Estuario Weekly Update
Greetings! Below, we share opportunities for collaboration, volunteering and training for this week, through initiatives and programmed actions to benefit the ecosystems and communities of the San Juan Bay Estuary.
Reforestation event in Condado Lagoon with L'Oréal Caribe
As part of the annual celebration of Citizen Day, on Thursday, June 27, a team of 81 L’Oréal Caribe employees held a reforestation event at the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve.
Guided by the SJBEP coastal resilience coordinator, arborist Andreína Alexatos, the volunteers planted over 390 coastal plants, including red mangroves, seagrapes, and abey amarillo. In addition to learning planting techniques, they learned about how the establishment of green infrastructure contributes to the strengthening of our coasts in the face of natural events, such as cyclones or swells, thus avoiding coastal erosion.
Estuario recognizes the initiative of L’Oréal Caribe, its general manager, Gilles Delaunay, and the 81 volunteers, for their environmental commitment and their contribution to the reforestation and restoration of the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve. Thank you!
The adventures of the UPRRP 3E Program internship continue
Last Monday, June 17, the students of the UPRRP 3E Program (Examina + Explora + Expande) internship visited Corporación Piñones se Integra (COPI). There, they learned about the mitigation, reforestation and monitoring efforts being carried out at the Piñones State Forest. The students took a kayak tour with Coral Avilés and Eliezer Nieves, through the mangrove channels at Boca de Cangrejos.
Thanks to Marcos from COPI, for lending his great knowledge, commitment, inspiration, and for guiding these students during this experience. Onwards!
Recognizing the environmental commitment of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto
The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership was present at the Environmental Fair of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto, last Saturday, June 15. There, the students of the education and awareness internship in the management of resources and waste with the SJBEP, held a workshop about the correct handling and disposal of vegetable oil when cooking. We also brought our information table, where we shared the actions and initiatives we carry out for the benefit of the bodies of water in the region.
We recognize the environmental commitment of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto, the implementation of its oil diversion program and the initiative to deliver oil funnels to its residents. The SJBEP is glad to support and be part of this initiative.
Assessments of seagrass communities
On Thursday, June 20 and Saturday, June 22, marine biologist, Daritzel Cintrón, led volunteers in the ecological evaluation of seagrasses at Playita del Condado and Playa San Gerónimo, respectively.
They evaluated the basic characteristics of these communities, such as the species present, percentage of coverage, density and height, in addition to their function as bioindicators for the health of this ecosystem.
These field trips were conducted as part of the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuario Citizen Scientists Certification. This coming month we will begin a new certification cycle, with the introductory workshop, on Thursday, July 16. See more information and sign up, in estuario.org/ccc.
Family Day at the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve
The next Family Day at the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024. We will have a land cleanup in the Reserve, an educational talk, an interpretive walk, a sports activity and Cine del Estuario. Stay tuned to our social networks and the next weekly update for more details.
Estuario Citizen Scientists Certification
This July, a new certification cycle begins for the Water Quality Monitoring, Participatory Bird Censuses, Characterization and Reduction of Microplastics and Coastal Resilience modules.
Start your certification process with the introductory workshops, which will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. virtually, via Zoom. Here are the dates:
9 July – Participatory Bird Census Module
July 11 – Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module
July 16 – Coastal Resilience Module
July 18 – Water Quality Monitoring Module
In addition, we will soon have the following field trips:
June 29
- Ecological assessment of coral communities; from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Isla Verde (only over 18 years old, requirement to know how to swim) with Daritzel Cintrón, marine biologist
- Planting of coastal vegetation; 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Secret Spot, Isabela, with Andreína Alexatos, arborist
June 30
- Participatory bird census; from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Lago Las Curías, with Coral Avilés and Eliezer Nieves
See more information and events in estuario.org/ccc.
Employment Opportunities
Accountant—The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, also known as the Estuario, is seeking qualified applications for an Accountant to join our highly skilled team for projects receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ideal candidate performs a variety of tasks related to budget preparation and maintenance of grant budgets.
Estuario Resident Artists – Request for Proposal — The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership seeks to select artistic proposals that support the restoration work of the Juan Méndez Creek.
Prepare for this Hurricane Season
Get ready for this hurricane season. Download the Esuario Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. The strength and resilience of your community starts at home.
Also visit the Estuario Virtual Community Center, where you’ll find vital information such as relevant emergency number information and instructions for preparing emergency backpacks.
Don’t be alarmed! Prepare.
Weekly Water Quality Monitoring
Evaluation conducted on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the areas that exceeded the Beach Action Value water quality parameter for enterococci (70CFU/100ML). Remember to avoid water during rain events.
