manuscript Goal CR2: Understand the impact of regional larval connectivity patterns on biodiversity patterns. · Objective CR2.1: Develop regional connectivity model for coral reef organisms. · Objective CR2.2: Determine network and habitat connectivity metrics and corresponding estimates of biodiversity. · Objective CR2.3: Analyze the relationship between realized diversity and connectivity, stress, and past disturbances. Objective CR2.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR2.1.a: Develop model. Develop connectivity model for the USVI using hydrodynamic model outputs. [Links to OC2.1a and MD3.1a] Incomplete; Awaiting publication of finalized ocean current products Use hydrodynamic model finalized in year one to parameterize a connectivity model. In progress - USCROMS has been finalized and outputs transferred to Dr. Daniel Holstein. Connectivity model is being created based on USCROMS and can then be parameterized to create a connectivity matrix for the long-term sites and to conduct other R2R analyses. In progress - Doctoral Student at Louisiana State University, Benjamin Farmer, using connectivity model to analyze diversity and coral disease patterns in USVI (Dr. Daniel Holstein's Lab) Daniel Holstein A fully parameterized connectivity model for the USVI. Parameterized with characteristics of stony corals larval functional attributes. Objective CR2.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR2.2.a: Determine network patterns. Run model across sites with known biodiversity metrics. Incomplete; Awaiting finalization of connectivity model; Biodiversity databases from the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program, Deep Coral Reef Monitoring Program, and others are ready for incorporation. In progress - Doctoral Student at Louisiana State University, Benjamin Farmer, using connectivity model to analyze diversity and coral disease patterns in USVI (Dr. Daniel Holstein's Lab) Daniel Holstein and student A set of network attributes for sites with known biodiversity metrics (TCRMP, NPS, Edmunds, NCRMP, DCRMP) Objective CR2.3 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes CR2.3.a: Combine biophysical data sets and connectivity analysis to see if connectivity is related to diversity. Analysis the relationship between connectivity network patterns and biodiversity patterns and use results to write manuscript writing. In progress - Doctoral Student at Louisiana State University, Benjamin Farmer, using connectivity model to analyze diversity and coral disease patterns in USVI (Dr. Daniel Holstein's Lab) Manuscript publication. Daniel Holstein, Tyler Smith, Rosmin Ennis, Sarah Heidmann, Sarah Groves (NOAA) An analysis to determine if biodiversity is related to connectivity patterns Goal CR3: Share Coral Reef Resilience Research with Stakeholders through participation in outreach and education activities. · Objective CR3.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities. · Objective CR3.2: Participate in professional development activities. Objective CR3.1: Share information through planned EOD and VI-ISERP activities Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes Coral Resilience CR3.1a: Share research through VI EPSCoR channels (Promotions, announcements & blog posts). Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. In progress Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR promotions. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR promotions. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Assist with information dissemination by advising communications department on achievements, activities and items of import. Provide photos when possible. Allow time for interviews and development of blog posts. Contribute 1 product or event per year. Smith, Holstein, Resilience Post-Doc Coral reef resilience research shared to a wide audience and public becomes aware of issues with coral reefs and factors affecting resilience and the long-term health and maintenance of coral reefs in the USVI and Caribbean CR3.1b: Share research through community outreach events (e.g., Reef Fest, Sip N' Science). Participate in 1 event every other year. In progress Participate in 1 event every other year. Incomplete - Pause of in person events during pandemic Participate in 1 event every other year. In progress - With resumption of face-to-face activities a planned outreach event will take place in Year 4 Participate in 1 event every other year. Participate in 1 event every other year. Smith, Holstein, Resilience Post-Doc Coral reef resilience research shared to a local audience and an engaged sector of the public becomes aware of issues with coral reefs and factors affecting resilience and the long-term health and maintenance of coral reefs in the USVI and Caribbean CR3.1c: Integration Activity: Participate in VI-ISERP activities TDB Incomplete; Deliverables pushed back one year to allow for in-person meeting after COVID-19 restrictions TDB Incomplete; Deliverables pushed back one year to allow for in-person meeting after COVID-19 restrictions TDB In progress - With resumption of face-to-face activities a planned outreach event will take place in Year 4 TDB TDB Smith, Holstein, Resilience Post-Doc USVI teacher professional development, potential student professional development CR3.1d: Integration Activity: EPSCoR website development. Review, advise & inform new content on viepscor.org website to accurately reflect R2R goals and achievements. Completed; Assisted with website content In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR newsletters and website. Integrate new results from coral resilience study into website information. In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR newsletters and website. Results from study will feed to update. Dr. Tyler Smith Launched the Coral Reef Resilience Lab (corrl.org) to showcase his lab and the resilience study. Integrate new results from coral connectivity and biodiversity study into website information. Smith, Holstein, Resilience Post-Doc EPSCoR Website developed CR3.1e: Integration Activity: Annual EPSCoR Newsletter Development. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Completed; Assisted with newsletter content Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI-EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR newsletters and website. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. In progress - Marine resilience material has been contributed to EPSCoR newsletters and website. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Assist communication department with relevant content for annual VI- EPSCoR newsletter. This includes providing photographs, essays, quotes, etc. Smith, Holstein, Resilience Post-Doc EPSCoR Newsletter developed Coral Resilience EWFD (WF) Goal WF1. To integrate resilience research themes (i.e. mangrove restoration, coral reef ecosystems, and land-sea interactions) into teacher professional development to improve K-12 student preparation. . Objective WF1.1: To build STEM community dedicated to developing and implementing research-based best practices in teacher development practices and in student learning using environmental resilience research within the local context. . Objective WF1.2: To build long-lasting STEM community partnerships for increase sustainability of the VI-ISERP center Objective WF 1.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 WF 1.1a: Facilitate a series of annual Summer Teacher Workshops open to all K-12 educators in the Territory, intensive professional development on pedagogical best practices, ecosystem resilience curricula, STEM content knowledge, STEM career knowledge, and emergent needs. One meeting held with VIDE to coordinate summer workshops, needs assessment completed with teachers and R2R faculty to identify workshop themes, summer workshops facilitated for 50 educators. Met with VIDE and R2R researchers. Needs assessment completed for Summer Institute with R2R faculty inclusion in offerings. One meeting held with VIDE to coordinate workshops, needs assessment completed with teachers and R2R faculty to identify workshop themes, summer workshops facilitated for 50 educators. Met with VIDE and R2R researchers. Needs assessment completed for Summer Institute with R2R faculty inclusion in offerings. First summer event completed with 89 teacher and administrator participants. One meeting held with VIDE to coordinate workshops, needs assessment completed with teachers and R2R faculty to identify workshop themes, summer workshops facilitated for 50 educators. In Progress; One meeting with VIDE is scheduled tentatively for May 4th to coordinate workshops, needs assessment completed for teachers for Summer Institute. Summer workshop facilitated virtually and in- person on St. Thomas and St. Croix for two weeks with 86 educators. We will be communicating with the R2R faculty in early May for a needs assessment for this summer. One meeting held with VIDE to coordinate workshops, needs assessment completed with teachers and R2R faculty to identify workshop themes, summer workshops facilitated for 50 educators. One meeting held with VIDE to coordinate workshops, needs assessment completed with teachers and R2R faculty to identify workshop themes, summer workshops facilitated for 50 educators. C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills. There will be increases in teacher STEM efficacy and STEM engagement. WF 1.1b: Initiate SI PBL-Certificate program to serve as structure for developing and maintaining enhanced PLCs. Curriculum designed for certificate program. Website created to host description of program and cohort information. Website in process. Certificate program completed with a online/virtual communication plan. Enroll first cohort (N=8) in the certificate program, secure two R2R/UVI faculty engaged in resilience research to mentor PLCs. Two R2R faculty present during Summer Workshops, and listed as mentors for PLCs during the academic year. R2R faculty review curriculum development, provide feedback, and organize one field experiential learning experience for teachers. Cohort teachers design two PBL curricula lesson plans. Three R2R/UVI faculty recruited representing curricula development in mangrove restoration, coral restoration, and agriculture. Some attrition issues with recruited teachers due to increased responsibilities based on COVID-19 district requirements (N=3). Additional recruitment planned with curricula development and review scheduled for 2022 STEM Institute in June. First cohort implements PBL curriculum in K-12 schools. R2R faculty facilitates experiential learning experiences on site with teacher, students, and URM. Second cohort (N=7) repeats Year 2 experience. In Progress; There is a meeting scheduled with the VI EPSCoR informal learning team and teachers on St. Croix for early June to discuss implementation of the marine debris curriculum using a PBL approach. Partner in mangrove restoration presented curriculum and provided teachers with a tour of the mangrove nursery and an opportunity to plant a mangrove at 2022 Summer Institute. A field trip is planned for the Summer Institute in Summer 2023. The team will use the 2023 Summer Institute to recruit additional teachers and to continue to facilitate meetings with master teachers, R2R Researchers and the VI EPSCoR informal learning team. Currently, we have one PBL teacher participant on St. Thomas partnering with a R2R faculty member in the area of agriculture and we have one cross-curriculum team with 4 PBL teacher participants on St. Croix also partnering with a R2R