Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! Today, Friday, July 26, we commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, as observed by the UNESCOMangroves are tropical coastal ecosystems that provide a unique habitat and breeding ground for numerous species. In Puerto Rico, one-third of the island's mangroves are located within the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed.
Mangroves also contribute to the protection of coastal communities, creating natural barriers against storm surges and weather events. They also prevent coastal erosion and absorb large amounts of carbon.
This is why the restoration and management of mangrove ecosystems is part of the Coastal Resilience thematic module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification. Learn more about the certification at: estuary.org/ccc.
Below, we share the events, opportunities, and initiatives scheduled to benefit the waters, ecosystems, and communities of the San Juan Bay Estuary.
Family day out at the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
A new family day out is coming soon! On Saturday, August 3rd, join us at Jaime Benítez Park in the Laguna del Condado Estuarine Nature Reserve. We will have the following activities:
[2:00 pm] Sports activity for the whole family
[3:00 pm] Educational talk – Let's protect our waters: identifying and reporting illegal discharges
[4:00 pm] Educational Talk – Biodiversity of the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
[5:00 pm] Silent Disco Party (summer closing)
Then, at 7:30 pm, Cine del Estuario presents: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The film will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles. As always, this screening is free. Bring your blanket or chair!
See more information at: estuary.org/events.
Information session for tour guides
The Estuary and the Puerto Rico Tourist Guides Association invite all certified tourist guides to participate in the informational talk: Citizen Scientist Certification for Tourist Guides of Puerto Rico; Wednesday, August 7, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom.
Coastal resilience in the Estuary
Last Thursday and Friday, July 19, ecological assessments were conducted on the coral reefs of Laguna del Condado and Balneario El Escambrón, respectively. Ecological assessments were also carried out on the seagrass communities of Laguna del Condado. Approximately 20 citizen scientists participated, led by coordinators Agnes Pagán and Daritzel Cintrón.
Then, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, a coastal vegetation planting event was held at the lagoon. Approximately 30 participants supported the planting, including members of Girl Scout Troop 400. They planted more than 300 specimens of coastal vegetation, including mangroves and sea grapes.
We thank all the volunteers who joined us and highlight the work of Scout Jomaris Ramos, who participated in this coastal restoration event as part of her Gold Medal project.
#PlasticFreeJuly
Let's celebrate a plastic-free July. Follow the San Juan Bay Estuary's tips on actions you can take to reduce your use of single-use plastics.
This week: Learn about the Law 51-2022—Law to prohibit single-use plastics in Puerto Rico; and the joint regulation of DACO and DRNA to prohibit the use and sale of single-use plastics.
You can find these documents and more tips for reducing your environmental footprint on the Estuary Aquatic Waste portal: estuary.org/aquatic-waste.
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the scheduled events for the coming weeks. See more information at: estuary.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring Module:
Coastal Resilience Module:
See more events at: estuary.org/ccc.
Job opportunities
Accountant—The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, also known as the Estuary, is seeking qualified applications for an Accountant to join our highly skilled team for projects receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Operations Auditor—The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuary) is seeking qualified applicants for the Operations Auditor contract to constantly evaluate processes and operations, and assess financial and compliance to prevent risks of operations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds.
Estuary Resident Artists – Request for Proposals—The Estuary Resident Artists generate artistic expressions with the aim of involving citizens in the process of conservation and restoration of the estuary basin, in a creative and culturally relevant way.
[Download your free copy] San Juan Bay Estuary: History and Research Opportunities
The Estuary is pleased to share its recent publication, San Juan Bay Estuary: History and Research Opportunities; by Ariel E. Lugo and Jorge F. Bauzá Ortega.
This comprehensive document includes valuable information on research conducted in the estuarine system, calling for these observations, findings, and conclusions to be added to in potential future research.
To arrange for the pickup of a free printed copy, please contact us at 787-725-8165.
Media coverage
Deborah Martorell. July 19, 2024. How can you be a citizen scientist? Live it Green. News. TeleOnce PR. https://teleonce.com/noticias/locales/como-puede-ser-un-ciudadano-cientifico/
Prepare yourself this hurricane season
Get ready for this hurricane season. Download the Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide of the Estuary and follow its recommendations. The strength and resilience of your community begins in your home.
Also visit the Virtual Estuary Community Centerwhere you will find vital information, such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency backpacks.
Don't panic! Get ready.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Thursday, July 25, 2024. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. However, we recommend avoiding all areas that exceeded the water quality standard for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 mL. Remember to avoid the water after rain events.
