Islands Under Fire: The Improbable Quest to Save the Corals of Puerto Rico

by Kevin McCarey

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent travelogue and snapshot of both the people and culture of Puerto Rico during the later half of the last century. It also gives an excellent overview of the wonderful ecological treasures and marinelife the island has to offer. The overall theme of the book, that grassroots efforts can effect environmental protection for ones environment is especially relevant in lieu of modern issues such as fracking, shark finninf, and the recent Gulf oil spill. My one problem with the book is its cover, which displays a Pacific coral reef and not a Caribbean one, something any serious marinelife enthusiast/diver will recognize at once. Regardless, I recommend the book to anyone with an interest is Puerto Rico or environmental conservation!

[David Thornburgh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining book from which I learned a lot about Puerto Rico, but the battle for Culebra is almost treated as an afterthought. And that story is not terribly revealing nor interesting.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The effort to save the corals of Puerto Rico, particularly those once subject to naval testing around the island of Culebra, is told firsthand by Captain McCarey, veteran merchant marine, filmmaker and documentarian, and veritable old salt. This memoir, part travelogue and part natural history, is rich with humor, misadventure and triumph. McCarey’s writing style is a pleasure: many chapters loop back gracefully and could stand as independent essays, and his modest alliteration, penchant for simile and skillful dialogue delights. While exact dates are omitted and the placement in time is inexact (only contextualized by references to concurrent events, such as Nixon’s Presidency and the actions of Puerto Rico’s political leaders) this flaw is forgivable, the way any master storyteller is forgiven in exchange for his gifts. Readers will learn about the history of Puerto Rico, about its marine ecology and political landscape and a bit about boats as well—all of which McCarey folds seamlessly into his fine seaman’s tale. The action takes place as much onshore as off--his vessel, the R/V Maroho, being subject to its own array of pre-launch troubles. Grab a beer, have a smoke, settle into your favorite chair. McCarey’s next work will be highly anticipated: his maiden voyage into contemporary maritime non-fiction is an engrossing and joyful trip. ¡Estupendo!