faculty member in agriculture. Over 4000 teacher professional development hours facilitated. Second cohort implements PBL curriculum in K-12 schools. R2R faculty facilitates experiential learning experiences on site with teacher, students, and URM. R2R faculty from first cohort meets with PLC to provide discuss implementation of PBL curriculum and revise as needed for publication in digital repository. One culminating event held. 10 teachers presenting the results of their PBL. C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills. 15 teachers complete the program, four enhanced PLCs formed with 100 students directly impacted. PBL curricula handbook published on SI website, 10 teachers disseminate locally, changes teacher STEM efficacy and engagement and student career interest, manuscript on model for PLC development in USVI setting published. WF 1.1d: Conduct formative evaluation on PD Program Structure. Six virtual workshops conducted during the academic year (pedagogy, online teaching, emergent themes), over 300 hours of PD certificates granted. Assessment and evaluation conducted with an internal report. Completed.Directors for STEM Institute facilitated 10 Teacher Talk Fridays with local teachers to address identified needs from COVID-19 in technology and distance learning pedagogy. Six virtual workshops conducted during the academic year (pedagogy, online teaching, emergent themes), over 300 hours of PD certificates granted. Assessment and evaluation conducted with an internal report. Completed. Director for STEM Institute facilitated 10 Teacher Talk Fridays with local teachers to address identified needs from COVID-19 in technology and distance learning pedagogy. Team facilitated 6 pedagogy focused session for math, science, and art integration. Six virtual workshops conducted during the academic year (pedagogy, online teaching, emergent themes), over 300 hours of PD certificates granted. Assessment and evaluation conducted with an internal report. Director for STEM Institute facilitated 3 Teacher Talk Fridays with local teachers. The team facilitated 3 Virtual Workshops focused on pedagogy, content, and socioemotional well being. The team facilitated two in-person workshop in partnership with InfoSys. In terms of internal assessment, we adjusted themes and offerings based on teacher interest. We plan to conduct an evaluation of our spring offerings in May. Six virtual workshops conducted during the academic year (pedagogy, online teaching, emergent themes), over 300 hours of PD certificates granted. Assessment and evaluation conducted with an internal report. Six virtual workshops conducted during the academic year (pedagogy, online teaching, emergent themes), over 300 hours of PD certificates granted. Assessment and evaluation conducted with an internal report. C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills,. Over 70 certificates granted, increases in STEM content and pedagogical knowledge and TPACK . WF 1.1e: Hire two undergraduate student workers, one for each campus Create contract, job description, outline expectations, advertise positions, hire two students for Year I Summer. Completed. Hired 2 undergraduate research student workers. Hired a graduate student withtravels savings due to COVID-19 to facilitate student training Hire new student workers as needed due to turnover (e.g. students graduating, etc). Loss of 2 undergraduate student workers due to COVID-19 restrictions and international student HR requirements. Retained graduate student researcher. Hired undergraduate student for summer. Hire new student workers as needed due to turnover (e.g. students graduating, etc). Completed; One new undergraduate student worker hired in Summer 2022 for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. The undergraduate student hired in Fall 2022 presented our work at a national conference in January 2023. Currently, we have a job posting for an undergraduate student for Summer 2023. Hire new student workers as needed due to turnover (e.g. students graduating, etc). Hire new student workers as needed due to turnover (e.g. students graduating, etc). C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills. Over 2 undergraduate students hired, trained, and mentored by VI-ISERP staff and faculty. Objective WF 1.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes/Impacts Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 WF1.2a: Initiate SI PBL-Certificate program to serve as structure for developing and maintaining enhanced PLCs. Create protocols for forming community partnerships/begin to foster relationships. Protocol plans started with mentor teachers in alignment with PBL-Certificate program Organize and facilitate training on securing and maintaining community partners, create two new community partnerships. Team training facilitated, team registration with CAISE grant development informational sessions, team participation in CASL pre- conference NSF grant proposal development session (CREA Conference). Facilitated 4 training sessions in partnership with Microsoft, Subsume, Teacher Tech Knowledge, Code.org, and ARMS/ Micro:bit. Established CSTA-USVI through the Computer Science Teacher Association, the 100th Chapter to combat lack of CS- teachers in USVI. Organize and facilitate training on securing and maintaining community partners, create two new community partnerships. In Progress; Facilitated a session on securing and maintaining community partners. We plan to offer additional trainings to our participants. Howard Forbes of VIMAS presented the Water Heros curriculum to teachers at 2022 Summer Institute. We plan to create an additional community partnership this summer. Maintain four community partners. Maintain four community partners. C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills,. Secure 4 letters of collaboration, long-lasting and mutually beneficial community/university/ school partnerships established. WF1.2b: Hire two Master Teachers on four year contract to help mentor teachers in PBL certificate program and to help secure and maintain community partners. Create contract, job description, outline expectations, advertise positions. Completed. Created contract, job description, outline expectations and advertising for position Hire two candidates, one on each island. Two master teachers hired for STT and STX Completed; Two master teachers continue in rolls for STT and STX C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills. 2 Master Teachers hired. WF1.2c: Facilitate culmination event with community partners Design Culmination event. Not started. The disruption of Covid-19 prevented planning. Not started. The disruption of Covid-19 prevented planning. Not started. The disruption of Covid-19 prevented planning. Host culmination event with community partners and local dissemination opportunity for teachers. C. Plyley, N. Monrose Mills. 10 teachers present research products. WF1.2d: Establish a Stakeholder Network. Research the relevant stakeholders within DOE, VIDE, local schools, community STEM organizations, and UVI faculty for inclusion in a VI-ISERP network. Faculty and student offices have been identified and alerted of the stakeholder network. A meeting is planned for Fall 2021. Annual dissemination of Center Newsletter and stakeholder meeting. Newsletter template developed and articles for each component. Centralized based for center materials. Letters of invitation distributed to stakeholders with meeting requests for May 2022. Newsletter distribution will be done June 15th. Annual dissemination of Center Newsletter and stakeholder meeting. In progress; We continue to update our centralized repository with resources and materials for STEM Institute. We will send letters to stakeholders for a meeting request for August 2023. We will distribute a newsletter in August 2023 to showcase our summer institute and overview our school-year offerings. Annual dissemination of Center Newsletter and stakeholder meeting. Annual dissemination of Center Newsletter and stakeholder meeting. Plyley, Monrose Mills, Cummings. 4 Annual newsletters with record of center outputs, Increase in collaborative network with R2R faculty and community partners. Goal WF2: Increase recruitment, retention, and persistence of URM undergraduates in STEM and resilience-related majors, minors, and certificate programs. . Objective WF2.1: Double the number of first year students participating in STEM and resilience-themed experiential learning opportunities that promote an interest and affinity for STEM, from currently 10% to at least 20%. . Objective WF2.2: Provide 10% of sophomore and junior students with deeper, resilience-themed experiential learning opportunities that promote retention and persistence in a STEM major, minor or certificate program; and STEM-related career goals. Objective WF 2.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes/Impacts Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Education and Workforce Development WF2.1a: Develop and implement service learning and resilience focused curricula within freshman-level courses (SCI 100 & SSC 100). Analyze existing quant and qual data from SCI 100 (2018-2020); SSC 100 course development to incorporate service learning & overall social justice theme. Qualitative data from SCI 100 yielded two publications; additional quant/qual analysis during summer of Year 1 identified tracks of resilience-themed experiential learning. SSC 100 course on STT has integrated new modules this year. Summer 2021 meetings identified common themes for projects across the two courses, including disaster preparedness, public health (COVID-19 and healthcare disparities), and climate change impacts and policy. Establish complementary learning outcomes and assessments across SCI 100 / SSC 100. Resilience-themed experiential learning was employed in both SCI 100 and SSC 100 during AY 2021-2022. The number of student participants nearly doubled, from 19 (2020-2021) to 33 (2021-2022), meeting Objective WF2.1. Existing and aspirational student learning outcomes were assessed in March 2022. Utilizing student feedback and analysis of projects during AY 2021-2022, updated learning outcomes will be identified during Summer 2022. One tool being utilized is the AAC&U VALUE rubric on critical thinking, to compare trademarks of this outcome across students who conducted experiential learning projects, versus students pursuing traditional research papers. Data analysis for both SCI 100 & SSC 100 - with focus on retention & persistence of SL participants; dissemination through presentations & publication(s). In Progress; Four presentations involving two faculty (Guannel, Perry) and two previous service learning students (Hunt, Francis) were given at the national level during Year 2; three proposals submitted to support whole-course development around resilience themes (Year 4 goal). Year 3 update: In addition to the previous dissemination, one manuscript has been completed on the topic of service learning and will be revised for submission to a peer-reviewed education journal, in summer of Year 3 (see WF2.2a, below). Two proposals were funded to support experiential learning expansion into English courses (Perry = PI or Co-PI). RTEL projects and course structure were expanded for Year 3. Data analysis to be done in Summer of Year 3. Data analysis for both SCI 100 & SSC 100; draft MSs; identify and apply to external funding for whole- course development around resilience. Data analysis for both SCI 100 & SSC 100; complete publications; secure one source of external funding for whole-course