AECiMa Introduces it's New Symbol of Marine Science Pride

AECiMa (Asociacion de Estudiantes de Ciencas Marinas / Department of Marine Sciences Student Association) is a consortium of 41 active masters and doctoral marine science graduate students enrolled in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. These graduate students are immersed in the interdisciplinary field of marine sciences and are trained in four core areas of oceanography: biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. The students of AECiMa are researching issues and topics related to fisheries, invasive species, remote sensing, ocean modeling, coral reef ecosystems, habitat connectivity, marine spatial management, and much more. A student directory can be accessed by clicking here. Below are two visual representations of AECiMa that serve as symbols of  pride and dedication that these students possess in their quest to help research the issues and topics facing  our world's oceans and ecosystems.

Marine sciences is the interdisciplinary field of science (Art: Hector Martinez)

AECiMa will like to invite you to the

Second Department of Marine Sciences Reunion

The most important accomplishment of the Reunion 17-22 June 2012 in La Parguera will be forming an Alumni Association to support and advise the Department.  However, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, remembering fallen comrades, showing slides and movies of our old times, showing off our books, seeing our Magueyes Island Marine Laboratories, and reliving our wonderful times on Magueyes are also important. 

Sunday evening will be greetings, cash bar, snacks, and mini-slide shows around the Villa Parguera pool. 

Monday will begin with the Opening Ceremonies, Greetings, Introducing Prominent Alumni, Founder and Directors’ Presentations, Speakers’ Luncheon, Memorial Session (16 memorials, reading 65 names, casting flowers in the sea for them), film festival, and slide Show at the Villa. 

Tuesday at Magueyes Island for tours of Magueyes, “open house” in the laboratories (alumni meeting professors and current students and learning about their labs and their research), an Exhibition of Marine Paintings and an Exhibition of Underwater Photographs, a Book Signing, a presentation of Award-Winning Underwater Photographs, and Annual and Decadal Alumni Photographs.  That evening, there will be a Pot-Luck Dinner (with a live band) at an alumnus’ home in La Pargurea and later a Kayak fieldtrip to Phosphorescent Bay.  

Wednesday morning there will be separate Snorkel and Scuba Fieldtrips.  In the afternoon and evening, those alumni interested in forming our Alumni Association will meet.  Those not interested in this grand adventure into the politics of creation can attend the Que Pasa Discussion Forum.  

Thursday morning will be a general meeting of the brand new Department of Marine Sciences Alumni Association, including election of Officers, creation of Standing Committees, and appointing an Advisory Board.  In the afternoon, the Officers, Standing Committees, and Advisory Board meet.  Those others, not so honored by destiny, may attend the Slide Show.  That evening there will be a cash bar, Banquet, a delightful Bomba Presentation, Slide Show, and the Closing of the Second Reunion (painting presentation, summary, acknowledgments).  

A Painting Auction, Bookfair, Alumni Questionnaire, Mini-Slide Shows, and Skype Sessions (with alumni who could not attend) will go on throughout the week.  Film clips and movies taken at the Reunion will be made into “Reunion – The Movie” after the Reunion.  

Alumni can go to Magueyes Island to examine the painting and picture exhibitions any time during the week.  Newspaper articles about the Reunion will be published before and after the Reunion.

AECIMA Students help Marine Debris Removal Efforts in Rincon

Chelsea Harms and Evan Tuohy, graduate students in the Department of Marine Sciences at UPRM, helped the Surfrider Foundation remove 13 tires and copious amounts of other marine debris off of reef habitats in Rincon today.  Keep up the great work!!  This work is associated with a reef restoration program that SF Rincon is currently wrapping up.      

Evan tosses another tire onboard

Chelsea and Evan survey the deeper portion of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

Who says volunteering isn't fun?  Evan enjoys the ride and the view of the second reef at Tres Palmas.

Chelsea and Evan happy to help clean up Rincon's reef habitats