Estuary Update
In the final days of 2023, we remember the actions taken during this year, for the benefit of the interconnected waters of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed, the ecosystems that depend on them, and the communities that surround them.
As we begin our thirtieth year of service, we recognize that many of the environmental challenges facing our Island are different from those we faced in the 1990s. One constant, however, has been its people: The struggle of our estuarine communities for environmental justice and clean water remains as determined and focused as ever.
The Estuary team wishes you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2024!
Let's conserve our water
In the spirit of educating, raising awareness and highlighting the importance of conserving our bodies of water, we share with you the song: Let's Conserve Our Waters, performed by Grupo Candela, as part of the actions and efforts of the community campaign, Let it not touch the ground or reach the water, on Loíza Street.
Grupo Candela is a children's group organized by the Casa de la Plena Tito Matos . They performed the song for the first time during the Christmas Party at Taller Comunidad La Goyco on December 2, 2023. We hope you enjoy it!
Certification of scientific citizens
Begin your certification with the Introduction to Participatory Bird Censuses workshop; conducted by our environmental educator, Coral Avilés, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom.
View all available events and register at: estuary.org/ccc
Jobs available
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.
The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuary) is seeking qualified applicants for the Operations Auditor contract to perform evaluation of the processes and operations, and assess financial and compliance to prevent risks of operations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds.
See more at: estuario.org/careers
Media coverage
Brenda Torres Barreto. December 24, 2023. Towards climate adaptation. Opinion. El Nuevo Día. p.59.
Other activities
Microplastics characterization field trip:
As part of the Estuary's citizen scientist certification, last Friday, December 22, five volunteers accompanied our aquatic waste project manager, Cristina Ramirez, on a field trip to characterize microplastics in the San Jose Lagoon and the Suarez Canal.
The volunteers characterized and documented microplastics found in these bodies of water. They raised awareness about the problem of microplastics in our marine ecosystems and their environmental, social, and economic impact.
Thanks to Izabella, Camille, Roberto, Khristian, Nick and Captain Ramirez!
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Thursday, December 28, 2023. We have a GREEN flag for the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. However, we recommend avoiding the area that exceeded the Beach Action Value water quality standard (70 CFU/100 ML). Have a great weekend!