development of resilience themes. Guannel, Jaeger, UVI student researchers, Perry, Clavier. Increase in service learning participation from ~10% freshman students (2018-2020, SCI 100) to 25%, per year; 4 publications or presentations; one source of external funding. WF2.1b: Evaluate the impact of resilience-themed experiential learning on first year students' interest in and affinity for STEM. Develop focus group methodology; recruit student & service partner participants; identify UVI sources of student tracking (Institutional Research). Focus group methodology & recruitment plan was planned for the summer of Year 1 with social science faculty and was delayed due to the unavailability of one team member. Ideas for student tracking were explored during AAC&U Virtual Institute in June 2021. In Year 2, tracking mechanisms were identified in collaboration with UVI's Center for Student Success, using the institution's advising tracking system. Focus group methodology completed for students. Given the increased rigor of the structure for RTEL projects starting in Year 3, focus groups for partners on these enhanced projects will be planned for Years 4 and 5. Run focus groups for students and partners to gather data on outcomes and impacts to date. Focus group questions were drafted in Summer 2021. Implementation has been delayed by the halt on in-person human subjects research. This restriction was just lifted at UVI in March 2022. During Spring 2022, we are utilizing feedback surveys from SCI 100 and SSC 100 students in order to solicit information that will inform the finalization of focus group questions - this work and IRB updates (to include in-person focus groups) is slated for Summer 2022. Year 3 update: First focus groups for students run in Year 3. Preliminary analysis of retention & persistence of SL participants; adapt approaches for Years 4 & 5. In Progress; The methodological design for analysis of retention and persistence will be developed in summer of Year 3. This is due to the first enhanced cohort happening during the 2022-2023 academic year. Continue focus groups; draft MSs; coordinate post-graduation placements of SL / RL participants as part of focus group process. Complete publications. Jaeger, Guannel, Perry. Significant increase in STEM & resilience pathway retention, persistence, and graduation, for SL & RL participants relative to students who did not participate in these programs; identification of barriers and opportunities for students to take these pathways; 2 publications. Objective WF 2.2 Specific milestones Person(s) responsible Outcomes/impacts Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Progress WF2.2a: Develop and implement a (sustainable) Resilience Leaders program . Investigate structures for resilience leaders program (UVI Center for Resiliency and Sustainability, certificate program, Center for Student Success, internships/senior seminars); ID goals for job placement of RL program (% students placed after graduation; breadth of employers/schools). Discussion has started regarding RL program structures and will be continued during summer of Year 1. Current focus is on new interdisciplinary degrees at UVI, within which the other components can be added. RL program goals will be drafted during summer of Year 1. Update for YEar 3: SL (RTEL) projects and first-year student support was our focus during Years 1-3, due to high needs of students during and after the pandemic. The team observes leadership development among students who work or do research with SCI 100 and we will revisit our definitions and approaches to the RL program, in Years 3-4. Recruit former SL participants for resilience- related internships as pilot approach for upper-level students; choose & pursue one of options to institutionalize RL program. Four former SL participants recruited to co-author peer-reviewed book chapter due August 2022. Resilience Leaders pathways identified through new Physics concentration in Engineering (two courses on Islands Systems Resilience that Guannel will assess starting Spring 2023; focus of BCSER proposal submitted March 2022). Involvement of ten undergraduate student instructors and researchers identified as fulfilling Resilience Leader goals. Integrate larger cohort of students into an informal resilience leaders (RL) program; write-up of RL creation process; identify and apply to external funding sources for RL program. In Progress; Manuscript led by student/alum authors is being revised for a peer-reviewed education journal. RL development is seen among UVI student employees and researchers, rather than previously envisioned certificate program. BCSER proposal, to scaffold funding for RL program, was declined and may not be most appropriate funding source for sustainable funding. Additional funding sources to be explored in Years 3-4. RL development likely needs to be scaled back because we are focusing on first-year student support (through RTEL projects and enhanced resilience themes in two first-year courses). First-years demonstrate high need for support due to pandemic and its aftereffects - therefore, we believe that retention and persistence will be supported by a focus on these vulnerable first-year students. RL development for UVI student employees, researchers, and leaders will be drafted during summer Year 3. Formal integration of RL program into UVI curriculum; continue applications for external funding for RL. Summative assessment of creation of RL program process (MS, proposals); placements of SL / RL students into resilience-related jobs, graduate schooling, internships outside (and inside) UVI . Guannel, Jaeger, Perry, Clavier. Established program for Resilience Leaders at UVI; 2 external proposals funded; 1 paper submitted on RL program development. WF2.1b: Assess the impact of participation in the RL program on student retention, persistence, and career goals. Utilize Institutional Research data and focus groups to quantitatively and qualitatively assess impacts of RL program on students' academic pathways, retention, and persistence. Focus groups have begun for the RTEL students in SCI 100 and SSC 100. We consider academic year 2022-2023 as first year of RTEL cohort. This means that the RL program, based on new RTEL students, would be offset into starting in Years 4 and 5. However, we will work on defining other trends we see in informal RL development (in aforementioned UVI student employees and researchers). Utilize Institutional Research data and focus groups to quantitatively and qualitatively assess impacts of RL program on students' academic pathways, retention, and persistence. Summative assessment of retention, persistence, and job placement will be conducted during Years 4 and 5. Goal WF3: To support student/ faculty research infrastructure via support for pre and in-service STEM workforce, with the goal to increase STEM career interest, skills, and retention. .Objective WF3.1: To develop mechanisms of support and development for STEM students (undergraduate and graduate) for career skill development, research productivity, and retention. .Objective WF3.2: To develop mechanisms of support and development for early-career STEM faculty for career skill development, research productivity, and retention. Objective WF 3.1 Specific Milestones Responsible parties Outcomes/Impacts Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 WF3.1a: Support Faculty Mentoring Training/Mentoring Workshops. Completion of Professional Mentor Training by 2 UVI Faculty. Two faculty have been recruited for training through the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to be completed by Fall 2021. - Completion of Professional Mentor Training by 2 UVI Faculty. -Facilitation of 1 Mentoring Workshop by Trained Facilitators. Intra and inter institutional supports- Partnering in new grant to extend mentoring training to Mentors. Completed 2 faculty mentoring trainings with ECS and developed partnerships for faculty mentoring development for U-RISE proposal and the RII BEC proposal. Facilitation of 2 Mentoring Workshop by Trained Facilitators In Progress; In Fall 2022, the facilitator conducted one training for mentors on the Compact Resource Talk for the NIH Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (RISE) Mentor Meeting. In Summer 2023, the facilitator will conduct a mentor training for faculty involved with the Emerging Caribbean Scientists Program. Facilitation of 2 Mentoring Workshop by Trained Facilitators Facilitation of 2 Mentoring Workshop by Trained Facilitators McSween and Cummings. - Increase in the number of certified mentors to extend vetted training to more faculty on campus. - Establishment of a stronger mentoring culture on the UVI Campus. - Increase in the number of professional development opportunities for faculty WF3.1b: Promote use of Undergraduate Student Mentoring Individual Development Plans (IDPs). Completed review of student IDP/compact resources Adoption of IDP/ compact. The IDP/compacts have been reviewed and will be adopted within the summer research program as pilot. -STEM faculty trained on use and implementation of IDP/compact. -Initial launch of IDP/compact with STEM student mentees by mentors completed/ End-of-year assessment conducted. - Initial Launch of End-of Semester Surveys with STEM student mentees conducted Training of faculty completed for IDP/ compact, Initial launch of IDP done with ECS student during summer training. No end of year assessments completed due to COVID-19 shift in academic offerings and format. -Increased mentor use of IDP/ compact with STEM mentees by 20%/ End-of-year assessment conducted. -End-of Semester Surveys with STEM student mentees conducted Completed; Post-survey conducted with STEM student mentees on the use of IDPs found an increase in student-use following the training. In partnership with RISE, there was an exit survey for student mentees with questions on IDP use and compact use. Initially, three to four students were using the IDP and one to two students were using the compact so the increase greatly exceeds 20%. -Increased mentor use of IDP/ compact with STEM mentees by 10%/ End-of-year assessment conducted. -End-of Semester Surveys with STEM student mentees conducted. - Increased mentor use of IDP/ compact with STEM mentees by 10%/ End-of-year assessment conducted. -End-of Semester Surveys with STEM student mentees conducted McSween and Cummings -Increased standardization of STEM student mentoring practice at UVI. -Increased participation of UVI mentors in mentoring best practices. - Consistent tracking of student matriculation, retention, and STEM skill development. WF3.1c: Promote R2R research exposure and the use of STEM skills within an education context through an undergraduate practicum program. -Establish partnership with local schools for practicum site development and develop student selection and supervision protocol. - Recruit VI-ISERP teachers with R2R focused PBLs for student integration. The Covid-19 shifts limited schools capacity to engage in novel partnerships. VI-ISERP teachers will be approached during the STEM institute for participation in Spring 2022. Fill 2 practicum slots with VI-ISERP teachers. Provide training to teachers on mentoring protocol for students. The Covid-19 shifts limited schools capacity to engage in novel partnerships. VI-ISERP teachers will be approached during the STEM institute for participation in Spring 2022. Fill 5 practicum slots with VI-ISERP teachers. Provide training to teachers on mentoring protocol for students. We have identified two practicum teachers but we still