Estuario Weekly Update
Here at the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (SJBEP), we hope you’ve been able to handle the crisis we faced this week due to lack of electricity. Remember to be aware of water quality conditions. There is a direct relationship between the absence of electricity and the negative impact on water quality. This, because part of the water infrastructure (sanitary, rainwater) depends on electricity to operate. Despite our committed agency leaders and their swift action, there are risks that we all need to be aware of. Therefore, we urge you to wait at least 24 hours after power has been restored to come into contact with the waters in the Condado Lagoon, and beaches in the region.
Discussions on the CCMP Revision
Situations like this will be addressed in the Revision of the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) Comprehensive Management and Conservation Plan (CCMP) or Plan del Estuario. Help us discuss priority issues, goals, and objectives for restoration and conservation as part of this review.
The CCMP will be organized around specific objectives to achieve the goals set and thus address the priority problems in the restoration and conservation of the estuarine system, its watershed and related ecosystems. Click here to download the document under review. We will be receiving written comments until April 29, 2025 via THIS LINK.
We will have two events to generate discussion and inspiration:
Community Conversation on the SJBE CCMP Revision
For residents, neighbors and friends of the region, on April 22, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico in Hato Rey, with virtual space. Sign up here.
Scientific and Technical Conversation on the SJBE CCMP Revision
For scientists, experts, and knowledge-holders of the San Juan Bay estuary system, on April 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico in Hato Rey, with virtual space. Sign up here.
We greatly appreciate your support in sharing this information through your networks and ensuring that as many citizens, communities, scientists, and experts as possible can actively participate in this review.
Define with us the future of the waters of the metropolitan region of San Juan. Hope to see you there!
Discover the endemic birds of Puerto Rico that live in the SJBE
The SJBEP invites you to this virtual educational talk, as part of the activities of the month of Earth Day and the Caribbean Endemic Birds Festival. You will learn about the endemic birds of the Island that inhabit the ecosystems connected to the SJBE.
The workshop will be on Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. The event will be valid for Contacto Verde. Sign up here.
Interpretive tour: Discovering the nature of urban forests
Join this interpretive tour in the Piñones State Forest, part of the SJBE Urban Forest Network, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
On this tour, you will learn about the biodiversity of the forest, the ecological services it offers and its natural connection with the waters of the estuary. This interpretive tour is valid for Contacto Verde hours. Sign up today, at estuario.org/eventos.
Dialogue on the installation of “No Fishing” signs in the Condado Lagoon
To all the neighbors, friends, and users of the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve: join the community dialogue about the “No Fishing” labeling to be installed in the Reserve, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jaime Benítez Park.
Confirm your participation, at estuario.org/eventos.
Relevant days and observations
This week, we celebrate two important occasions that highlight the value of our ecosystems and the power of community action. Today, Friday, April 18, we commemorate Global Youth Volunteer Service Day, a date that highlights the essential role of youth in transforming their communities. Tomorrow, Saturday, April 19, begins National Parks Week, an opportunity to reconnect with our protected natural areas and reflect on their conservation.
In the Estuary, we continue to promote environmental commitment through volunteering, education, and citizen science activities. Join our initiatives!
Birds of estuarine ecosystems: techniques to create meaningful experiences
If you are a tour guide, environmental interpreter or non-formal educator, the SJBEP invites you to the workshop, Birds of estuarine ecosystems: techniques to create meaningful experiences; on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Jaime Benítez Park of the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve.
We will cover the identification of common birds in the various ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed, as well as techniques to incorporate into guided tours and ecotourism experiences. The workshop will be provided by the resources, Coral Avilés Santiago and Eliezer Nieves Rodríguez.
Sign up today, at estuario.org/eventos.
Planting of coastal vegetation in Loíza
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we carried out a planting of coastal vegetation at Vacía Talega beach, in Loíza, as part of the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuario Certification for Citizen Scientists.
Three university students, members of Enactus, planted around 126 specimens of coastal vegetation, including red mangrove, green buttonwood, seagrapes and palm trees. We thank the citizen scientist and university student, Bertha Marte, who led the effort coordinated by the arborist, Andreína Alexatos.
Learn more about the Coastal Resilience module, in estuario.org/ccc.
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Field Experience
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, we carried out the most recent field experience of the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuario Certification for Citizen Scientists, through Canal Margarita and Caño Martín Peña. We thank Marisa, Paloma, Yesenia, Genesis and Miguel for their participation.
We also congratulate Marisa Mulero, who completed her certification with this field experience. Learn more about the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module on estuario.org/ccc.
Certification for Citizen Scientists
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at: estuario.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Field experience: Bacteriological sampling of water; Thursday, April 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; Monday, April 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Río Piedras
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; Tuesday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the San Juan Bay
Field experience: Physical-chemical sampling of water; on Wednesday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the San José Lagoon
Participatory Bird Census Module
Field experience; on Friday, April 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Jardín Botánico de Río Piedras
Coastal Resilience Module
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, April 26, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Condado Lagoon
See more information at: estuario.org/ccc.
Weekly water quality monitoring
Yesterday, Thursday, April 17, the SJBEP carried out its weekly bacteriological monitoring at twelve different points from Vacía Talega to Escambrón, including the Condado Lagoon. The samples taken were evaluated at the Caimito Resilient Hub, thanks to the solar system installed in 2018.
As part of the citizen science team this week, we had two students, a communications professional, a teacher, and an event coordinator. That is what citizen science is all about—bringing together people from different stages and professional fields to contribute their part in favor of the environment and public health. We thank them for their excellent work!
Evaluation carried out on Thursday, April 17, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. The Vacía Talega station exceeded the “Beach Action Value” water quality parameter of 70 CFU/100 ML. We recommend avoiding the Condado Lagoon and coastal areas until 24 hours after the reestablishment of electric service in the region.
