Overview

A portrait of an often overlooked part of America--Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands--this is the little-known story of how the U.S. government, in particular the Navy, almost destroyed a pristine coral reef to provide a target for gunners. The author's true, and humorous, account of his role in the sometimes bizarre tale reveals how locals, politicos, and mariners came together to save a coral reef from certain destruction, and how the need to protect the fragile marine environment can bring meaning and direction to anyone's life, young or old. The conservation efforts represent a perfect example of what highly motivated citizens and political leaders can achieve when taking action to protect what they love. The author, hired as captain of a small research vessel, led the underwater search for evidence of the coral reef damage that would be used to convince the U.S. government to stop its bombardment of the island. While he did not have a direct role in the legal activities of Washington, DC, his efforts to collect factual evidence that was used by the lawyers proved to be of immeasurable importance. His role enabled the Culebrans, the residents of this tranquil island paradise, to gather proof of the destruction, which ultimately convinced everyone--including President Nixon--to stop the carnage. This triumphant tale serves as an inspiration for anyone wanting to make a difference in environmental conservation.

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9780982694084

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Reviews

This is an exuberant tropical adventure regaled with gusto, and with exquisite prose that brings the colorful Puerto Rican characters to vivacious, chromatic life. --Christopher P. Baker, author, Moon Cuba and Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba

Author Information

Kevin McCarey had worked as a merchant marine deck officer and oceanographer when he quit life at sea to study filmmaking at the University of Oregon. He worked on the Peabody Award-winning series Portrait of America and won Emmys for writing and directing. His documentary Trumpet of Conscience and narrative short San Juan Story were both Academy Award semi-finalists. He has also written and supervised films for National Geographic, including Dolphins: The Wild Side, Roar! One Man s Pride, Sea Monsters, and Tigers of the Snow. He teaches filmmaking at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He lives in Savannah, Georgia.

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