The plans include strengthening water quality monitoring, reforestation, and community support. A donation fund has also been established.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – With the goal of redoubling efforts to restore the health of the San Juan Bay Estuary ecosystem and its economic services, and under the slogan "Estuary Revives," the San Juan Bay Estuary Program (PEBSJ) has reinforced its three-month work plan. This plan includes monitoring water quality, reforesting areas, and supporting surrounding communities impacted by the recent extreme weather event. The announcement was made today by the Program's Executive Director, Brenda Torres Barreto, at Condado Lagoon, alongside a brigade of volunteers working on the removal and cleanup of the lagoon's shoreline.
“Following a preliminary assessment of Hurricane Maria’s impact on the estuary system, specifically on areas frequented by the public and areas of high ecological value, we have defined an aggressive action plan focused on three areas: weekly water quality monitoring, removal of debris clogging the sewer system, and innovative community support. We invite the public to join these efforts, as they require many hands and financial support to cover the costs of these vital services for the sustainable revival of the estuary,” the Director reported. “The San Juan Bay Estuary system—through its mangroves, wetlands, and channels—was the first line of defense in the metropolitan area against this terrible hurricane. It successfully mitigated the impact on the communities surrounding the waterways that make up the estuary. However, its struggle came at a cost, and it is up to us to restore its former glory,” she added.
Due to the collapse of the sanitation and sewage infrastructure, the rivers, lagoons, and bay were negatively impacted. The health of the Estuary's water bodies will be restored by increasing and expanding water quality monitoring efforts. This monitoring will not only inform the public about the progress of these efforts but also about the availability of the water bodies for recreational use.
In the San Juan Bay Estuary, trees and plants are being planted to prevent erosion in rivers and streams, thus protecting them from sedimentation. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore damaged mangrove forests and plant mangroves in depleted areas that are therefore vulnerable to flooding and extreme winds.
Finally, volunteer brigades will be organized to support community revitalization efforts by seeking innovative solutions to the environmental health problems affecting residents. Activities will include distributing water filters and establishing desalination plants in areas in need of potable water. Regarding debris management, the Program announced that the next cleanup areas will be: Caño District in Barrio Obrero, San Juan; Caimito neighborhood, San Juan; the Juana Matos community in Cataño; and Loíza Aldea in Loíza.
In addition, as part of this effort, Cine Estuario will be reactivated in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture. Dates and locations will be posted on both organizations' social media pages.
“To carry out this work, we have created a special fund so that everyone can contribute and be part of the solution. In these regions, we will be mobilizing heavy machinery, and the impact would be approximately $100,000. For this reason, we need the support of companies, private entities, and the public,” Torres added.
To make donations, you can do so through Banco Popular account #030-69770 or write a check payable to the San Juan Bay Estuary Conservation Corporation and send it to PO BOX 9509, San Juan, PR 00908-9509.
To join as a volunteer you can contact us through our Facebook page: Estuario de San Juan or write to us at [email protected].
