Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

Historical and present-day displacement from the ocean creates a disconnection between the marine environment and local communities. In Puerto Rico, barriers to ocean access include transportation, privatized development, policies, and the increased frequency and intensity of storms resulting from climate change. The grassroots organization Sail for Reefs works to bridge water-based recreation and the conservation of marine resources through education, ocean engagement, and habitat restoration. The goal of this project is to develop a place-based, hands-on curriculum to be taught through Sail for Reefs education and outreach programs with the intention of connecting young people to local coastal habitats. The success of the curriculum will be measured through expert review of materials and alignment of the content with proposed learning objectives. A workshop was held to train Sail for Reefs staff and local educators on how to administer the curriculum, increasing implementation of the educational tool.