need to identify the five practicum students. The two practicum teachers are working on their PBL and we have plans for their training. Fill 7 practicum slots with VI-ISERP teachers. Provide training to teachers on mentoring protocol for students. Fill 10 practicum slots with VI-ISERP teachers. Provide training to teachers on mentoring protocol for students. Cummings, Monrose-Mills, Plyley. School practicum sites established where UG students can use STEM skill in the classroom. Education and Workforce Development WF3.1d: Develop a Graduate Student Professional Development Plan (PDP)/ Listserv. -Best practices in PDP development researched/ PDP form designed and launched in Spring 2022. -Increased STEM graduate student use of PDPs by 20%. -Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for Grad Students launched. A PDP form was developed. Meetings are scheduled for Fall 2021 with graduate programs for support of adoption. A platform (group) has been developed to engage students and share resources. -Increased STEM graduate student use of PDPs by 10%. -Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for Grad Students maintained PEER Program, Slack Network Listserv, Instead of formal launch of PDP, focused on mentoring graduate students in educational research pursuits. Voices of Women in STEM (VOWS) maintained through 2 semesters with noted accomplishments in grant and publication development. -Increased STEM graduate student use of PDPs by 10%. -Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for Grad Students maintained Completed; Slack Network Listserv, Instead of formal launch of PDP, focused on mentoring graduate students in educational research pursuits. Voices of Women in STEM (VOWS) maintained through 5 semesters with noted accomplishments in grant and publication development. includes multiple graduate students. We have officially worked with one graduate student with a modified mentoring program, The graduate mentoring program has additional funding and support through NSF RII-BEC: Securing STEM Island Pathways in partnership with the SEAS Island Alliance to promote workforce development. -Increased STEM graduate student use of PDPs by 10%. -Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for Grad Students maintained -Increased STEM graduate student use of PDPs by 10%. -Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for Grad Students maintained McSween and Cummings - Increased standardization of graduate student professional skill development/ tracking at UVI. -Increased use of professional development tools by UVI graduate students. -Increased accessibility to Professional Development opportunities for grad students at UVI WF3.1e: Establish an Integrative Student Support Network. Support network at UVI of services for STEM student retention and success identified. Initial invitations have been issued to relevant offices on UVI Campus. A meeting is being organized in Fall 2021 to formalize partnerships and goals of the network. Annual Stakeholder meeting for Integrative Student Support Network facilitated. Sent out call to identified stakeholders for participation in Stakeholder network, Met with Dean of Innovation to collaborate on committee facilitation. Annual Stakeholder meeting for Integrative Student Support Network facilitated. Completed; Sent out call to identified stakeholders for participation in Stakeholder network. The meeting is scheduled for May 2023. Annual Stakeholder meeting for Integrative Student Support Network facilitated. Annual Stakeholder meeting for Integrative Student Support Network facilitated. McSween and Cummings Creation of network to foster STEM Student Success and EWFD sustainability. Objective WF 3.2 Specific Milestones Responsible parties Outcomes/Impacts Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 WF3.2a: Support of Early Career STEM Faculty. - Development of annual tracking plan for early career STEM faculty. - Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for STEM Faculty launched. A platform (group) has been developed to engage early career faculty and share resources. - Annual compilation of Tracking data completed. - Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for STEM Faculty maintained. Launched Slack Network Listserv with opportunities and access to broader research community. Social media and slack network analytics shared in reverse site visit. Slack network actively maintained.Tracking structures reworked for students and professionals. - Annual compilation of Tracking data completed. - Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for STEM Faculty maintained. Completed; Continued Slack Network Listserv with opportunities and access to broader research community. Social media and slack network analytics shared in reverse site visit. Slack network actively maintained.Tracking structures reworked for students and professionals. Preliminary results from VOWs post-survey shows increased productivity through participation in the weekly writing sessions. - Annual compilation of Tracking data completed. - Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for STEM Faculty maintained. - Annual compilation of Tracking data completed. - Listserv of Professional Development services and resources for STEM Faculty maintained. McSween and Cummings - Consistent tracking of Early Career retention and use of mentoring structures. -Increased access to Professional Development opportunities. WF3.2b: Support Educational Research among Early Career STEM Faculty. Mini-grant RFP for the initial mini-grant recipients released and formation of application review committee. Partnering with the PEERS Schools our of Rochester Technical Institute, support has been established for application development for faculty doing Education Research. An initial RFP is being drafted now. 2 x $2000 mini-grant to faculty with focus on applied Educational Research funded/ Mini- grant RFP for Year 3 mini-grant recipients released. Launched Mini-grants call for Proposals with a proposal due date for Feb 28th. Review committee formed with R2R researcher, UVI faculty and team members. Mini-grant reviewed and awarded to 1 graduate student and 1 faculty member. 2 x $2000 mini-grant to faculty with focus on applied Educational Research funded/ Mini-grant RFP for Year 4 mini-grant recipients released. Completed; The first mini-grant cycle is complete and the second RFP was posted in Spring 2023 and we have three applicants this year for review. - 2 x $2000 mini-grant to faculty with focus on applied Educational Research funded. -Completed participation of Early career faculty session for publications or proposals. Completed participation of Early career faculty in Writing Institute: 1 week session for publications or proposals McSween and Cummings -Increased faculty research productivity. -Increased faculty participation in professional development opportunities, Increased faculty publications and proposals. Education and Workforce Development Informal Learning (IL) Goal IL1: Increase and sustain the reach of the Informal Learning team throughout the Territory. · Objective IL1.1: Re-establish IL team on the island of St.Croix. · Objective IL1.2: Equal distribution of engagement between St. Thomas and St. John. Objective IL1.3: Increase support staff or personnel to aid in outreach and/or citizen science efforts. Objective IL1.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes IL1.1a: Hire Community Engagement Specialist for St. Croix district. Community Engagement Specialist (CES) will be hired for STX district. STX CES will be trained and familiarized with goals and objectives for Informal Learning.and R2R. No progress made due to funding restrictions. STX CES will coordinate and participate in 2 outreach initiatives in the STT/STJ district and coordinate a minimum of 2 outreach initiatives in STX district. They will also identify and meet with a minimum of 2 new, or existing, partners and/or stakeholders relevant to the STX district. Completed; A STX Community Engagement Specialist was hired and has participated in 4 outreach events. This CES has also identified and met with at least 5 existing/new partners. STX CES will Identify and meet with 2 new partners and stakeholders relevant to the STX district and coordinate 2 outreach or science communication events representative of the particular geographic, cultural and community characteristics of the STX district. STX CES has identified and met with 2 partners/stakeholders and has worked with the STT/STJ CES to coordinate 4 community outreach events across both districts. STX CES will Identify and meet with 2 new partners and stakeholders relevant to the STX district and coordinate 2 outreach or science communication events. STX CES will Identify and meet with 2 new partners and stakeholders relevant to the STX district and coordinate 2 outreach or science communication events. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire. Community Engagement Specialist is trained will be trained for the island of St. Croix, thus increasing Informal Learning team's presence and impact throughout the Territory. IL.1.1b: Creation of IL orientation and training resources. Create a comprehensive orientation document detailing everything pertaining to Informal Learning. Creation of this document has been started but it is not yet complete. Add or change details to training guide as necessary. Completed; This guide has been created and is updated regularly by IL staff to include all new partnerships/ collaborations, resources and personnel. Add or change details to training guide as necessary. This guide is undergoing regular updates from the IL team. Add or change details to training guide as necessary. Add or change details to training guide as necessary. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire IA will have a living, growing document that details all pertinent information needed to gain a full understanding of the goals and objectives of R2R and the Informal Learning team. This will also serve as a valuable resource for current and incoming full-time, part-time and volunteer personnel for Informal Learning. Objective IL1.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL1.2a: Equal distribution of STT/STJ engagement. Identify and engage partners, stakeholders who will support activities and initiatives of IL. IL has begun identifying potential partners, but no engagement has occurred yet. Coordinate a minimum of 3 outreach and/or citizen science initiatives across the territory, one on each island, STT, STX and STJ. Completed; IL has coordinated/ participated in more than 10 outreach and/or citizen science initiatives across the Territory. Coordinate a minimum of 3 outreach and/or citizen science initiatives across the territory, one on each island, STT, STX and STJ. The STX CES has participated in at least 1 initiative on each island. Coordinate a minimum of 3 outreach and/or citizen science initiatives across the territory, one on each island, STT, STX and STJ. Coordinate a minimum of 3 outreach and/or citizen science initiatives across the territory, one on each island, STT, STX and STJ. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire Outreach throughout the territory will create a greater affinity to science through citizen science activities. Objective IL1.3 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL1.3a: Community Partner Recruitment. Identify groups,organizations and funding sources necessary for hiring and/or recruitment of support personnel. IL has identified 3 potential groups and/ or funding sources to support recruitment of support personnel. Secure funding for 1 part-time graduate or undergraduate student in each district, in addition to recruiting 2 Volunteer groups for outreach and/or citizen science activities. In Progress; IL has hired one graduate student to serve as an outreach assistant for the STT/STJ district. An outreach assistant has not yet been identified and hired for the STX district. 