Where did the winter go? … both the time and the snow! It is hard to believe it’s May, and we are in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. First, I want to send well wishes to all our partners and friends. This is a very challenging time around the world. While coastal concerns are usually at the forefront of our minds, we cannot help but think about the health of our friends and family. One of the core goals of the CRC is “Capable Communities”. Today, it is especially important for us to stay connected (at a safe distance, of course) with our various communities. Check in on the elderly. Call old friends. Donate to a local organization, or wave to a stranger. Staying connected is key to our capability and persevering through this tough situation.
I am very impressed how the coronavirus is not slowing the CRC down! Businesses are shuttered, and beaches are closed. But URI remains open. Classes are now online, and CRC like other URI staff are working from home. Our projects continue through email, videoconferencing and phone calls. Based on the volume of digital dialog, it seems everyone is as busy as ever. Indeed, it was an active winter with many events, proposals, publications and trips. I encourage you to reach out directly to any CRC staff member to hear about the good work keeping them occupied. From Providence to Point Judith and Africa to Asia, all are involved in numerous ways — learning, sharing, making plans and writing results — all to help coastal communities. Although the crisis has led to the postponement of two significant CRC events, the Global Ocean Summit and the Baird Symposium, we have become even more motivated to reach out in new ways. Follow us on social media as we are regularly holding virtual engagements. Also, you can read more about exciting awards (such as for Teresa Crean) and new projects.
One of the most notable CRC changes is our virtual appearance. A web site overhaul was completed to have a consistent look to URI and better showcase our work, e.g., through video and imagery. Please bear with us as we continue to add content, but initial feedback indicates that the makeover has been a success. Below is a screen grab of the new landing page. Check us out online when you have a chance: https://web.uri.edu/crc/ And please don’t hesitate to share feedback!
Personally, I feel more a part of the fabric of CRC, GSO and URI. Working with students and staff, I’m engaged at many levels including research, and I recently received a pilot grant to investigate microplastics in Narragansett Bay in partnership with others. Fieldwork is always a highlight for me, and with a couple students, we’ve begun local sediment sampling. In November, I had the pleasure of completing some incredible international travel – to Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The core mission of the journey was to conduct ground-truth habitat mapping in two study areas of the USAID Fish Right Program. While working on the water is always exciting (see photo below), many trip highlights were with partners, students and community members. It was also an honor to visit Kendari, Indonesia at the invitation of the Governor of Southeast Sulawesi and Hanoi, Vietnam to discuss collaboration goals with Nha Trang University and the Vietnamese Government. Honestly, it has been a tremendous experience to represent CRC locally and globally.
In conclusion, I want to share a glimmer of the greatness of CRC. Just before COVID-19 sent us all home for teleworking, CRC hosted a small but wonderful event recognizing International Women’s Day. After a nice meal, a proud and confident group of women (and men), , including former Associate Director Lynne Hale, shared stories of success over the decades. CRC is so fortunate to have an incredible group of female leaders at its core… and so many more as partners. I want to close this letter with appreciation for them. Our world is better with equality and diversity in mind and body. Thank you to all of the incredible women of CRC and our female colleagues globally. In challenging times of today with the coronavirus and climate change, we need everyone involved and being innovative to find solutions for sustainability.
Good health to you all.
Sincerely,
J.P. Walsh