Weekly Estuary Update
On behalf of the Estuary, we hope you were able to manage the crisis we faced this week due to the lack of electricity. Please remember to monitor water quality conditions. There is a direct relationship between power outages and the negative impact on water quality. This is because some of the water infrastructure (sanitary and stormwater systems) stops operating due to the lack of generators. Despite having committed agency leaders and working discreetly, there are risks that we all need to be aware of. Therefore, we urge you to wait at least 24 hours after power is restored before coming into contact with the water in Condado Lagoon and beaches in the region.
Conversations on the Estuary Plan Review
Situations like the one this week will be addressed in the Review of the Comprehensive Management and Conservation Plan for the San Juan Bay Estuary, or the Estuary Plan. Help us discuss priority issues, restoration goals, and conservation objectives as part of this review.
The Estuary Plan will be organized around specific objectives to achieve the established goals and address the priority issues in the restoration and conservation of the estuarine system, its watershed, and related ecosystems. Click here to download the document under review. We will be accepting written comments until April 29, 2025, through THIS LINK.
We will have two discussions to generate debate and inspiration:
Community Conversation on the Estuary Plan Review
For residents, neighbors, and friends of the region, April 22, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in San Juan (TBD), with a virtual component. Register here.
Scientific and Technical Conversation on the Estuary Plan Review
For scientists, experts, and those familiar with the San Juan Bay estuary system, on April 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in San Juan (TBD), with a virtual component. Register here.
We greatly appreciate your support in sharing this information through your networks and ensuring that as many citizens, communities, scientists, and experts as possible can actively participate in this review.
Join us in shaping the future of the waterways in the San Juan metropolitan area. The Estuary Plan belongs to everyone, because we all live with the Estuary. We look forward to seeing you there!
Discover the endemic birds of Puerto Rico that live in the estuary
The Estuary invites you to this virtual educational talk, as part of Earth Month activities and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. You will learn about the island's endemic birds that inhabit the ecosystems connected to the San Juan Bay estuary.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom. It will count towards your Green Contact hours. Register here.
Interpretive tour: Discovering the nature of urban forests
Join this interpretive tour in the Piñones State Forest, part of the San Juan Bay Estuary Urban Forest Network, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
On this tour, you'll learn about the forest's biodiversity, the ecological services it provides, and its natural connection to the estuary's waters. This tour counts towards your Green Contact hours. Register today at estuary.org/events.
Dialogue on the installation of "No Fishing" signs in County Lagoon
To all neighbors, friends and users of the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve: join the community dialogue about the “No Fishing” signage in the Reserve, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Jaime Benítez Park.
Register today at estuary.org/events.
Observations and relevant days
This week, we celebrate two important occasions that highlight the value of our ecosystems and the power of community action. Today, Friday, April 18, we commemorate Global Youth Volunteer Service Day, a date that emphasizes the essential role of young people in transforming their communities. Tomorrow, Saturday, April 19, marks the beginning of National Parks Week, an opportunity to reconnect with our protected natural spaces and reflect on their conservation.
In the Estuary, we continue to promote environmental awareness through volunteering, education, and citizen science. Join our initiatives!
Birds of estuarine ecosystems: techniques for creating meaningful experiences
If you are a tour guide, environmental interpreter, or non-formal educator, the Estuary invites you to the workshop, Birds of Estuarine Ecosystems: Techniques to Create Meaningful Experiences; on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Jaime Benítez Park in the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve.
We will cover the identification of common birds in the various ecosystems of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed, as well as techniques for incorporating this knowledge into guided tours and ecotourism experiences. The workshop will be led by Coral Avilés Santiago and Eliezer Nieves Rodríguez.
Register today at estuary.org/events.
Planting of coastal vegetation in Loíza
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we carried out a planting of coastal vegetation on Vacía Talega beach, in Loíza, as part of the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuary's citizen scientist certification.
Three university students, members of Enactus, planted approximately 126 specimens of coastal vegetation, including red mangrove, button mangrove, sea grape, and palm. We thank citizen scientist and university student Bertha Marte, who led the effort coordinated by arborist Andreína Alexatos.
Learn more about the Coastal Resilience module at estuary.org/ccc.
Field experience in the characterization and reduction of microplastics
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, we conducted the most recent field exercise for the Microplastic Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification program, along the Margarita Canal and the Martín Peña Channel. We thank Marisa, Paloma, Yesenia, Génesis, and Miguel for their participation.
We also congratulate Marisa Mulero, who completed her Citizen Scientist Certification with this field experience. Learn more about the Microplastic Characterization and Reduction module at estuary.org/ccc.
Certification of scientific citizens
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at: estuary.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Field Experience: Bacteriological Water Sampling; Thursday, April 24, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at County Lagoon
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; Monday, April 28, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Piedras River
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; Tuesday, April 29, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in San Juan Bay
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; Wednesday, April 30, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Laguna San José
Participatory Bird Census Module
Field experience; Friday, April 25, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am at the Río Piedras Botanical Garden
Coastal Resilience Module
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, April 26, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at County Lagoon
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, April 26, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at County Lagoon
See more information at: estuary.org/ccc.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Yesterday, Thursday, April 17, the Estuary conducted its weekly bacteriological monitoring at twelve different points from Vacía Talega to Escambrón, including the Condado Lagoon. The samples taken were evaluated at the Caimito Resilient Center, thanks to the solar system installed in 2018.
As part of this week's citizen science team, we had two students, a communications professional, a teacher, and an event coordinator. That's what citizen science is all about: uniting people from different stages of life and professional fields to contribute to the environment and public health. Thank you for the excellent work you did!
Assessment conducted on Thursday, April 17, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. The Vacía Talega station exceeded the "Beach Action Value" water quality parameter of 70 CFU/100 ML. We recommend avoiding County Lagoon and coastal areas until 24 hours after power is restored to the region.