2 volunteer groups have been recruited for outreach and/or citizen science events. Secure funding for 1 part-time graduate or undergraduate student in each district, in addition to recruiting 2 Volunteer groups for outreach and/ or citizen science activities. IL is in the progress of identifying funding for part-time students in each district. At least 5 volunteer groups have assisted IL and its partners with community outreach events. Secure funding for 2 part-time graduate or undergraduate student in each district, in addition to recruiting 2 Volunteer groups for outreach and/ or citizen science activities. Secure funding for 2 part-time graduate or undergraduate student in each district, in addition to recruiting 2 Volunteer groups for outreach and/or citizen science activities. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire This will help develop a consistent and dependable support base for the Informal Learning activities and initiatives. Goal IL2: Diversify range of topics presented in informal education and outreach initiatives. · Objective IL2. 1: Collaborate and communicate closely with R2R researchers. · Objective IL2.2: Partner with community-based groups and/or organizations whose goals and actions fall in line with, and can support/benefit from, R2R outreach and research. Objective IL2.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes IL2.1a: Researcher collaboration and communication. Coordinate meetings with each R2R research theme. The meetings will help to: 1) Improve IL's understanding of R2R research goals and objectives, 2) Effectively align outreach and dissemination efforts with R2R research and secure researcher involvement and, 3) Improve communication/relationship between R2R research faculty and IL team. IL has begun doing this with several R2R research components. Collaborate with research team to coordinate 1 outreach and/or citizen science initiative for each R2R theme. In Progress; IL has collaborated with 4 R2R research leads to coordinate outreach and/or citizen initiatives in the realms of Watersheds and Land Use, Mangroves and Marine Debris, Coral Restoration, and Shoreline Erosion. Collaborate with research team to coordinate 1 outreach and/or citizen science initiative for each R2R theme. IL has worked with researchers/ research staff from each major R2R theme for the purposes of coordinating community outreach and citizen science activities. Collaborate with research team to coordinate 1 outreach and/or citizen science initiative for each R2R theme. Collaborate with research team to coordinate 1 outreach and/or citizen science initiative for each R2R theme. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis,STX CES hire All major R2R research components are adequately highlighted and represented in outreach and disseminations efforts, supporting the benefits of R2R research and increasing community involvement. IL2.1b Outreach menu. Create a comprehensive document that outlines outreach opportunities by type and date, to secure researcher involvement. Creation of this document has begun but it is not yet complete. At the beginning of each year, recirculate the document to give researchers a chance to secure their involvement for that academic year period. In Progress; This has not yet happened as creation of the document is still in progress. At the beginning of each year, recirculate the document to give researchers a chance to secure their involvement for that academic year period. This has not yet happened as creation of the document is still in progress. At the beginning of each year, recirculate the document to give researchers a chance to secure their involvement for that academic year period. At the beginning of each year, recirculate the document to give researchers a chance to secure their involvement for that academic year period. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire This documents will help with the planning and outreach activities for the year. Objective IL2.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL2.2a: Engage community groups. Meet and form partnerships with, a minimum of 1 organization and/or community group(s) whose work aligns with R2R research and/or dissemination efforts. We have formed one new partnership with World Oceans School, with the goal of further engaging University Bound students in the geosciences. Meet and form partnerships with, a minimum of 2 organizations and/or community group(s) whose work aligns with R2R research and/or dissemination efforts. Completed; IL has formed partnerships with 7 organizations and/ or community groups. Each of these partnerships has led to the creation of several innovative STEM enrichment initiatives. Meet and form partnerships with, a minimum of 2 organization and/or community group(s) whose work aligns with R2R research and/or dissemination efforts. IL has met and worked with a minimum of 5 community groups/ organizations whose work aligns with R2R research and dissemination efforts. Meet and form partnerships with, a minimum of 2 organization and/or community group(s) whose work aligns with R2R research and/or dissemination efforts. Meet and form partnerships with, a minimum of 3 organization and/ or community group(s) whose work aligns with R2R research and/or dissemination efforts. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire Partnerships and/or collaborative efforts created with community groups/organizations that compliment R2R research and goals. Goal IL3: Promote and guide k-12 URM students into the Geosciences and broader STEM pipeline to build a local STEM workforce. · Objective IL3.1: Increase and promote STEM enrichment and exposure opportunities for k-12 students. · Objective IL3.2: Support existing STEM enrichment and/or professional development initiatives through new and existing partnerships. Objective IL3.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL3.1a: Exposure and Engagement. Conduct 2 STEM/environmental science-focused outreach activities. 50 k-12 students engaged. We've participated in two virtual "Science Saturday" events focused on R2R research. We have also coordinated one Ag-based STEM activity for University Bound students. Both initiatives combined reached a total of approximately 1,300 residents with over 100 of these being k-12 students. Conduct 4 STEM/environmental science-focused outreach activities. 100 k-12 students engaged. Completed; IL has conducted/ participated in 12 STEM/ environmental science-focused outreach activities that engaged k-12 students. A total of 755 k-12 students have been engaged. Conduct 6 STEM/environmental science-focused outreach activities. 200 k-12 students engaged. IL has conducted and/or participated in more than 15 STEM/ Environmental science-focused activities that engaged over 500 k-12 students across the Territory. Conduct 6 STEM/environmental science-focused outreach activities. 200 k-12 students engaged Conduct 6 STEM/environmental science-focused outreach activities. 200 k-12 students engaged. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire. Increased knowledge of, exposure to, as well as interest and affinity for Geoscience, and other STEM fields, in local k-12 students. Objective IL3.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Informal Learning IL3.2a: STEM Support. Support 1 STEM enrichment or professional development initiative for k-12 students and/or educators. IL provided funding support towards SCUBA certifications for 10 students of the Youth Ocean Explorers program. Support 2 STEM enrichment or professional development initiatives for k-12 students and/or educators. Completed; IL has provided funding support towards SCUBA certifications for 10 youth ocean explorer students, and 5 University Bound students. IL has also begun 1 STEM enrichment initiative geared towards public school STEM educators. Support 2 STEM enrichment or professional development initiatives for k-12 students and/or educators. IL continues to support professional development opportunities 3 professional development initiatives geared towards the k-12 audience. Support 2 STEM enrichment or professional development initiatives for k-12 students and/or educators. Support 2 STEM enrichment or professional development initiatives for k-12 students and/or educators. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire Provide support that leads to increased reach and sustainability for existing Geoscience, and other STEM -based, enrichment and/or professional development programs. Goal IL4: Work toward becoming recognized Hub of information and resources for STEM and environmental education, awareness and sustainability in largely underserved communities. · Objective IL4.1: Become a resource locally and nationally for culturally relevant research that can benefit and assist other universities, stakeholder and partners. · Objective IL4.2 Identify avenues through which the IL team can effectively share the current and ongoing work that has been done ( "share our story"). Objective IL4.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL4.1a: Increase collaborations locally and nationally to share information. Identify partnerships and collaborations with other Universities and organizations who can benefit from R2R research. These partnerships include existing relationships that UVI has regionally and nationally. No progress made. Working in conjunction with the communications coordinator, research updates will be disseminated to partners and collaborators One webinar will be held with partners to discuss ideas and shared resources. In progress; IL has worked with the communications specialist to disseminate R2R newsletters to partners and collaborators throughout the Territory. Working in conjunction with the communications coordinator, research updates will be disseminated to partners and collaborators One webinar will be held with partners to discuss ideas and shared resources. IL has worked closely with the communications component on the dissemination of R2R newsletters and promotional material, as well as providing insight on R2R website and social media content. No webinar has been held for partners and collaborators. Working in conjunction with the communications coordinator, research updates will be disseminated to partners and collaborators One webinar will be held with partners to discuss ideas and shared resources. Working in conjunction with the communications coordinator, research updates will be disseminated to partners and collaborators One webinar will be held with partners to discuss ideas and shared resources. Liza Margolis, Jarvon Stout, STX CES hire Through communication and collaboration efforts, VI-EPScOR R2R research will be acknowledged and utilized to assist partners and other jurisdictions in their research. Objective IL4.