Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! See below for recent actions taken to benefit the restoration and management of the waters connected to the San Juan Bay estuary, upcoming educational activities, and available professional growth, training, and volunteer opportunities.
Set aside the date: exhibition The estuary is not still
We share with you the invitation from the resident artist of the Estuary, Antonio Martorell and his Friends, to the exhibition, The Estuary is not still, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Taller Comunidad La Goyco.
This 2026 season, the collective of artists presented by Maestro Martorell joins the resident artists who, since 2018, have employed creative ways to connect the resilient communities of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed with their waters and natural spaces. The exhibition marks the culmination of this historic residency. Save the date!
There will be a welcome cocktail at 1:00 pm and a concert with Riestra and Los Bohíques at 4:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Opportunities for professional services contracts
Enroll in the graduate course: CIAM 8990
CIAM 8990: Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Water Resource Infrastructure; is an interdisciplinary course integrated with multiple sectors for the study of Socio-Ecological-Technological Systems (SETs). The Juan Méndez Creek channelization reversal project will be presented as a case study and a space for applying knowledge.
The aim is to provide students with the theory and tools to address issues related to Systems Thinking (SETs) when conducting research that promotes resilience in highly vulnerable regions. The course is both theoretical and practical, and will integrate and apply the concepts of systems thinking, collaborative work, community engagement, and interdisciplinary research.
The course is open to graduate students from multiple faculties and programs (e.g., Natural Sciences, Planning, Social Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Public Health).
At the end of the course, students will create a research proposal using the Juan Méndez Ravine as a case study to compete for a one-year scholarship (stipend) ($20,000 for master's studies, $30,000 for doctoral studies). For more information, contact Dr. Jorge Ortiz Zayas (Department of Environmental Sciences, UPR-Río Piedras) at: [email protected]
The period for public comments on the action plans of the Estuary Plan has been extended.
On April 15, 2026, we completed the approval of the drafts of the five action plans of the Estuary Plan. The public hearing was held on June 16, thus concluding the official public comment period for these documents.
With the aim of continuing to encourage citizen participation, we have extended the public comment period until July 30, 2026.
We invite you to review the documents and submit your comments before the new deadline.
They are cleaning up around County Lagoon
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, five volunteers accompanied the Estuary on a land cleanup at the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. They collected 63 pounds of trash, including 3 garbage bags, 3 pieces of aluminum, and 1 motor vehicle catalytic converter, among other materials.
Proper waste disposal is key to conserving and protecting our natural areas.
Thanks to these volunteers for providing their efforts and time.
Microplastic assessment in San José Lagoon
On Friday, July 10, 2026, we conducted the most recent field experience of the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification.
We thank volunteer Sergio Vélez, who accompanied us in the collection and identification of microplastics in the San José and La Torrecilla lagoons, strengthening and applying the knowledge acquired in our workshops directly in the field. Thanks also to Captain Kenneth Pastor of KAP Inc. for his support during the experience.
Citizen Scientist Certification
Here are the activities for the coming weeks. Remember that workshops and field experiences count toward Green Contact hours or community service. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, who must register separately. See more information and register at: estuary.org/ccc
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, July 23, at 9:30 am at County Lagoon
Field experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, July 27, at 8:30 am at Lake Las Curías and Río Piedras
Field Experience: Physical-Chemical Monitoring; Tuesday, July 28, at 9:00 am in San Juan Bay
Field experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Wednesday, July 29, at 8:00 am at Laguna San José/La Torrecilla
Prepare yourself this hurricane season
This 2026 hurricane season, the San Juan Bay Estuary urges you to be prepared. Download the Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. Protecting your community starts at home.
Also visit the Estuary Virtual Community Center , where you'll find vital information, such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency kits.
Don't panic! Get ready.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the bacteriological monitoring at County Lagoon on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as part of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification Water Quality Monitoring module. The results are below.
Assessment conducted on Thursday, July 16, 2026. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. We recommend avoiding coastal areas that exceeded the "Beach Action Value" water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events. Have a good weekend.
