Gracias por escribir. Te aconsejo que contactes directamente a la persona de contacto en la página electrónica sobre tu duda en cuanto a la estructura de la propuesta para la oportunidad de fondos para investigación dirigido a acuiculture.

Buen día,
Jasmine Seda
Asistente de Proyecto

The objective of the blog, as presented by Manolo, is of most interest to me. However, I will put a few words together in relation to Fred’s comments, which I believe could clarify some of his points for the benefit of the students interested in the study of marine birds.

Although not with the same approach, I agree with Fred. It is simply expected that the two studies discussed were very different. I read the excellent work of Cury and colleagues (2011). Cury and colleagues among several methods, use the meta-analysis approach or “analysis of analysis” to reach their conclusions. Usually this method does not require field sampling and what that entails, so that the logistics and difficulties are of different natures. The method of meta-analysis aims to develop a new perspective based on the analysis of the accumulation of data from several independent works. Another big difference is that this study analyzes the results of several studies located in waters rich in nutrients which, unlike the Caribbean waters, usually abound low trophic level species such as sardines. Consequently, most studies in these waters are conducted through fishery industries (e.g. tuna and sardines) in partnership with universities and governments. In the Caribbean, where the waters are considered low in nutrients, there is no fishing industry as such, and it is my understanding that “competition” between seabirds and the traditional, sport fishery and commercial fisheries together never will come close to what is documented on the industrial fisheries at the locations analyzed by Cury and colleagues. Finally, the bird species analyzed were also different.

On the other hand, every job has its merit and appropriate niche in the study of the relationship between global and local fisheries and conservation of seabirds. This is the foundation of the blog theme, one that provides the opportunity to be proactive and rethink or suggest new ideas. In my view, on nutrient-poor marine waters there are not enough published studies to produce a meta-analysis such as that produced by Cury and colleagues, much less in the Caribbean, and perhaps this is the most relevant issue. So the study of Cury does emphasize the need to continue to evaluate bird populations and their prey; matter to be applied to the Caribbean. A start would be to assess those gray works such as progress reports from government agencies, universities, etc. Not forgetting that as one of the north is to eventually achieve a similar meta-analysis. This requires a coordination center that could be Sea Grant. This center could identify sources of funding and coordinate efforts to identify the variables needed for the meta-analysis, the short-and long-term goals, data sources (DNER, FWS, UPR, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, etc.), and so on.

Finally, during these days I got an email about the creation of the American Fisheries Society Chapter of Puerto Rico. Those interested should contact Lourdes Olmeda in the DNER (787-999-2200). Good day for all folks, and success with the good work.

Cordially,

Ricardo López-Ortiz, MS, PhD,
Wildlife Biologist & Project Coordinator,
Terrestrial Resources Division, PR-DNER,

Your point is well taken. Perhaps the announcement of the post exaggerated the contribution of Lopez’s dissertation. The objective of the blog is to underscore important publications and ideas (from the region, and globally), germane to the conservation of marine and coastal resources, and to connect them, and make them available to our managers, scientists and the public. Indeed, Cury et al. superb comparative and statistical analysis could serve as a template for future research in our region. Thanks for your comments and detailed look at those publications.

Best,

Manolo Valdés Pizzini

Thank you for contributing your valuable opinion on this topic. We appreciate your comments and hope that others will consider your analysis when assessing studies similar to this one.

Jasmine Seda
CRA Project Manager