Estuario Weekly Update
Estuarine greetings! This week, we highlight the collective work that drives the health of our waters. From community actions to divert waste to coastal restoration efforts, we continue to strengthen our ecosystems with the support of volunteers, allies, and citizen scientists. We also share research, employment, and training opportunities for those who wish to actively contribute to the management and conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) watershed. See all the details, below.
Reducing aquatic waste
Below are recent recycling and waste reduction initiatives and actions across the SJBE watershed:
Microplastics Assessment
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, we carried out our most recent field experience for the Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module. We are grateful for the participation of Eduardo Santana, Sharlog del Fresno and Hanna Rodríguez, who evaluated the presence of microplastics in Balneario del Escambrón.
The Microplastics Characterization and Reduction workshops and field experiences will return in early 2026.
Diversion of materials at Taller Comunidad La Goyco
The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (SJBEP) supported the diversion of materials during Taller Comunidad La Goyco’s Christmas Celebration, on Saturday, December 6, 2025. A total of 18 volunteers participated in the four recycling stations.
We diverted plastic, aluminum, cardboard, glass, vegetable oil, organic materials and compostables. Thank you, to the volunteers and attendees who supported their correct diversion. The volunteer work counted as a field experience for the Estuario Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module.
Learn about the ongoing efforts for the correct management of solid waste carried out in the community of Machuchal and calle Loíza, through the community campaign, Que no toque el piso ni llegue al agua.
Strengthening the shorelines connected to the SJBE
On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the SJEBP carried out a field experience for the Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Coastal Resilience module in Piñones, focused on the planting of coastal vegetation in mangrove and dune areas. Four volunteers planted around 436 plants, including red mangrove seedlings, baybeans and a palm, within a stretch of approximately 68 meters.
Participants received an educational talk on the ecological importance of mangroves and dunes. Although the high tide presented some challenges, the group managed to establish the new vegetation in a priority coastal restoration area.
On Sunday, November 30, ten volunteers participated in the propagation of coastal plants and maintenance of the plant nursery, Vivero Estuario at Centro TAU, in Loíza. This field experience served the purpose of educating participants about the propagation processes of mangroves and other species essential for coastal restoration.
The participants worked on transplanting white mangrove and button mangrove seedlings, in addition to carrying out cleaning and weeding tasks to keep the nursery in optimal conditions.
We are immensely grateful to these two groups of citizen scientists, whose support contributes directly to the recovery and strengthening of our coasts. Every action counts!
See more scheduled actions for the Coastal Resilience module, below.
Call for Research Proposals—Estuario Fellowship for Graduate Students
SJBEP will offer a scholarship for graduate students to develop and carry out studies aimed at understanding and addressing the complex problems identified in the Juan Méndez Creek, in San Juan. Interested parties are encouraged to focus their research proposals on topics related to ecosystem analysis, innovative problem-solving strategies, and community outreach.
The deadline is December 15, 2025. The period is six months. The scholarship is $10,000 for master’s students, $15,000 for doctoral students. More information available, here.
Eployment Opportunity
Professional Services Contract Opportunity
Certification for Citizen Scientists
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. The Estuario Certification for Citizen Scientists’ workshops and field experiences count toward Contacto Verde or community service hours. See more information at: estuario.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, Dec. 15, at 8:30 a.m. at Lago Las Curías and the Piedras River
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Tuesday, December 16, at 9:00 a.m. at San Juan Bay
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; on Wednesday, December 17, at 8:00 a.m. at Laguna San José/Torrecilla
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, Dec. 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Coastal Resilience
Field Experience: Seed and plant propagation; on Sunday, December 14, at 8:00 a.m. at Centro TAU, Loíza
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological restoration of dunes and mangroves; Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Field experience: Planting coastal vegetation; Saturday, December 20, at 8:00 a.m. in Piñones
Weekly water quality monitoring
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the bacteriological monitoring for Thursday, December 11, 2025, as part of the Estuario Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Water Quality Monitoring module. Up next, the results:
Evaluation carried out on Thursday, December 11, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the coastal areas that exceeded the «Beach Action Value» water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rainy events.
