Monthly Archives: February 2024

The workshopssought to improve coordination on marine spatial data between the federal government and its territorial partners and stakeholders in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These efforts provide foundational ecosystem-wide data generation that will help to support marine spatial planning in the region. This planning is vital to support the development of the blue economy, including industries like renewable energy and aquaculture.

The workshops had several key goals:

One key takeaway was the development of geospatial data layers for key ocean sectors. Other takeaways included identifying the need for:

Participants expressed that these improvements would help our collective ability to inform decision making. They emphasized the importance of involving local stakeholders early and consistently to improve planning efforts, and a focus on equity and environmental justice in data collection and planning.

These workshops were a huge step in promoting equity and collaboration in marine spatial planning, said John Walter, Deputy Director for Science and Council Services at NOAAs Southeast Fisheries Science Center. By working together, we are promoting the use of sound scientific data to make decisions about sustainable development of ocean industries in the U.S. Caribbean.

The discussions focused on six key ocean sectors:

Across many of these sectors, participants highlighted various data gaps and the need for enhanced, more accessible data. Some of the unique considerations raised included tourism, coral habitats, fishing, and social data. These critical pieces stemmed from the involvement of local stakeholders, who openly shared their knowledge and communities perspectives.

Besides data collection, the workshops helped us form this strong community of stakeholders in the region. said Jennifer Wright, regional spatial coordinator for NOAAs National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. These collaborations are critical to ensure we are considering diverse perspectives when planning for the future of U.S. Caribbean waters.

As a result of this workshop, NOAA will continue working with local stakeholders on science planning. We will develop a publicly available spatial planning database and toolbox for the region. This database will include all of the information sources from the workshops, as well as other data from local data leads. The outcomes and partnerships developed during these workshops are critical for preparing for future development of the blue economy throughout the United States Caribbean.

The events were led by the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Marine Spatial Ecology Division and NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Workshop participants included:

See original here:

Preparing for Development of the Blue Economy in the U.S. Caribbean - NOAA Fisheries

Attachments

PERU: DENGUE Perus Ministry of Health (MINSA) reports over 13,000 dengue cases so far in 2024, marking a 53.4 per cent increase from 2023, with 3,192 cases in the fifth week of 2024 alone. This surge coincides with prolonged El Nio-induced heatwaves. In the northern region of Piura, the region with the highest number of dengue cases, MINSA has reported more than 100 consecutive unusually warm days and over 200 warm nights, with the town of Mallares reaching a record summer temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius on 8 January. The warm conditions, exacerbated by El Nio Costero, create favourable environments for dengue transmission, posing heightened risks to vulnerable groups. According to Perus National Centre for Epidemiology, Prevention, and Disease Control (CDC), the persistent El Nio conditions could result in up to 109,297 cases nationwide by June 2024.

HAITI: VIOLENCE Since 1 February, approximately 10,000 people in Port-au-Prince have been displaced due to ongoing violence, bringing the total number of people displaced since the start of the year to 20,000. Weeks of prolonged violence and insecurity have forced schools to close, halting associated school meal programs, and disrupted healthcare services, with some facilities being forced to suspend operations. Additionally, the violence has hindered the access of UN agencies and NGOs to carry out their programs in Port-au-Prince and other major cities. UNICEF has condemned the deaths of two children and expressed deep concern about the violences impact on children, while WFP has emphasized the urgent need for unimpeded access for aid agencies and the free flow of food supplies to prevent the already dire levels of hunger from becoming catastrophic.

COLOMBIA: ARMED STRIKE A critical humanitarian situation has unfolded in Choc, where from 10-14 February a non-state armed group (NSAG) initiated an armed strike in the municipalities of Medio San Juan, Nvita, Sipi, and Istimina, affecting 18,940 people. Communities faced restraints and restrictions in accessing essential goods, healthcare, education and basic sanitation. Since December 2023, indigenous groups have grappled with the persistent presence of NSAGs on their lands, resulting in the confinement of approximately 1,397 people (296 families) across various municipalities. The NSAGs directives have restricted movement in vital areas, notably those where food is sourced, exacerbating the growing humanitarian situation.

REGIONAL: EL NIO El Nio and Coastal El Nio conditions are driving climatic crises across the region. Chile and Peru have experienced persistent heatwaves in early 2024, with devastating wildfires affecting nearly 10,000 people in Chile, and extreme temperatures, reminiscent of previous El Nio years, spiking disease rates and heatstroke in Peru. The eastern region of Guatemala saw temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius in February, despite it being the cold season. In Colombia, 515 El Nio-related events, including forest fires and flooding, have affected 97,000 people, while Ecuador, where half of the population live in floodable areas, faces intense rainfall, particularly in coastal regions. On 14 February, the Start Fund allocated US$265,082 in anticipation of El Nio-related flooding in the Santa Elena province of Ecuador. El Nio conditions are forecast to persist until at least March, with a 79 per cent chance of transitioning to ENSO-neutral by April-June 2024.

