Estuario Weekly Update
An estuarine greeting! See the recent actions taken in benefit of the restoration and management of the waters connected to the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE), upcoming educational activities, and opportunities for professional growth, training, and volunteering available, below.
Save the date: Artist in Residence exhibition
We share with you the invitation of the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (SJBEP)’s Artist-in-Residence, Antonio Martorell and his Friends, to the exhibition, El Estuario no está quieto (The Estuary isn’t quiet), on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Taller Comunidad La Goyco.
This 2026 season, the artist collective brought to us by Maestro Martorell joins the artists-in-residence who, since 2018, have employed creative ways to connect the resilient communities of the SJBE watershed with its waters and natural spaces. The exhibition marks the culmination of this historic residency. Save the date!
There’ll be a welcome cocktail at 1:00 p.m. and a concert with Riestra y Los Bohíques at 4:00 p.m. See you there!
Professional Services Contract Opportunity
Enroll in the Graduate Course: CIAM 8990
CIAM 8990: Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Water Resource Infrastructure; is an interdisciplinary course integrated into multiple sectors for the study of Socio-Ecological-Technological Systems (SETs). The project to revert the channeling of the Juan Méndez Creek will be presented as a case study and space to apply knowledge.
It seeks to offer and bring the student closer to the theory and tools to address aspects related to SETs when conducting research that promotes the resilience of highly vulnerable regions. The course is theoretical-practical and will integrate and apply the concepts of “systems thinking,” “collaborative work,” “integration with communities” and “interdisciplinary research.”
The course is open to graduate students from multiple faculties and programs (e.g. Natural Sciences, Planning, Social Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Public Health).
At the end of the course, students will create a research proposal using the Juan Méndez Creek as a case study to compete for a 1-year scholarship (stipend) ($20,000 master’s, $30,000 doctorate). For more information, contact Dr. Jorge Ortiz Zayas (Dept. of Environmental Sciences, UPR-Río Piedras) at: [email protected]
Public Comment Period on CCMP Action Plans Extended
On April 15, 2026, we completed the approval of the drafts of the five SJBE Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) action plans. The public hearing was held on June 16, thus culminating the official public comment period for these documents.
To continue encouraging citizen participation, we have extended the public comment period until July 30, 2026.
We invite you to review the documents and submit your comments before the new deadline.
Cleanup around the Condado Lagoon
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, five volunteers joined the SJBEP for a land cleanup at the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve. They collected 63 pounds of waste, including 3 garbage bags, 3 aluminum parts, and 1 motor vehicle catalytic, among other materials.
The correct disposal of our waste is key to the conservation and protection our natural areas.
We thank these volunteers for their effort and time.
Evaluation of microplastics in San José lagoon
On Friday, July 10, 2026, we carried out the most recent Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module field experience.
We thank the volunteer Segio Vélez, who accompanied us in the collection and identification of microplastics in the San José and La Torrecilla lagoons, strengthening and applying the knowledge acquired in our workshops directly in the field. Thanks also to Captain Kenneth Pastor of KAP Inc. for his support during the experience.
Certification for Citizen Scientists
Below are the activities for the coming weeks. Remember that the workshops and field experiences count toward Contacto Verde or community service hours. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, who must register separately. See more information and register, at: estuario.org/ccc
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, July 23, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, July 27, at 8:30 a.m. at Lake Las Curías and Río Piedras
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Tuesday, July 28, at 9:00 a.m. at San Juan Bay
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Wednesday, July 29, at 8:00 a.m. at Laguna San José/La Torrecilla
Prepare for Hurricane Season
This 2026 hurricane season, SJBEP urges you to be prepared. Download the Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. Protecting your community starts at home.
Also visit the Estuario Virtual Community Hub, where you’ll find vital information such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency backpacks.
Don’t be scared! Get prepared.
Monitoreo bacteriológico semanal
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the bacteriological monitoring in the Condado Lagoon on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as part of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Water Quality Monitoring module. Up next, the results.
Evaluation carried out on Thursday, July 16, 2026. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the coastal areas that exceeded the “Beach Action Value” water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