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL4.2a: Share our story. Multiple avenues (conference, workshop, webinar, publication) identified through which IL can share products/disseminate information on R2R research and outreach initiatives. We have begun identifying workshops and/or conferences through which we can share our work. Information/products will be shared via 1 workshop, webinar, conference or peer-reviewed publication. Completed; IL gave two presentations on the role of informal learning in sustaining the STEM Pipeline, and University Bound STEM enrichment. These presentations were for Rotary, and the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, respectively. Information/products will be shared via 1 workshop, webinar, conference or peer-reviewed publication. IL has participated, and presented, in a total of 3 conferences (to include the annual and national EPSCoR conferences) as well as shared R2R content in an online based virtual workshop hosted by UVI personnel and SUBSUME. Information/products will be shared via 1 workshop, webinar, conference or peer-reviewed publication. Information/products will be shared via 1 workshop, webinar, conference or peer-reviewed publication. Liza Margolis, Jarvon Stout, STX CES hire. Effective, widespread dissemination of information and products that detail the work done through R2R will create local and national awareness. IL4.2b: Cross-jurisdiction engagement. Strengthen and increase communication and engagement with EOD and IL groups from other EPSCoR jurisdictions as well as EOD Council. IL has participated in monthly EPSCoR- EOD council meetings. Strengthen and increase communication and engagement with EOD and IL groups from other EPSCoR jurisdictions as well as EOD Council. Completed; IL's STT/STJ Community Engagement Specialist has remained a member of the national EPSCoR EODC Council. Strengthen and increase communication and engagement with EOD and IL groups from other EPSCoR jurisdictions as well as EOD Council. IL has created connections and potential partnerships with several EPSCoR jurisdictions for the purpose of co-created content, and has maintained relationships with the EOD Council. Strengthen and increase communication and engagement with EOD and IL groups from other EPSCoR jurisdictions as well as EOD Council. Strengthen and increase communication and engagement with EOD and IL groups from other EPSCoR jurisdictions as well as EOD Council. Liza Margolis, Jarvon Stout, STX CES hire. Increased communication and collaboration with other Education, Outreach, Diversity, and Informal Learning teams will increase the capacity of our work and programs. Goal IL5: Build new and improved-upon existing connections and lines of communication to better reach and understand target audiences. · Objective IL5.1: Creation and utilization of culturally responsive assessment tools and surveys. Objective IL5.1 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes IL5.1a: Research and gain a better understanding of the different underserved community groups and what outreach initiatives would be best to reach them. Identify and establish long-term relationships with community leaders or representatives for previously unengaged audiences (faith-based, non- English speaking, differently- abled etc.). Co-create culturally responsive survey disseminated via the identified community leaders. We have met, and begun planning potential future collaborations with, an organization that serves the differently- abled and neuro-diverse community on the island of St. Thomas. A co-created culturally responsive survey has not yet been created. Engage 2 underserved community groups through R2R-focused outreach. Disseminate surveys to gauge efficacy and impact of outreach methods with underserved audiences. IL has begun working on initiatives geared towards both the neurodiverse/differently-abled and non-english speakers. Surveys have not yet been created. Engage 2 underserved community groups through R2R-focused outreach. Disseminate surveys to gauge efficacy and impact of outreach methods with underserved audiences. IL and partners have engaged 2 underserved community groups with efforts underway to engage the deaf and neurodiverse community groups. IL also continues to work with Data Specialists to fine tune assessment tools geared towards these underserved groups. Engage 2 underserved community groups through R2R-focused outreach. Disseminate surveys to gauge efficacy and impact of outreach methods with underserved audiences. Engage 2 underserved community groups through R2R-focused outreach. Disseminate surveys to gauge efficacy and impact of outreach methods with underserved audiences. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire. Informal Learning team will be better equipped to effectively engage, educate and include the various community groups and sectors within the USVI territory. Goal IL6: Build self-sufficiency and innovation within IL team and its efforts. · Objective IL6.1: Pursue funding that puts IL team in a position to be more independent in building out and promoting its initiatives. · Objective IL6.2: Through partnerships and collaborations, sourcing and/or developing tools that innovate both physical and virtual education and outreach efforts. Objective IL6.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL6.1a: Funding. Successfully submit for AISL grant. Identify and cultivate 1-2 funding sources. IL, alongside FL successfully submitted an AISL proposal. IL has begun identifying outside funding sources for its initiatives. One of these potential funding sources has been engaged. Identify and cultivate 2-3 funding sources. IL has engaged, and received funding from 2 community and government funding sources. Identify and cultivate 2-3 funding sources. This is still in progress. Identify and cultivate 2-3 funding sources. Identify and cultivate 2-3 funding sources. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire. Informal Learning team pursues, and acquires, funding that put it in a position to be more independent in growing, improving and promoting its initiatives. Objective IL6.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 IL6.2a: Acquisition of tools and resources. Conduct research on viable, innovative outreach tools and strategies. We have begun looking into, and purchasing, resources that will allow us to incorporate kit-based and virtual outreach going forward. Create or obtain 2 new outreach tools/ resources that can be adapted for the IL team's outreach initiatives/activities. IL has purchased the tools necessary for, as well as made progress in, 3D printing, virtual reality and augmented reality. IL has also begun the creation of locally relevant outreach tools. Create or obtain 2 new outreach tools/resources that can be adapted for the IL team's outreach initiatives/ activities. IL has identified and obtained at least 4 scientific tools and resources that have greatly improved its STEM education programs. Create or obtain 2 new outreach tools/resources that can be adapted for the IL team's outreach initiatives/ activities. Create or obtain 2 new outreach tools/resources that can be adapted for the IL team's outreach initiatives/activities. Jarvon Stout, Liza Margolis, STX CES hire. Informal Learning team creates or obtains resources that help to innovate and improve outreach, science communication and citizen science efforts. Informal Learning Communications and Dissemination (CD) Goal CD 1: Inform stakeholders and community of R2R Project research and educational goals and progress made toward achieving those goals · Objective CD1.1: Update website viepscor.org · Objective CD1.2: Generate social media content · Objective CD1.3: Write blog posts · Objective CD1.4: Create videos for YouTube Channel · Objective CD1.5: Photo essay series Objective CD1.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 CD1.1a: Update website viepscor.org Overhaul viepscor.org site to reflect new R2R Project team, goals and objectives. Website is nearly complete and will soon be ready for final editing. Review and update site with area leads twice per year. Updates and additions have been made to the Mangrove and Informal Learning sections. For clarity, "About EPSCoR" and "About R2R" sections have been added/updated. In addition, the "Funding Overview" and "Mare Nostrum Archive" have been updated. Mangrove 360 has been added to the website. WFD trainings and activities are posted as needed. Researchers are encouraged at monthly meetings to use the website as a resource and contact Communications with updates. Review and update site with area leads twice per year. Completed; The website viepscor.org is currently undergoing a major redesign and upgrade to take advantage of new features as well as to bring the content current with Project goals and achievements. In addition, a "Members Area" has been made available to research leads. Members Areas allow for privileged password protected content. This feature is still being explored and in development. "About Marine Debris in the USVI" has been added and The USVI Marine Debris Action Plan and the USVI Marine Debris Curriculum are available for download. The new R2R Infographic is also now available on the site. Review and update site with area leads twice per year Review and update site with area leads twice per year. E Bryan, Administration, Research/Project Leads. Viepscor.org reflects project goals and team accomplishments. As a result, community and stakeholders are given a place to gather information about the grant, its accomplishments and activities. Objective CD1.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD1.2a: Generate social media content Post R2R research relevant content to social media outlets, a minimum of once per week. Social media postings have been consistently generated. We expect to increase postings once the updated website is published. Post R2R research relevant content to social media outlets, a minimum of once per week. This goal is on track, and on most weeks is exceeded. Post R2R research relevant content to social media outlets, a minimum of once per week. Completed; This goal is ongoing and exceed weekly. Post R2R research relevant content to social media outlets, a minimum of once per week. Post R2R research relevant content to social media outlets, a minimum of once per week. E Bryan, Communications. Community is informed of Project accomplishments, opportunities and activities resulting in greater community awareness and understanding of the Project and opportunities to engage. Objective CD1.3 Specific milestones Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties CD1.3a: Write blog posts Write 3 blog posts reflecting R2R Project activities and/or accomplishments. Year 1 focus has been on writing the website and newsletter. Upon publishing of these items blog posts will follow to promote and expound upon the content found in those publications. Write 3 blog posts reflecting R2R Project activities and/or accomplishments. The blog posts have been delayed due to other communication work. One blog post will be completed by June 1, 2022. Write 3 blog posts reflecting R2R Project activities and/or accomplishments. In progress; What you need to know about Oceanography in the USVI was published to the blog on July 29, 2022. Additional blog posts have been delayed due to other communication work. Write 3 blog posts reflecting R2R Project activities and/or accomplishments. Write 3 blog posts reflecting R2R Project activities and/or accomplishments. E Bryan, Research/Project Leads. Community is informed of project accomplishments and activities resulting in greater community awareness and understanding of the project. Objective CD1.4 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD1.4a: Create informative videos for YouTube Channel Work in partnership with videographer to create one video for YouTube channel. This goal is on track and in development. Work in partnership with videographer to create one video for YouTube channel. Completed; The video "VI-EPSCoR Ridge to Reef Grant Update" was published to YouTube. Two additional videos are in production and are very nearly complete. Work in partnership with videographer to create one video for YouTube channel. Work in partnership with videographer to create one video for YouTube channel. E Bryan, Videographer Consultant, Research/Project Leads. This series of videos will reflect Project goals in a fun and accessible way resulting in greater community awareness and understanding of the project. Objective CD1.5 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD1.5a: Write and work in partnership with photographer to create a photo essay series reflecting project goals. Engage a photographer to co- create one photo essay reflecting R2R project goals. Publish the essays on the blog and promote on social media. Discussions are underway with a photographer/videographer to accomplish this goal. Dan Mele has been hired part-time to assist with photography and videography of R2R activities. With his partnership, progress is being made toward this goal. E Bryan, Photographer Consultant, Research/Project Leads. The photo essays will help inform the community of Project goals in a visually compelling way resulting in greater understanding of and appreciation for the Project and the science behind it. Goal CD2: Produce a biannual VI EPSCoR Newsletter for broad audiences. · Objective 2.1: Produce two newsletters per year. Objective CD2.