Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! This week, we're highlighting 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, partners, and citizen scientists. We're also sharing research, employment, and training opportunities for those who want to actively contribute to the management and conservation of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed. See all the details below.
Reducing aquatic waste in the estuary
The following are recent recycling and waste reduction initiatives and actions across the San Juan Bay estuary watershed:
Microplastics assessment
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the most recent field experience for the Microplastic Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification program was conducted. We thank Eduardo Santana, Sharlog del Fresno, and Hanna Rodríguez for their participation in evaluating the presence of microplastics at the Escambrón Beach Resort.
The workshops and field experiences on Microplastic Characterization and Reduction will return in early 2026.
Diversion of materials at La Goyco Community Workshop
Estuary supported the diversion of materials during the La Goyco Community Workshop Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6, 2025. A total of 18 volunteers participated at the four stations.
The following materials were diverted: plastics, aluminum, cardboard, glass, vegetable oil, and organic and compostable materials. Thanks to the volunteers and attendees who supported the proper diversion of these materials. The event served as a field experience for the Microplastic Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification.
Learn about the efforts for the proper management of solid waste carried out in the community of Machuchal and Loíza Street, through the community campaign, "Don't let it touch the ground or reach the water ."
Strengthening the coasts connected to the San Juan Bay estuary
On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Estuary conducted a field exercise for the Coastal Resilience module in Piñones, focusing on planting coastal vegetation in mangrove and dune areas. Four volunteers planted approximately 436 plants, including red mangrove seedlings, sea beans, and a palm tree, along a stretch of about 68 meters.
The participants received an educational talk about the ecological importance of mangroves and dunes. Although high tide presented some challenges, the group successfully established 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 Estuary Nursery at the TAU Center in Loíza. This field experience fulfilled 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, as well as performing cleaning and weeding tasks to keep the nursery in optimal condition.
We are immensely grateful to these two groups of citizen scientists, whose support directly contributes to the recovery and strengthening of our coastlines. Every action counts!
See the next scheduled actions of the Coastal Resilience module below.
Call for research proposals—Scholarship for graduate students
The San Juan Bay Estuary will offer a scholarship for graduate students to develop and conduct studies aimed at understanding and addressing the complex problems identified in the Juan Méndez ravine in San Juan. Interested applicants 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 scholarship period is six months. The scholarship is $10,000 for master's students and $15,000 for doctoral students. More information is available here.
Job opportunity
Opportunity for a professional services contract
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. Workshops and field experiences for the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification count toward Green Touch hours or community service. See more information at: estuary.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring
Field experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, December 15, at 8:30 am at Lake Las Curías and the Piedras River
Field Experience: Physical-Chemical Monitoring; Tuesday, December 16, at 9:00 am in San Juan Bay
Field experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Wednesday, December 17, at 8:00 am at Laguna San José/Torrecilla
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, December 18, at 9:30 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience
Field Experience: Seed and Plant Propagation; Sunday, December 14, at 8:00 am at Centro TAU, Loíza
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological Restoration of Dunes and Mangroves ; Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Field experience: Planting coastal vegetation; Saturday, December 20th, at 8:00 am in Piñones
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the bacteriological monitoring on Thursday, December 11, 2025, as part of the Water Quality Monitoring module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification. The results are below:
Assessment conducted on Thursday, December 11, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. We recommend avoiding coastal areas that exceeded the water quality parameter for enterococci, "Beach Action Value," of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
