Weekly Estuary Update
This week, we highlight the power of partnerships as a driving force for the conservation and resilience of coastal estuarine ecosystems. From educational workshops to restoration and reforestation efforts, we continue to join forces with communities, schools, municipalities, and organizations to protect our beaches, mangroves, and rivers.
Every collaboration strengthens our collective impact and reinforces our shared commitment to healthier, safer coastlines. Together, we achieve cleaner waters!
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, International Biodiversity Day, the San Juan Bay Estuary and L'Oréal Caribe announced a new partnership to strengthen the coastline of the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. The partnership aims to ensure a long-term increase in biodiversity within the coastal ecosystems of the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve: mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Beginning in June 2025, and continuing for a period of 10 years, we will undertake coastal ecosystem restoration and enhancement efforts.
Citizens will participate through the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification program, which transfers technical knowledge to interested volunteers. To be part of this project, visit: estuary.org/ccc and join the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification in Coastal Resilience.
The Estuary strengthens its ecosystems through scientific assessment and assisted restoration, in collaboration with various sectors and citizens. Learn about our certification program to train citizens. Join the effort.
Family day out
The Estuary invites you to the next Family Day Out at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Jaime Benítez Park. We will have the following activities:
[2:00 pm] Sports activity – Come and enjoy an exciting game of badminton with your family and friends.
[3:00 pm] Educational talk: Eat lionfish! with Jannette Ramos, from Sea Grant Puerto Rico (Green Contact) – Did you know that lionfish can be eaten? Come and discover about this marine organism.
[4:00 pm] Treasure Hunt: The Botanical Trail and its Connection to Water (Green Contact) – If you want to learn about the interconnection between wetlands, water quality, and biodiversity in the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve, this talk is for you!
[6:00 pm] Interpretive Tour: Water: A Vital Resource for Connecting Estuarine Systems (Green Contact) – Want to know how water affects estuarine ecosystems? Come on this interpretive tour and learn all you can do to protect these vital resources.
Save the date!
Estuary Cinema
Estuary Cinema presents: Wonka; Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Jaime Benítez Park in the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. The film will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles. This screening is free. Bring your blanket or chair!
Estuary joins the Recycling Pop-up in Loíza
As part of the "Leave a Clean Footprint in Piñones" campaign and International Recycling Day, the Estuary participated in the LimPiaR Pop-Up Recycling event in the Municipality of Loíza on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This event takes place on the third Saturday of each month at Miguel Fuentes Pinet Park in the Municipality of Loíza. During the event, the collection of materials such as #1, #2, and #5 plastic, aluminum, brass, and corrugated cardboard is encouraged.
With its educational table, the Estuary highlighted its focus on the importance of conserving water resources, as well as gray infrastructure, through the proper disposal of used vegetable oil, thus supporting the Loíza Municipality's vegetable oil disposal program. Until next time!
Estuary present at the First Eco Community Festival of Puerto Nuevo
The Estuary was present at the First Eco Community Festival of Puerto Nuevo, held on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This event sought to unite the community of Puerto Nuevo to learn about the efforts of organizations, academia, and others focused on the environmental area.
The Estuary provided its educational table, where it guided participants on the importance of the correct diversion of vegetable oil and the various responsible waste management campaigns, as well as actions to conserve the quality of our waters.
We thank the event coordinators, as well as everyone who came to the table and enjoyed the activity.
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at estuary.org/cccRemember that we offer community and Green Touch hours, as applicable.
Coastal Resilience Module
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Planting Coastal Vegetation; Saturday, May 31, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at County Lagoon
Media coverage
May 22, 2025. United, protecting biodiversity. Brand Studio. El Nuevo Día. p.25.
May 22, 2025. United, protecting biodiversity. El Nuevo Día. Web. https://www.elnuevodia.com/brandstudio/loreal-caribe/notas/unidos-protegiendo-la-biodiversidad/
May 22, 2025. An alliance for everyone's future. Primera Hora. Web. https://www.primerahora.com/brandstudio/loreal-caribe/notas/unidos-protegiendo-la-biodiversidad/
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Thursday, May 22, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the area that exceeded the "Beach Action Value" water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