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD2.1a: Produce newsletter reflecting Project accomplishments, activities and goals Write and publish a newsletter in Spring/Summer 2021. Newsletter is written and in final review before publishing. Write and publish two newsletters, one Fall/Winter and one Spring/ Summer. Spring 2022 newsletter issue completed and posted on the VI- EPSCoR website. Printed copies are in the works. Write and publish two newsletters, one Fall/Winter and one Spring/ Summer. In progress; A Spring 2023 newsletter focused on restoration is currently being crafted. A fall 2022 issue has been delayed due to other Communication assignments. Write and publish two newsletters, one Fall/Winter and one Spring/ Summer. Write and publish two newsletters, one Fall/Winter and one Spring/ Summer. E Bryan, Administration, Research/Project Leads. Newsletters will be distributed digitally as well as in print. It will be distributed across all three US Virgin Islands, mailed to UVI Alumni and donors and EPSCoR jurisdictions. Goal CD 3: Support R2R project team’s promotional needs. · Objective CD3.1: Create flyers, social media posts and other promotional materials as needed to promote events and activities (i.e.: Reef Fest and Teacher Workshops). · Objective CD3.2: Create various branded support materials for VI-EPSCoR project as a whole (i.e.: project flyers, visual aids, signage, etc). · Objective CD3.3: Continued support of team researchers visual needs. Objective CD3.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD3.1a: Create flyers, social media posts and other promotional materials as needed to promote events and activities. VI-EPSCoR events are branded to ensure high-level, professional representation. Create promotional materials (flyers, posters, cards, t-shirts, social media posts, etc.) as needed to advertise VI-EPSCoR events. Some (not all) of these events include Reef Fest, STEM Teacher Workshops and Annual Conference. Flyers, and social media posts have been generated in Year 1. A logo for VI ISERP has been finalized. Create promotional materials (flyers, posters, cards, t-shirts, social media posts, etc.) as needed to advertise VI-EPSCoR events. Some (not all) of these events include Reef Fest, STEM Teacher Workshops and Annual Conference. Promotional materials have been created as needed and posted on the VI-EPSCoR website as well as shared through social media. Create promotional materials (flyers, posters, cards, t-shirts, social media posts, etc.) as needed to advertise VI-EPSCoR events. Some (not all) of these events include Reef Fest, STEM Teacher Workshops and Annual Conference. Completed; Promotional materials have been created as needed and posted to the VI-EPSCoR website as well as shared on social media. The Annual Conference was heavily promoted socially and resources hosted on the website. Create promotional materials (flyers, posters, cards, t-shirts, social media posts, etc.) as needed to advertise VI-EPSCoR events. Some (not all) of these events include Reef Fest, STEM Teacher Workshops and Annual Conference. Create promotional materials (flyers, posters, cards, t-shirts, social media posts, etc.) as needed to advertise VI-EPSCoR events. Some (not all) of these events include Reef Fest, STEM Teacher Workshops and Annual Conference. E Bryan, Administration, Research/Project Leads. Professional, branded, high- end, quality promotion of VI- EPSCoR activities is offered to the community resulting in recognition of VI-EPSCoR and participation in activities. Objective CD3.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Communication and Dissemination CD3.2a : Create various support materials for VI-EPSCoR project as a whole. This includes Project flyers, presentations, visual aids, signage, etc. Create visual support materials as needed. Materials have been created as needed. Create visual support materials as needed. Visual materials have been created as needed. As an example, branded slide templates and zoom backgrounds for virtual meetings and presentations have been designed and made available to team leaders. Create visual support materials as needed. Completed; Visual materials have been created as needed including the R2R one-pager. Create visual support materials as needed. Create visual support materials as needed. E Bryan, Administration, Research/Project Leads. Professional, branded, high- end, quality materials are created to support VI- EPSCoR project goals. Objective CD3.3 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CD3.3a : Support team researchers’ design needs. This includes but is not limited to infographics, webinars, strategic project promotions and websites (usvistormstrong.org and vicoraldisease.org are examples). Support team researcher’s design needs. Among the items created in Year 1 are: USVI Storm Strong website, cookbook promotion, summer camp and jobs opportunity promotions; a design and infographic class was taught to Dr. Smith's students, and the creation/design of the Marine Debris Advisory Plan document. Support team researcher’s design needs. Ongoing updates have been made to the usvistormstrong.org website. In addition, promotional materials for the Storm Strong summer camp and mentorship opportunities have been designed. The Marine Debris Action Plan has been designed and published. Support team researcher’s design needs. Completed; The Coral Chronicles magazine has been published in partnership with Dr. Marilyn Brand's lab to promote their work and partnership with Lovango Bay Beach Club. Intensive year-long CSS coding training program has been completed and will enhance researcher and viewer experiences on the website. Introduction to Adobe Illustrator Workshop conducted. 12 participants across two workshops received training to support their communication goals. Support team researcher’s design needs. Support team researcher’s design needs. E Bryan, Research/Project Leads. High-level professional design is provided to research team. Outputs are often included in grant applications, reporting and press releases, among other outlets resulting in additional funding and enhanced connection with the community and partners. Communication and Dissemination R2R Management (RM) Goal RM1: Meeting the Data Management needs of the R2R team. • Objective RM1.1: Improve University Internet connectivity data transmission throughput and speed. • Objective RM1.2: Build upon core network infrastructure upgrades from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps to research facilities. • Objective RM1.3 Improve the research data server and storage topology. • Objective RM1.4 Configure the current MS Azure environment to replicate with on-premises data server and storage solution. • Objective RM1.5 Manage data collection and grant reporting data in ERCore. Objective RM1.1 Progress Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Progress Year 4 Year 5 RM1.1a: Multi-home internet connection and increase bandwidth capacity as needed up to 10 Gbps on and between both campuses. Conduct network throughput and speed test to determine Internet capacity bottlenecks for researchers. Incomplete - This has been delayed due to Pandemic. The university plans returning to onsite operations in Fall 21. Collaborate with Florida International University (FIU) and Network Engineer Consultant to configure network speed and capacity according to research capacity needs. Completed - Both the network throughput and speed tests and collaboration with FIU engineers have been successfully completed. Results determined that commodity and research (Internet2) internet access capacity need to be increased on both campuses and network bottlenecks occur at student and research facility based buildings. Continued assessment and upgrade of Internet capacity throughput according to research data needs. Completed - The IT department in collaboration with VI- EPSCoR researchers and the Data Manager regularly assesses the Internet capacity throughput speeds for research data needs Continued assessment and upgrade of Internet capacity throughput according to research data needs. Continued assessment and upgrade of Internet capacity throughput according to research data needs. Kelly Harrigan, Information Technology Services, Network Engineer Consultant, FIU. Faster and easier access to research data. Objective RM1.2 Specific milestones Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Responsible parties Outcomes RM1.2a: Upgrade research-related in-building wired and wireless services. Identify research buildings on both campuses. Work with Contractor to ensure research network needs are met for new construction and existing research facilities. In progress - Research buildings identified on both campuses, vendor quotes obtained and cabling contractor selected. Work continues with cabling contractor. Develop specifications for and conduct RFP. Contract with cabling and wireless hardware vendors. Begin cabling work in STX research facility. Completed - Cabling contractors selected and cabling work in the marine science bldg and the annex buildings have begun. Continue in building cabling work on STX campus. Test, document and confirm new cable runs are successfully installed and fully functional. In progress - Marine science annex completed. Work is underway for the other research buildings. Upgrade Wi-Fi network and hardware for all research facilities. Kelly Harrigan, Information Technology Services, Network Engineer Consultant. Faster and easier access to research data. RM1.2b: Upgrade fiber optic infrastructure and pathway system for research buildings from multimode to Singlemode fiber to support 10+ Gbps building uplink speeds. Identify research buildings on both campuses. Work with Contractor to ensure research network needs are met for new construction and existing research facilities. In progress - Research buildings identified on both campuses, vendor quotes obtained and fiber contractor selected. Work continues with fiber contractor. Develop specifications