Estuario Weekly Update
Below, we share with you the most recent actions carried out in benefit of the conservation and management of the waters connected to the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE), as well as the upcoming activities and opportunities for training and volunteering. Keep reading.
SJBEP supports International Coastal Cleanup 2026
As a preamble to the celebration of National Estuaries Week, on Saturday, September 19, San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (SJBEP) was part of the International Coastal Cleanup 2026, as group captains in the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve.
The activity was a success, thanks to the participation of 63 volunteers, who joined this conservation and protection effort for the Reserve. They removed 31 bags of waste, for a total of 327 pounds.
With their participation and commitment, the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve group contributed to leaving this important urban green space in better conditions for the enjoyment of all.
We thank everyone who joined and contributed to the conservation of our natural resources and improvement of water quality.
Multisectoral Meeting for Integrated Resource and Waste Management
On Tuesday, September 22, we held the third Annual Meeting of the Intermunicipal Network for the Integrated Management of Resources and Waste of the SJBE Watershed. The meeting brought together about 40 participants from various sectors, including non-profit organizations, community organizations, private companies, government agencies and the municipalities that are part of the region.
During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to dialogue and identify opportunities for collaboration and joint actions for proper waste management. We thank all those who attended and continue to be part of the efforts of the Intermunicipal Network to promote integrated resource and waste management, with the aim of maintaining a watershed free of aquatic waste and the conservation of our natural resources.
In addition, we thank the Municipality of San Juan for hosting this meeting and for providing us with a space as unique as Mount A of the old San Juan landfill, to celebrate this meeting.
Actions for coastal resilience
During National Estuaries Week 2026, the SJBEP carried out several actions to reinforce natural spaces in the coastal region of the SJBE watershed. We appreciate the commitment and time of all the volunteers who joined and congratulate those who achieved their certification. We had the following activities:
On Saturday, September 19, 65 participants of CEDIN – Laboratory School of the Inter-American University Metro Campus, planted some 593 specimens of red mangrove on the shore of the Condado Lagoon. Garbage and some propagules were also collected.
Thanks to Professor Yamila Meléndez Rivera for her support.
On Sunday, September 20, ten volunteers propagated red mangrove, white mangrove, black mangrove and green buttonwood seeds collected the previous week. They also transplanted several red mangrove seedlings and cleaned and maintained the nursery.
The activity highlighted the continuity in the process that begins with the collection of seeds and culminates with the planting of coastal vegetation.
On Saturday, September 26, 31 members of the Boy Scouts Troop 82 planted around 356 red mangrove, green buttonwood, black mangrove, seagrape and Spanish lime plants in the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve.
The planting served as reinforcement of past plantings, in a sandy and rocky stretch of the Lagoon’s coastline.
These and other actions for the restoration and management of the waters connected to the SJBE continue, as part of the Water Quality Monitoring, Microplastic Characterization and Reduction, Participatory Bird Censuses, and Coastal Resilience modules of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists. See the scheduled workshops and field experiences, next.
Certification fo Citizen Scientists
Join the workshops and field experiences of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists. Remember that they count towards Contacto Verde or community service hours. All minors must be accompanied by an adult, who must register separately.
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Physico-chemical parameters; Tuesday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, Oct. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, October 19, at 8:30 a.m. in Las Curías and Río Piedras
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Tuesday, October 20, at 9:00 a.m. in San Juan Bay
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Participatory Bird Census Module
Participatory Bird Census Workshop; Tuesday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Coastal Resilience Module
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs and Seagrass; Thursday, October 15; 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Field Experience: Planting coastal vegetation; Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological Restoration of Dunes and Mangroves; Thursday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Seagrass Ecological Assessment; Saturday, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Propagation of coastal vegetation; on Sunday, October 25, at 8:00 a.m. in Loíza
Recognition of a mission that transforms
The SJBEP celebrates with deep gratitude the recognition granted by the Association of Public Relations Professionals of Puerto Rico, upon receiving this year the Fernando Valverde Award, which distinguishes the meritorious and outstanding management of organizations that make significant contributions to the development and well-being of our country.
We receive this award with enormous pride and gratitude. It is a recognition that belongs to our entire estuarine community and to each person who, with their time, talent and commitment, has contributed to protecting our Estuary.
Brenda Torres Barreto, SJBEP Executive Director and Tamaris Fournier, SJBEP Communications Consultant, together with Muriel Lázaro, president of the Board of Directors of the Association of PR Relationists, receiving the award during the Excel Awards, on October 1.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
This 2026 hurricane season, SJBEP urges you to be prepared. Download the Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. Protecting your community starts at home.
Also visit the SJBEP’s Virtual Community Hub, where you’ll find vital information such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency backpacks.
Don’t be scared! Be prepared.
Weekly water quality monitoring
Thanks to the volunteer who supported the bacteriological monitoring in the Condado Lagoon on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as part of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Water Quality Monitoring module. Up next, the results.
Evaluation carried out Thursday, October 8, 2026. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the coastal regions that exceeded the “Beach Action Value” water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