Read more here:

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 16 February 2024 - Haiti - ReliefWeb

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Europe and Latin America & the Caribbean step up cooperation on cybersecurity - EEAS

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the Ultimate World Cruise is making a significant itinerary change due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

The cruise line confirmed to PEOPLE that it has decided to cancel the nine-month voyage's original itinerary through the Red Sea and Suez Canal in May to keep its passengers and crew members safe. Instead, the cruise is presenting passengers with two alternative itineraries to gauge which route change is preferred among cruisers for the third leg of the voyage.

Royal Caribbean did not confirm the details of the two potential new routes.

Popular TikToker on the cruise,drjennytravels, shared footage from the cruise's town hall meeting on Friday and revealed that the ship will still travel to Dubai and then make its way around Africa in its third leg. However, she said that cruisers have the option to vote on what type of route they want to go on.

She explains in the social media clip: "We are going to Dubai. We also are going to Africa. We are gonna go all the way around the tip of South Africa. The itinerary is not finalized; we actually have two options. One, they're calling the 'Scenic Route' it does more of Africa. And the other is what they call the 'Highway,' which is a lot of sea days and does less stops in Africa."

"We learned that there will be compensation for both options," she continues.

Peter Bischoff/Getty

Royal Caribbean previously told PEOPLE that it was reviewing alternative routes for the Serenade of the Seas.

"The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we are monitoring what is taking place in and around the Red Sea," a spokesperson for the company said in a statement on Feb. 9. "In looking ahead at potential itinerary adjustments, we are currently reviewing alternatives forSerenade of the Seas, which is currently scheduled to transit the Suez Canal in May. Our guests and travel partners will receive an update from us in mid-February."

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty

Captain Stig, who guided the journey on its first leg around South America, shared an update with passengers about the possibility of major itinerary changes during a send-off ceremony on Feb. 7. According todrjennytravels,the captain said Royal Caribbean would be making an announcement on Feb. 16 regarding the changes.

Rumors that the Ultimate World Cruise could reroute or end early began circulating in January. Royal Caribbean stated to PEOPLE at the time that it would finish its tour of the Americas in February and embark on the second leg to Asia as planned.

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"The Ultimate World Cruise has given guests the opportunity to see the world in a unique way, and we have loved watching their reactions to this incredible experience," Royal Caribbean's statement said. "This adventure will complete its first segment in February, and we can't wait to kick off the next part of the journey shortly after and begin exploring Asia."

The statement did not mention the third leg of the trip, which was scheduled to start in May and include stops in the Middle East and Mediterranean.

The Ultimate World Cruise is divided into four segments with 160 total destinations. The cruise departed from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, to weave through the Caribbean and sail down the east coast of South America. The cruise then traveled around Cape Horn and braved the tempestuous Drake Passage near Antarctica; it then made its way up the Americas' west coast and concluded its first segment in Los Angeles on Feb. 11. The Asia portion started the same day and is scheduled to end on May 9.

Here is the original post:

Royal Caribbean Confirms 9-Month Cruise Will Not Go Through Red Sea and Suez Canal Due to Middle East Unrest - PEOPLE

Cruise industry giant Royal Caribbean Group has ordered a new ship for its fleet just three weeks after launching its record-breaking Icon of the Seas.

The Miami-based cruise line has signed an agreement with French shipyard Chantiers de lAtlantique to build the ninth ship on the Groups current order docket.

The new ship will add to Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class, the seventh of its kind, to launch in 2028, 19 years after the class debuted with its namesake Oasis of the Seas. It will be the sister ship of Utopia of the Seas, which is set to enter service in the next six months.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, described the busy period as exciting times.

These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de lAtlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis Class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships.

Along with the Icon, Royal Caribbean has also recently launched the Silver Nova and Celebrity Ascent.

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Although the deal is subject to financing agreements, which the companies said would likely be completed before the end of 2024, Chantiers de lAtlantique said it indicated confidence from the cruise giant.

This order signals Royal Caribbean Groups continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea. We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life, said Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de lAtlantique.

The Royal Caribbean Group owns three cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. It is 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Link:

Royal Caribbean orders new ship weeks after Icon of the Seas launch - Ship Technology

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its 2025-26 lineup of cruises departing from seven U.S. cities in Florida, Northeast, Puerto Rico and Texas.

