Why is an estuary a valuable resource?
The combination of fresh and salt water creates a unique ecosystem, home to a wide variety of wildlife species (fish, reptiles, birds and mammals such as the manatee).
Healthy estuaries are essential for humans as well as wildlife because:
- They promote the balance of the food web on which all life forms depend.
- They filter water of pollutants and sediments, keeping the water clean for the benefit of humans and other species.
- They provide food, which supports commercial and recreational fishing.
- They protect coastal areas from flooding, storm surges, and erosion.
- They connect bodies of water for transportation and marine operations.
Where is the San Juan Bay Estuary?
This vast ecosystem spans eight municipalities, from the mountains of San Juan to the coast between Toa Baja and Loíza. The estuarine basin encompasses rivers and streams that flow through communities and cities, eventually emptying into beaches, lagoons, mangroves, wetlands, and San Juan Bay.Bodies of water that make up the San Juan Bay Estuary
The estuary forms a network of rivers, canals, and lagoons that extends to the coast. On one side, San Juan Bay connects via the Martín Peña channel to San José Lagoon and Los Corozos Lagoon. These are linked by the Suárez Canal to La Torrecilla Lagoon and Piñones Lagoon. The bay also connects to the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve via the San Antonio Canal. Another important part of the estuary system is the Las Cucharillas marsh, which, among other functions, acts as a giant sponge to prevent flooding.Ecological importance of the Estuary
The San Juan Bay Estuary has the status of Estuary of National Importance, incorporated into the National Estuary Program of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), since 1992. It is the only one of the 28 participating estuaries in the Program that is located outside the continental territory of the United States and is situated in a tropical zone.
From the mountains to the coast, the estuary basin provides shelter and food for a large number of species, including some endangered ones, such as the leatherback sea turtle and the manatee. The Special Fund for the Estuary Act (Law 48 of 2009) mentions among them:
- 8 animal species and 17 plants in danger of extinction, such as the West Indian manatee.
- 19 species of reptiles and amphibians, such as the coqui.
- 124 species of fish, such as the shad and the sea bass.
- 300 species of wetland plants.
Furthermore, the platform eBird It documents that in San Juan alone, from Caimito to Ocean Park and Old San Juan, 221 species of birds have been observed. The Estuary is home to at least 11 of the 17 endemic birds of Puerto Rico.
The ecosystems of the estuarine basin provide, among other services:
- 33% of Puerto Rico's mangroves.
- Temporary habitat for many migratory birds.
- Coral reefs, sand dunes, and mangrove forests serve as a natural barrier against flooding from storms and tidal surges.
- The karst forests are home to unique species of Puerto Rico and some that are endangered, such as the Puerto Rican boa and the rosewood tree.
- The beaches serve as a nesting area for the world's largest sea turtle, the leatherback.
Economic importance of the Estuary
In addition to its immense ecological value, the ecosystem is fundamental to Puerto Rico's economic development and food security. The main ports through which most of the island's food arrives are located in the estuary. Much of the country's tourism and commercial activity also takes place there.
Eighty percent of Puerto Rico's imports enter the island annually through the ports and airports located in the San Juan Bay Estuary area. The island's largest export port is located there, with an estimated export value of [amount missing]. $ 100 millones.
- The port of San Juan received 1.8 million tourists on 558 cruise ship trips based on or in transit to the island, according to official data for fiscal year 2018-2019. During the same period, nearly 4.5 million travelers entered through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and the Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport on Isla Grande received another 19,616 passengers.
- The estuarine ecosystem functions as one of the main resources to prevent flooding in the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico.
- Commercial and residential buildings occupy 67% of the land surrounding the watershed. Some of these are among the most expensive real estate areas in the country, both commercial (the banking district on the Golden Mile) and residential (Condado, Miramar, Isla Verde, Punta Las Marías, among others).
- The headquarters of most of Puerto Rico's government agencies are located within the estuary system. The Santa Catalina Palace, or La Fortaleza, is situated near one of the estuary's most important saltwater inlets.
- The Estuary is home to some of the country's most important parks, such as: Central Park, which includes the Enrique Martí Coll Linear Walk, located in part of the Martín Peña Canal; Luis Muñoz Marín Park and Luis Muñoz Rivera Park.
- Some of the most important historical monuments and sites for Puerto Rico are also located in the Estuary basin, including: San Felipe del Morro Castle, San Cristóbal Castle and the walled city of Old San Juan.
What to do to visit the Estuary?
If you are interested in visiting the San Juan Bay Estuary, you can call us at (787) 725-8165, on weekdays, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
You can also follow our accounts through social media, where we inform the general public about the various activities we offer.
