Stony coral tissue loss disease is a waterborne disease that began threatening corrals in Florida, then expanded to the Caribbean. To protect these organisms and stop the disease from spreading, divers must apply amoxicillin paste onto the corral. Some of the reasons why coral reefs are in danger include climate change, water quality and pollution.
As Puerto Rico’s National Coral Reef Management Fellow, Fabiola Torres-Toledo works with Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to promote the use of citizen science to fill coral reef knowledge gaps and encourage local participation in ongoing monitoring of reef health, especially regarding Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). She also facilitates conversations between research, education, rescue, and management groups to maximize collaboration in SCTLD response efforts in the Archipelago.
Torres-Toledo was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where beach days, and crop harvesting were tradition.
“My parents involved me in this ambiance that taking care of the land leads to production. You take care of the chickens, so they can give you eggs, and eventually meat. You take care of the coast, so you can fish,” said Torres-Toledo. “Environment wise, there was a big influence from my parents.”
In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the northeastern Caribbean. At this time, Torres-Toledo was employed as a biological science technician, but soon moved to California after finding a fellowship with the United States Forest Service through Hispanic Access’ MANO Project.
“I really wanted to experience life in the United States,” said Torres-Toledo. “I needed a job, so I applied mainly in Texas, Florida and California.”
Her position as an Interagency National Monument Fellow gave her the opportunity to collect data, develop programs and host events for Latino Conservation Week. Though her fellowship ended after a year, the relationship she built with Hispanic Access continued to support her career. Her participation in the program improved her writing and professional development skills.
“Even though I was a fellow, they involved me a lot in decision making, and I got used to talking to people that maybe in the past I would have been too shy to talk to.”
Torres-Toledo graduated with a Master’s in Science and Biology from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and founded Conservation Opportunity: A non-profit organization that connects communities to job opportunities in conservation work.
The guidance Torres-Toledo has received from Hispanic Access has helped her manage her non-profit organization. The materials and funds they receive from Latino Conservation Week and the United States Forest Service Southern Advisory Board are well invested in conservation-based programs. She has partnered with a local cacao farm to teach people about sustainable agriculture. Once the demonstration of farming and cropping is over, volunteers can actually taste the chocolate produced by the farm.
Torres-Toledo understands the importance of exposing communities to nature conservation programs. She believes that knowledge, curiosity, and care, are key to protecting the environment for future generations.
Published as a Spotlight Story for Hispanic Access Foundation.