for and conduct RFP. Contract with Fiber vendor. Begin fiber work on STT campus. Completed - Fiber contractors selected and fiber cabling work to select research facilities have begun. Continue fiber work on both campuses. Test, document and confirm new fiber runs are successfully installed and fully functional. In progress - Marine science annex completed. Work is underway for the other research buildings. Kelly Harrigan, Information Technology Services, Network Engineer Consultant. Faster and easier access to research data. Objective RM1.3 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM1.3a: Expand public cloud services in support of research data needs. Assessed regularly in partnership with Research/Project Leads and is ongoing throughout the project. In progress - This is ongoing. Working with research leads to identify storage as needed. Assessed regularly in partnership with Research/ Project Leads and is ongoing throughout the project. In progress - Data Manager hired and he has begun configuring cloud application to house research data. Testing is in progress. Assessed regularly in partnership with Research/Project leads and is ongoing throughout the project. In progress- MS Azure environment configured with file shares and secure access for researchers and collaborators via a Virtual Private Network. Data moved to the Azure files share. Assessed regularly in partnership with Research/Project leads and is ongoing throughout the project. Assessed regularly in partnership with Research/Project leads and is ongoing throughout the project. Kelly Harrigan, Research/Project Leads. R2R research data capacity needs are met. Objective RM1.4 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM1.4a: Deploy on-premises research virtual server and storage environment with replication to MS Azure, and possibly other public cloud environments. Assess research current data repository capacity needs. Completed - Assessment completed in collaboration with MS Azure and Florida International University. Procure, install and configure on-premise Virtual server and storage environment. Configure, test replication to and from on-premise virtual server and storage to MS Azure Cloud. Kelly Harrigan, Research/Project Leads, Information Technology Services, Network Engineer Consultant. R2R research data is backed-up and redundant to accommodate disaster recovery. Objective RM1.5 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM1.5a: Collect data monthly from the researchers via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report. Store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Collect data monthly via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report and store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Completed - In class form developed and distributed to researchers. Researchers instructed on how to fill out report and how to write narrative for annual report. All data for this year have been input in to ERCore. Collect data monthly via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report and store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Completed - In class form developed and distributed to researchers. Researchers instructed on how to fill out report and how to write narrative for annual report. All data for this year has been input in to ERCore. Collect data monthly via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report and store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Completed- In class reports expanded to meeting notes to make it easier for researchers to report out monthly. Researchers instructed on how to fill out the In class report via the meeting notes which are available via Google docs. Collect data monthly via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report and store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Collect data monthly via CMES In-Class Report and the Provost Component report for the NSF Annual Report and store the data in the ERCore module for security purposes and ease of access. Research/Project Leads, Resa Berkeley. Accurate and timely reports from Researchers which will inform the NSF annual report. Goal RM2: Project Management · Objective RM2.1: Implement project and collaborate with Research/Project Leads, UVI Administration, External Advisory Board, and Governing Committee · Objective RM2.2: Workshop development, logistics, and coordination •Objective RM2.3: Prepare the next USVI Science and Technology Plan Objective RM2.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 R2R Management RM2.1: Implement project and collaborate with Research/Project Leads, UVI Administration, External Advisory Board, and Governing Committee. Conduct weekly team meetings. Conduct 2 per year External Advisory Board meetings. Conduct 2 per year Governing Committee meetings. Meetings are to assess, inform and obtain feedback on project implementation. Completed- Weekly meetings established. Staff and Research Leads meeting occur bi-weekly. First External Advisory Board meeting occurred Nov 2020 and second is scheduled for July 2021. Governing Committee meeting scheduled in Fall 2021. Conduct weekly team meetings. Conduct 2 per year External Advisory Board meetings. Conduct 2 per year Governing Committee meetings. Meetings are to assess, inform and obtain feedback on project implementation. Completed - Team meetings moved to monthly. Staff meetings now held on the third Wednesday of the month and research project leads team meetings are held on the third Friday of the month. A Governing Committee meeting was held April 21st and a second meeting is scheduled for September 2022. External Advisory Board meeting was held in July and the next meeting is scheduled for July 2022. The External Advisory Board is also kept up to date via email and researchers are encouraged to engage board members for advice and mentorship. Lastly, a Collaboration Agreement, which outlines how we will work together on the project, was developed and is posted on the VI-EPSCoR website. Conduct weekly team meetings. Conduct 2 per year External Advisory Board meetings. Conduct 2 per year Governing Committee meetings. Meetings are to assess, inform and obtain feedback on project implementation. Completed- Team and staff meetings are consistently conducted monthly. Conduct weekly team meetings. Conduct 2 per year External Advisory Board meetings. Conduct 2 per year Governing Committee meetings. Meetings are to assess, inform and obtain feedback on project implementation. Conduct weekly team meetings. Conduct 2 per year External Advisory Board meetings. Conduct 2 per year Governing Committee meetings. Meetings are to assess, inform and obtain feedback on project implementation. Kim Waddell, Kelly Harrigan, Research/ Project Leads, EAB, GC. Overall oversight of project to ensure avenues of communication are open and of project reporting, activities and outcomes. Objective RM2.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM 2.2 Workshop and Annual Conference development, logistics, and coordination. Host a conference to introduce research and researchers. Completed: Annual conference held virtually June 2021 Host a conference to highlight research progress. In progress: Annual Conference scheduled for June 2022. Host a conference to highlight research progress. In progress: Annual Conference scheduled for October/November 2023. Host a conference to highlight research progress. Host a conference to highlight research progress. Kim Waddell, Kelly Harrigan, IL, EWFD, Research/Project Leads, Elisa Lacatena, Resa Berkeley. Successful implementation of workshop and associated activities. Objective RM2.3 Prepare the next USVI Science and Technology Plan Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM2.3a: Assess, coordinate and create plan. In progress - This will be worked on starting in yr. 2. Identify internal and external stakeholders. In progress - The Governing Committee has met to discuss and agree on an action plan. An action plan and timeline has been developed. Next steps are to create an Science and Technology Plan committee by September 2022. Coordinate with stakeholders to create draft plan. In progress - Consultant hired. Stakeholders identified and contacted. Community and stakeholder interviews are underway. Plan finalized and signed off on by UVI President and VI Governor. Kim Waddell, Kelly Harrigan, UVI Cabinet, Governing Committee, VI Government. A Science and Technology Plan is created to be used in the next Track 1 proposal. Territory has comprehensive plan for implementation. Goal RM3: Collaborating with our External Evaluation and NSF EPSCoR Program teams to meet NSF's expectations for R2R Project Evaluation and Assessment. · Objective RM3.1: External Evaluation · Objective RM3.2: External Evaluation Communication/Attendance at VI EPS Meetings Objective RM3.1 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM3.1: External Evaluation Initial planning and evaluation development/ Instruments designed/ Leadership interviews held, faculty surveyed. Completed- Initial evaluation plan created and submitted with annual report. Leadership and student interviews held, faculty and students surveyed, proposals and awards analyzed Completed - External evaluators attended R2R meetings as requested by PD/ PA. A site visit was conducted in January/February 2022 where R2R faculty, postdocs, students, staff, and select UVI administrators were interviewed or focus groups were held. Undergraduates and graduate students were surveyed. Proposals and awards were analyzed as part of the Year 2 Evaluation Report. Leadership, faculty, partner interviews held, students surveyed, bibliometric and proposals and awards analyses undertaken Completed - External evaluators surveyed and met with research faculty, students and staff. Leadership, faculty, partner, UVI interviews held; faculty and students surveyed; proposals and awards analyzed Leadership, partner, UVI interviews held; students surveyed; bibliometric and proposal and award analyses undertaken Kelvin Chu, Samantha Brown Outputs: 4 external evaluator reports (Year 1 and 2 report will be combined and delivered in Year 2) Outcomes: Data and recommendations to R2R Leadership Team Impacts: Implementation of changes to project as appropriate based on evaluations, improving ability to meet research and outreach goals. Objective RM3.2 Specific milestones Responsible parties Outcomes Year 1 Progress Year 2 Progress Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 RM3.2 External Evaluation Communication/Attendance at VI EPS Meetings R2R Meeting attendance; regular/as- needed communication with PI. Completed - Attended strategic planning meeting along with two project weekly meetings. Scheduled to attend next project meeting on May 14, 2021. R2R Meeting attendance; regular/as-needed communication with PI. Completed - Attended Annual Conference in June of 2021 and randomly attend both the monthly staff and research project leads team meetings. Scheduled to attend next Annual Conference in June 2022. R2R Meeting attendance; regular/as-needed communication with PI. Completed - Attended Annual Conference in October 2022 and randomly attend both Team and Staff meetings. R2R Meeting attendance; regular/as- needed communication with PI. R2R Meeting attendance; regular/as- needed communication with PI. Kelvin Chu, Samantha Brown Impacts: Consistent/regular information sharing between PI and External Evaluators as well as meeting attendance will allow for enhanced ability to make any appropriate changes based on shared data. R2R Management