Conducting open ocean research in the Caribbean is a challenge, given that there are no research vessels (R/V's) in the region. However, due to an Economic Development Administration grant, awarded on September 2019, Bluetide Puerto Rico a local 1101 and a federal 501(c)3 organization procured and contracted the construction of the Blue-Manta, a 73-footer Regional Research Vessel to All American Marine. The Blue-Manta will be arriving to Puerto Rico on March 2022. This Regional R/V, the first of its kind  in the Caribbean, has dry and wet laboratory facilities and has the capacity to load, and unload heavy equipment. Thanks to Puerto Rico's strategic location and climate, Blue-Manta will provide a floating platform for all sorts of research and attract scientists from all over the hemisphere. Your donation will help Bluetide Puerto Rico, maintain and operate the Blue-Manta for years to come. Bluetide Puerto Rico's mission is, to influence and accelerate the economic impacts and eco-responsible developments for a sustainable “Blue Economy” in Puerto Rico and the US Caribbean. ​