Estuary Update
Happy New Year 2023 from the San Juan Bay Estuary!
As we approach the end of 2022, we proudly share with you a summary of the positive results of our actions over the past twelve months to restore and protect the quality of the waters and ecosystems that are part of the San Juan Bay Estuary system.
This year was a pivotal one for our organization, Estuary. Its Board of Directors and Management Conference came together to develop specific strategies that will allow us to effectively achieve our goals and objectives over the next five years. Our operational and fiscal sustainability is on track.
This responsible exercise by our leaders was joined by citizen scientists, who have allowed us to gather data that documents the progress of our management and support the formulation of public policies that protect the valuable estuarine resources and the surrounding communities.
Christmas Bird Censuses Gamaliel Pagán Hernández
The Gamaliel Pagán Hernández Christmas Bird Censuses (2021-2022) were carried out, with a total of 24 censuses conducted in 18 areas of the watershed. Ninety-three volunteers and citizen scientists participated. We spotted 86 species! Check out the gallery . Stay tuned for the results of this year's censuses!
weekly monitoring
To ensure public well-being, ecosystem integrity, and compliance with our actions, throughout 2022 we analyzed 612 samples to measure water quality at the 12 stations distributed across the estuary basin. 28% of the total samples showed conditions unsuitable for swimming. These results indicate good water quality in the monitored areas of the ecosystem. One area that maintained high coliform levels for most of the year was the Cervantes Street station in Condado. As part of our monitoring program, since January 2015, we have analyzed 3,490 samples to measure estuarine water quality. See more data from the Water Quality Monitoring program.
Puerto Rico Water Quality Monitoring Day
Regarding water quality monitoring, the culmination of this effort took place on August 27th with the participation of 1,800 volunteers who collected samples at over 200 locations across Puerto Rico. Again, thank you to all the participants, and stay tuned for workshops to be part of the event in 2023. Visit the Water Quality Monitoring Day gallery.
Coastal resilience
This year was key to launching a necessary effort to build resilience in the estuary system. We have certified 139 citizens to assess coastal ecosystems. This will allow us to gather information on the current condition, document changes caused by weather events, and support the process of securing funding for restoration.
Aquatic waste program
Also, as part of our Aquatic Waste Program , on December 19th an oil collection activity was carried out at the La Goyco Community Workshop where, with the support of the company JA Oil Recycling, 180 gallons of used cooking oil were diverted from the water infrastructure of Loíza Street.
Productive year for marine habitats
One year after installing the BIOHUTS , five structures to create marine habitat and help the propagation of fish and crustaceans in the area of the San Juan Nautical Club, we verified the effectiveness of the demonstration project that can sustain a blue economy activity.
For a year, since the modules were installed in September 2021, we conducted fish censuses every two months, and the results were amazing! There was an increase in the variety and abundance of fish within a 0.25-meter radius of each unit. We documented 21 fish species and six oyster species associated with the BIOHUT. This project represents an opportunity for education and environmental management of aquatic habitats. It can also be an economic resource that contributes to our food security.
Notable visits
In June, the Estuary received a visit from officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the programmatic evaluation process conducted every five years. The EPA confirmed our organization's compliance with the actions outlined in the Comprehensive Management and Conservation Plan for the San Juan Bay Estuary. The officials validated the results of our efforts during three days of visits to the sites and communities with which we work.
In July, our executive director, Brenda Torres Barreto, accompanied EPA Administrator Michael Regan on a tour of parts of the estuary. The administrator met with community leaders from San Juan, Cataño, and Loíza, among other municipalities. During a visit to the Martín Peña Canal, the administrator announced a $132 million investment, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, for the protection and restoration of estuaries in 28 states and Puerto Rico. Congratulations!
Meanwhile, on November 11, our team guided U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on a tour of the Martín Peña Channel and other estuary ecosystems, where she witnessed the progress of the restoration project. The senator has been a strong advocate for dredging the channel, providing environmental justice to neighboring communities, and implementing science- and nature-based solutions that enhance resilience and sustainability.
other events
On the other hand, our Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) successfully held the Estuary Summit 2022 in November. The event was part of STAC's plans to develop a conceptual model of the estuary's socio-ecological-technological system to guide the creation of conservation, research, water quality monitoring, and education programs. See the summary.
As part of our Artists-in-Residence program, artist Faviana Silva facilitated the "Art for All" workshop at our Visitor Center in Old San Juan, where about twenty children and young people expressed their environmental awareness through drawing and painting. Additionally, artist-in-residence Joudy Santaliz developed the sound project " Cococomunidad," which applies blue economy strategies to benefit residents of the Alto del Cabro community.
Thank you!
We thank all the collaborators, scientists, and volunteers who participated in our activities. We invite you to continue with us in 2023 and bring new visitors interested in learning about and helping to conserve our ecosystems. We also thank the entire Estuary team, donors, and sponsors. We trust that in the new year, environmental awareness and sustainability will grow throughout Puerto Rico.
2023 Happy!
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. We have a GREEN flag at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Reserve and the monitored beaches, except for El Escambrón Beach. We recommend avoiding direct contact with 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, visit https://estuario.org/donar/.
Follow us on social media, where we share information, including various virtual activities that will contribute to your knowledge and personal and professional development. For any questions, please contact us at [email protected ]
We invite you to register as a volunteer, HERE.
