Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! Through our weekly update, we inform residents and friends of the communities in the San Juan Bay estuary watershed about events, projects, activities, and training opportunities.
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, due to a failure in the sanitary pumps, a sewage overflow occurred in the streets of Condado, affecting the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve and surrounding bodies of water. Yesterday, Thursday, March 23, 2023, we took samples for our weekly bacteriological analysis. See the results below.
Certification of scientific citizens
Register today at https://estuario.org/eventos/.
Water Quality Day 2023
There's only one week left before the event! Attend one of our training workshops and pick up your monitoring kit:
Saturday, March 25, 2023:
- Las Salinas Interpretation Centre, Cabo Rojo — 9:00 am – 10:00 am
- Department of Natural and Environmental Resources — 9:00 am – 10:00 am
- Ponce Health Sciences University — 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Tuesday, March 28:
- Institute of Environmental Engineers of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico — 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sign up on our portal: https://estuario.org/diadecalidaddeagua/.
Family day out at the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
After participating in Water Quality Day, join us at Jaime Benítez Park, where we will have the following activities:
1:00 pm: Environmental artisans market and information tables, with the collaboration of environmental organizations
2:00 pm: Educational talks by environmental organizations
4:00 pm: Interpretive tour of the Reserve
5:00 pm: Educational Family Games
6:30 pm: Reading of the story: Canito, the fishing bat
7:00 pm: Cine del Estuario presents: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Sign up for https://estuario.org/eventos/ to receive additional information and updates. For further questions, you can also write to [email protected]. We will wait for you!
Estuary Cinema
On Saturday, April 1st, Cine del Estuario presents: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, At 7 pm in Jaime Benítez Park at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. As always, the performance is free. Bring your blanket or chair!
WWD
On Wednesday, March 22, we toured the streets of Old San Juan with an extraordinary group of friends of our urban resources and nature, in commemoration of World Water Day. Look at the photos, here.
International Day of Forests
Last Tuesday, March 21, the Estuary and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources celebrated the International Day of Forests with an interpretive tour in the Piñones State Forest. See the photos. here.
Estuary invites you to the virtual seminar: Recovery projects on public lands associated with bodies of water in Puerto Rico
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/proyectos-de-recuperacion-en-terrenos-de-dominio-publico-en-puerto-rico-tickets-523813208407
Abstract: This virtual seminar will discuss factors associated with the location of proposed projects on public lands adjacent to bodies of water in Puerto Rico, such as the delimitation, uses, and administration of the Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZMT), easements for surveillance and rescue, and other issues related to river channels and banks. Numerous projects and actions have been proposed to repair or prevent damage caused by storm surges, waves, shoreline erosion, and flooding and erosion related to freshwater runoff following Hurricane Maria.
Job/Contract Opportunities
The Estuary is currently undertaking a variety of restoration and conservation projects for the system and its watershed, particularly focusing on coastal resilience and blue/green infrastructure, which will require additional talent. Available opportunities include contracts, jobs, and requests for proposals for interested individuals and/or organizations.
Jobs
Open until restocked
Reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for the efficiency of daily operations, ensuring the effective management and development of the team, the implementation of programs, and quality control and evaluation.
Open until restocked
Responsible for overseeing the effective management and operations of projects funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, in compliance with all grant requirements. These projects include, but are not limited to, water quality restoration, blue/green infrastructure, and coastal and climate resilience.
See all the calls for applications at https://estuario.org/avisos/.
Media coverage and publications
Ramírez, M. March 23, 2023. Samples taken from Condado Lagoon due to contamination with wastewater. Telenoticias. Telemundo Puerto Rico. Web: https://www.telemundopr.com/noticias/puerto-rico/toman-muestras-en-la-laguna-del-condado-ante-contaminacion-con-aguas-usadas/2465111/
Torres Barreto, B. March 21, 2023. Investing in smart infrastructure. El Nuevo Día. P.27. [web version: https://www.elnuevodia.com/opinion/punto-de-vista/dia-mundial-del-agua-a-invertir-en-infraestructura-inteligente/]
El Nuevo Día. March 21, 2023. The San Juan Bay Estuary Program invites you to Water Quality Day this April 1. https://www.elnuevodia.com/ciencia-ambiente/otros/notas/programa-del-estuario-de-la-bahia-de-san-juan-invita-al-dia-de-calidad-de-agua-este-1-de-abril/
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Evaluation carried out on Thursday 16 of March of 2023. We have GREEN flag in the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. The map identifies the stations that exceeded the water quality parameter for enterococci (70 CFU/100mL). We recommend avoiding direct contact with these bodies of water during rain events (and for at least 48 hours afterward).
The restoration and water quality management efforts in the San Juan Bay estuary watershed are made possible by our supporters. Donations to the Estuary are tax-deductible in Puerto Rico and the United States.
For more information, access https://estuario.org/donar/.
Tune in to our social media channels, where we share information, including various virtual activities that will contribute to your knowledge and personal and professional development. For any questions or inquiries, please contact us through [contact information missing]. [email protected].
We invite you to register as a volunteer, HERE.
