The San Juan Bay Estuary system has a rich biodiversity that we seek to improve and conserve with the activities of the Estuary Plan, which also promotes the recreational use of resources.
The estuary is home to hundreds of species of birds, plants, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Among them are 16 species considered critically endangered because they are rare or unique to Puerto Rico and are vulnerable or endangered. The black cobana tree is a notable flora species. Among the reptiles, the leatherback sea turtle and the hawksbill sea turtle use the sandy beaches in the Vacía Talega-Piñones area to nest during the breeding season. Birds include the Puerto Rican tern, the Puerto Rican piranha, and the peregrine falcon.
Did you know that birdwatching is the fastest-growing recreational activity in the world? Furthermore, this practice generates an industry worth approximately $25,000 billion annually in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The estuary contributes to the development of this industry, particularly during the winter. ESTUARIO organizes the annual Gamaliel Pagán Hernández Christmas Bird Census each year, which collects valuable data for studying the population patterns and dynamics of the birds that inhabit the area over time. The Christmas season is when the greatest number of bird species are observed in the area and coincides with the tourist season on our island.
On the other hand, the estuary's fish also have significant economic and recreational importance, as is the case with catch-and-release tarpon fishing in San José Lagoon. This sport consists of catching the fish and returning it unharmed to its habitat. Each year, more than 1,200 tourists visit Puerto Rico, and the estuary in particular, to practice this sport, representing an estimated contribution of $1.5 million annually to the local economy.
As you can see, wildlife is a crucial component of this vast ecosystem of which humans are a part. However, human activities can degrade or destroy their habitats, impacting the ecosystem's diversity. The success of our island as a destination for these environmentally friendly industries depends directly on everyone contributing to the proper management and conservation of natural resources.
The following have been observed in the estuary:
In the coastal, aquatic and marine ecosystems of the estuary there are more than 308 varieties of wetland plants, including four species of mangrove:
- The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is found along the margins of bays and estuarine channels. The seed germinates into a seedling while still on the tree.
- The black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) has structures called pneumatophores which acquire oxygen directly from the atmosphere.
- The other mangrove species found in the estuary are the white mangrove (Laguncalaria racemosa) and the button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus).
Learn more about the contributions of these trees later, in the Mangrove Forests section.
The introduction of exotic species—which can eventually become invasive and harmful—is considered one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. This is because invasive species compete for space and food, and in some cases devour native species to the point of near extinction.
In the estuary, three invasive species associated with aquatic ecosystems have been identified: the green iguana or tree iguana (Iguana iguana), the caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and the lionfish (Pterois volitans).
In order to control these invasive species, ESTUARIO is leading a specific action aimed at:
- identify estuarine areas where effects related to these invasive species have been observed and documented;
- to develop and implement strategies for controlling the populations of these species, and
- generate educational campaigns about the threats they pose to native fauna.
Through this action, we can achieve healthy and resilient estuarine ecosystems in the face of various threats.
HABITAT
Some estuarine ecosystems include mudflats, marshes, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and sandy beaches. These support very rich and diverse biological communities.
Grasslands or marshes provide critical breeding habitat for fish and invertebrates. They are also feeding and nesting areas for birds. One of the most important grasslands in the estuary is the Las Cucharillas Marsh, located in the municipality of Cataño.
Did you know that a mangrove forest just 200 meters (about 656 feet) wide can reduce wave energy by 75%? This protects the coast from erosion and helps control coastal flooding that threatens communities and property.
The largest mangrove or mangrove forest in Puerto Rico is located in the estuary and is part of the Piñones State Forest Nature Reserve.
These trees support biodiversity and their habitats, are a source of medicines, and serve as a space for recreational and scientific activities, among many other services; all at the same time.
For example, with its crucial position right on the coastline, the submerged roots of the red mangrove provide one of the most important marine habitats, to the point that they are considered the nursery of tropical seas. This is because more than 80% of the fish that inhabit coral reefs and the deep sea spend part of their juvenile stage receiving protection and food among these roots. In this way, this tree benefits fishing in tropical seas.
Mangroves also improve water quality along the coast, as their roots act as natural traps that retain sediment and prevent pollutants such as pesticides and excess nutrients from reaching the ocean. This allows for the development of coral reef communities and seagrass meadows that depend on clear water to survive.
The lack of awareness regarding the services provided by mangroves led to Joint Resolution Number 7 of May 13, 1927, authorizing the government of Puerto Rico to sell mangroves belonging to the People of Puerto Rico for drainage, considering them “highly detrimental to health, as they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and consequently sources of malaria and other diseases, and unproductive land.” It took 78 years for the importance of mangroves to be recognized. This recognition was enshrined in Law 60 of August 20, 2005, which repealed that resolution.
Aware of the importance of mangroves, ESTUARY They have planted over 3,000 red mangrove seedlings in areas where mangrove forests were destroyed, such as in the Condado Lagoon and the La Esperanza Peninsula in Cataño. This has been made possible through the collaboration of volunteers and other partners.
Seagrasses are aquatic plants that produce flowers and seeds underwater, forming extensive meadows on the seabed. These provide habitat for many economically and recreationally important fish and food for endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee.
Coral communities and related habitats are found primarily at sea inlets in San Juan Bay and Condado Lagoon, which has the greatest aquatic biodiversity in the estuary system.
To promote that biodiversity, ESTUARY He placed 45 artificial reef modules—known as Taíno Reefs—at the bottom of Condado Lagoon. These modules mimic the structures of coral reefs to create new habitats. Within nine months, this led to an increase in the quantity and diversity of fish. The first coral colonies were observed growing after six months.
Nature is going through its most critical moment and needs our help to conserve and protect it. With the appropriate and prudent use of technology, we can create the right conditions for it to restore itself, even though we cannot replace its natural processes.
The sandy beaches of the estuary—one of the most important resources for the tourism industry and public recreation—are located on the La Esperanza Peninsula, the eastern shore of Isla de Cabras, La Puntilla, the Condado Lagoon, Ocean Park, Isla Verde, Piñones, and Vacía Talega. These are nesting areas for sea turtles, in addition to being home to many other species.
Sand dunes are large accumulations of sand on the beach that act as barriers, protecting us from the strong waves of the sea. They store sand, which they then release to form the beaches we enjoy so much. Without dunes, there are no beaches!
Dunes are considered coastal ecosystems because they are home to and a food source for plants and creatures like the hermit crab. Some plants found in dunes include sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), sea vine (Ipomoea sp.), and seagrass (Spartina). These plants are also very important for the dunes, as they trap windblown sand and increase its accumulation.
Because of its importance, the ESTUARY It develops dune restoration and creation projects, which involve installing sand retention systems and planting coastal vegetation. These efforts are carried out with residents of neighboring communities, who become citizen scientists. With their commitment, dedication, and time, they are undoubtedly the true heroes of the restoration.
The trees in the estuary cool the environment by producing good shade, which reduces the use of fossil fuel needed to operate air conditioners in the home or office.
- A large tree produces all the oxygen two people need; it can generate 260 pounds of oxygen in a year.
- Planting trees around buildings reduces the use of air conditioners by 30%; the coolness of one large tree is equivalent to 10 air conditioners running for 20 hours a day.
A mature tree removes 48 pounds of greenhouse gases (CO2) per year. - Trees filter pollutants from the air and help absorb water from runoff in the city.
In addition, trees impart beauty and aesthetic value to the environment, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce city noise.
We invite you to browse our website to learn in detail about everything that comprises the unique and wonderful natural resource that is the San Juan Bay Estuary and the efforts for its restoration, protection and maintenance that we carry out.