During its second consecutive winter season in New York (Bayonne), the Odyssey of the Seas will operate seven-night vacations to The Bahamas, including the Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

Sailing from Bayonne and Miami, the Symphony of the Seas will offer week-long eastern and western Caribbean vacations, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee; Falmouth, Jamaica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and more.

Guests looking for cruises from Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades can choose from alternating six- and eight-night eastern and western Caribbean voyages on the Oasis of the Seas to Charlotte Amalie, San Juan and The Bahamas Nassau.

Additionally, each eastern Caribbean getaway will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The Allure will return to Galveston for seven-night cruises to the western Caribbean, with calls in Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Liberty of the Seas brings a variety of four-, five- and nine-night sailings to the eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, also sailing from Bayonne.

The Brilliance of the Seas will sail from Boston and San Juan, operating seven-night adventures to Portland Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; and more. In the winter, the Brilliance will homeport in San Juan first time since 2013. Guests can visit a variety of southern Caribbean destinations like Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and for the first time, Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.

In the winter, the Jewel of the Seas will operate Southern Caribbean getaways departing from San Juan exploring destinations such as St. Croix; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg; Charlotte Amalie; and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Sailing from Baltimore, the Vision of the Seas offers travelers a chance to visit Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay or Canada on five- and nine-night summer voyages. The winter lineup of adventures will include eight-night getaways to The Bahamas and 12-night sailings to destinations in the southern Caribbean like St. Croix, Roseau and Philipsburg

Continue reading here:

Royal Caribbean Unveils 2025-26 Northeast, Caribbean Sailings - Cruise Industry News

Start: Fort Charlotte, Antigua - Monday 19 February 2024 - Antigua

 Track the Fleet in the 15th edition of the race & Follow the Race Updates via the Website, 

Live Blog and RORC Social Media

A spectacular fleet of 64 boats, ranging from 32ft (9.81m) to 107ft (32.55m) will be on the startline in Antigua for the 15th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 on Monday 19th February 2024. Over 500 crew from 26 countries will compete in this classic 600 nautical mile race. For those lucky enough to be in the Caribbean, the start of this classic 600-miler can be viewed from Fort Charlotte, high above the spectacular Pillars of Hercules, or from Shirley Heights. The first start is scheduled for 1100 AST. Since the first edition in 2009, the RORC Caribbean 600 has evolved into one of the world’s most challenging 600-milers. 

Starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua, the race heads as far north as the Anguilla Channel and south to round Les Saintes, off Guadeloupe. The non-stop race also takes in the devastating beauty of Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba, St Barth's, Montserrat and Redonda. 

START TIMES:

Monday 19th February 2024 - Fort Charlotte, Antigua

First warning signal: 10:50 Atlantic Standard Time (-4 GMT) 

Proposed Start Sequence: 1100 IRC One, IRC Two & CSA, 1110 IRC Zero & Class40, 

1120 IRC Super Zero, 1130 Multihulls

LIVESTREAM OF THE START:

Join us on RORC YouTube from 10.45 AST (-4 GMT) - Watch the starts live from Fort Charlotte, Antigua with Axxess Marine connectivity, as Race Reporter Louay Habib and guests take us through all the action in the race build-up to the start as it happens.

RORC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RORCRacing

 Race fans and spectators can keep up-to-date with the 600nm race via the Race Website, Live Blog and RORC Social Media channels. Track the fleet and follow all the updates as the race unfolds.

WEBSITE: Race Reports and regular news, links to the Race Tracker, RORC Photo Gallery, Live Results on SailRaceHQ, and much more. Go to: https://caribbean600.rorc.org

LIVE BLOG: Crews will be sending back photos, blogs and video when they can during the race, and the Media Team will be posting updates too. Check out the Live Blog button on the front of the website. caribbean-600-live-blog

RACE TRACKER: 

All yachts will carry a tracker so you can follow the progress of the whole fleet, particular class or individual boat from the race website: tracking

Plus, you can follow the race live by downloading 'YB Races' for free from the App store.

RESULTS & LEADERBOARD: https://sailracehq.com/live-results

WHERE TO WATCH THE START:

FROM ON SHORE: 

Yachts will be starting south of Fort Charlotte, Antigua on Monday 19th February. You can get a wonderful view from Fort Charlotte or Shirley Heights. The starting line is formed between an orange triangle on Fort Charlotte and an yellow cylindrical Outer Distance Mark approximately 0.50nm south of Fort Charlotte. The Race Committee may adjust this position with reference to the wind direction on the day of the start. Fort Charlotte is at the eastern entrance to English Harbour above the Pillars of Hercules and below Shirley Heights. There's also a chance to catch a glimpse from Pigeon Beach of the boats leaving Falmouth Harbour, headed for the staring area, and from Galleon Beach, those docking out of English Harbour.

