In a dramatic and destructive display, Hurricane Beryl tore through the Grenadines on July 1, 2024 as a menacing category four storm, leaving a trail of devastation across the islands. EPIC is sending aid to support the local communities, particularly those whose boats are vital for their livelihoods as fisherfolk, tour operators, and transporters of goods to these remote islands. You can make a difference to help those in need. Donate Today!
The extent of the damage in the Grenadines is staggering, with official estimates suggesting that over 95% of homes on some islands have been damaged or destroyed. While hurricanes are a familiar threat in the Caribbean, their increasing intensity and frequency, driven by climate change, are making life even more difficult.
Since 2016, EPIC has partnered with local seafarers in the Grenadines to conduct seabird research and conservation programs. These passionate volunteers have dedicated countless hours of their expertise towards protecting the region's wildlife. It’s now our turn to support them when it’s most needed.
One of the many people EPIC works with is Vaughn, a small-scale fisherman, tour operator, and sailor from Carriacou who has been instrumental in EPIC’s efforts since 2019. Living full-time on his sailboat, Vaughn also captained a self-built speedboat that was often used for EPIC’s research activities. His local knowledge, passion, and his boats enabled numerous groundbreaking projects to occur including establishing the first wildlife reserve signs on offshore islands, deploying tracking devices on seabirds, and conducting beach clean-ups.
Vaughn stands out among local team members since he has completed over 75 solo surveys across more than 30 remote islands while counting over 65,000 individual seabirds. He also trained fellow fisherfolk and generously housed visiting EPIC staff and researchers on his boat, which provided multiple benefits, serving as a field camp, office, meeting space, and lab. The research data collected, and general support offered by him and others is crucial for understanding seabird populations and conservation needs in this remote region. When not involved with EPIC, Vaughn has provided fish to his community and transported goods and services between the islands. His boat was his lifeline, as they were for many in the region, enabling work and multiple contributions to the community. Tragically, however, Hurricane Beryl severely damaged Vaughn’s boat and many other essential boats as well.
Grenadines fisherfolk and tour operators urgently need our help. Their contributions to their communities and to conservation efforts are essential services that must be restored. Join us in this mission—your donation can make a real difference.