The Estuary Plan is a living document that is managed adaptively to respond to changes in the conditions and needs of the estuary system, its watershed, related ecosystems, and communities. It was originally published in 2000, and an update was completed in 2016.
Introductory chapters
The introductory chapters of the Estuary Plan establish the structure of the document, priority issues, and the condition of the Estuary.
Water and Sediment Quality Action Plan
The goal of the Water and Sediment Quality Action Plan is to improve the water and sediment quality of the San Juan Bay Estuary to ensure it is safe for fishing and human activity, thereby promoting other compatible recreational and commercial activities. Specific objectives include:
- Eliminate direct and indirect discharges of sanitary wastewater into the various canals and lagoons of the San Juan Bay Estuary to reduce nutrients and pathogens and increase the use of estuarine waters by people.
- Improve water circulation in the San Juan Bay Estuary to increase its capacity to clean itself and result in an improvement of its waters and sediments.
- Reduce nutrients and toxins from dispersed sources that have a negative impact on habitats and the use of estuarine waters.
- To avoid the detrimental effects of oils and other pollutants on water and sediment quality, habitats, estuarine species, and socio-economic activities.
- Reduce levels of oils and greases, nutrients, sediments, toxins, and other pollutants in point source discharges from municipal storm sewer systems that result in the degradation of Estuary habitats and uses.
Habitat, Fish, and Wildlife Action Plan
The goal of the Habitats, Fish, and Wildlife Action Plan is to improve and maintain an ecosystem that supports an optimal diversity of living resources over the long term. Specific objectives include:
- Preserve and restore ecologically important habitats.
- Protect the abundance and relative diversity of species.
- Increase the economic value of fishery resources and ensure their sustainability.
Aquatic Waste Action Plan
The goal of the Aquatic Debris Action Plan is to improve habitat quality and increase the aesthetic, recreational, and economic value of the San Juan Bay Estuary by ensuring its watershed is free of aquatic debris. Specific objectives include:
- Significantly reduce the amount of aquatic waste that reaches estuarine waters.
- Develop, promote, and implement voluntary compliance and pollution prevention initiatives.
- Strengthen compliance with laws and regulations for waste management.
Green Infrastructure Action Plan
Action Plan for Education and Citizen Participation
The goal of the Education and Citizen Participation Action Plan is to maximize public involvement in the implementation of the Estuary Plan. Specific objectives include:
- Increase public awareness of the functions and values of the Estuary.
Implementation Chapters
The implementation chapters establish the programmatic and financing structure for the Estuary Plan.