FROM THE WATER:

For those wishing to watch the race from the water, please note that there will be an Exclusion Zone around the starting area effective from 1000 to 1200. The safety of spectator vessels and competitors is paramount. 

PLAY THE GAME:

If you're not on the start line in Antigua, join the virtual race and take part from the comfort of your armchair. Be prepared for some sleepless nights - it's addictive! Over 5,000 have signed up already.

RORC Caribbean 600 on Virtual Regatta: 

https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/offshore-game/?openrace&576-1

RACE ENTRIES: Latest entries can be found on SailRaceHQ HERE

SOCIAL MEDIA: We will be active on all our social media channels so follow us:-

#Caribbean600 @RORCracing

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rorcracing

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rorcracing

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rorcracing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/royaloceanracingclub

DAILY LIVE UPDATE: Tune into RORC Facebook at 1330 AST (-4 GMT) on Tues 20th, Wed 21st and Thurs 22nd for a 30-minute show with Race Reporter Louay Habib and special guests.

PROGRAMME

Thursday 15th February - Lay Day/Reserve Day

Friday 16th February - Antigua 360 - Race Antigua Race

Saturday 17th February - RORC Caribbean 600 Welcome Party + Antigua 360 Prizegiving

Sunday 18th February - Lay Day

Monday 19th February - Start of the 15th RORC Caribbean 600

Friday 23rd February - Final Prizegiving

Excerpt from:

How to follow the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600 - RORC Caribbean 600

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and Kaizen Environmental Services Limited deployed a boom near the vessel Gulfstream following an oil spill off the coast, on Feb. 10, 2024. Office of the Chief Secretary - THA / Facebook

Parts of an oil spill first detected near the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago on February 7 are drifting into the Caribbean Sea, putting the countrys coral reefs, as well as other nations, at risk.

The spill was determined to have been caused by an overturned barge being pulled by a tugboat called Solo Creed, according to a post by Trinidad and Tobagos Ministry of National Security.

Monitoring service TankerTrackers.com said the barge and tugboat were on their way to the Grenadines and St. Vincent, reported Reuters.

The satellite showed that some of it was moving into the Caribbean Sea, as well as some of the modeling, Allan Stewart, director of Trinidad and Tobagos emergency management agency (TEMA), told Reuters.

The boat overturned approximately 480 feet off the coast of Venezuela, The Washington Post reported.

A national emergency was declared by Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, reported The Guardian. At least two schools have been closed amid health concerns, and a cleanup effort has begun.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley told reporters on Sunday that workers were cleaning beaches, working on containing the spill with booms and protecting wildlife, according to The Washington Post.

Parts of the 7.46-mile spill have been spotted moving into the Caribbean in opposite directions, TEMA said, as Reuters reported.

TEMA photographs posted on Tuesday revealed progress in cleaning up beaches in Tobago, with roughly a third of the 9.3 miles of shoreline having been cleaned, Stewart said.

This is a national emergency and therefore it will have to be funded as an extraordinary expense, Rowley told reporters, as reported by The Independent. [W]e dont know the full scope and scale of what is going to be required. Right now, the situation is not under control. But it appears to be under sufficient control that we think we can manage.

Rowley said the vessel appeared to be leaking some kind of hydrocarbon.

According to officials, divers have been having a hard time containing the spill as concerns over its damage to the areas ecosystem, as well as tourism, increased.

Oils toxic substances can have a lasting impact on coral reefs, fish and other marine life.

Rowley said offers of help have been extended by several countries.

The oil spill happened during one of Trinidad and Tobagos largest tourist attractions, Carnival season, CNN reported.

The best part of Tobagos economy is its tourism, so it is important that we be cognizant that we dont expose the tourism product to this kind of thing, Rowley said, according to CNN.

Residents of Lambeau expressed concerns about their health as a stench from the spill filled the air, local media said.

Farley Augustine, the Tobago House of Assemblys chief secretary, advised residents with respiratory issues to self-relocate and use masks.

Cleaning and restoration can only seriously begin after we have brought the situation under control, Rowley said, as reported by The Independent.

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Cristen is a writer of fiction and nonfiction. She holds a JD and an Ocean & Coastal Law Certificate from University of Oregon School of Law and an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author of the short story collection The Smallest of Entryways, as well as the travel biography, Ernests Way: An International Journey Through Hemingways Life.

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Oil Spill off the Coast of Trinidad and Tobago Drifts Into Caribbean, Threatening Marine Life and Coral Reefs - EcoWatch