Update for August 16, 2011 to September 6, 2011

Sanitary overflow corrected after SJBEP's filed complaint; Capetillo Urban Forest devastated by Hurricane Irene; Trash overflow in the Condado Lagoon cleaned after SJBEP's asked for help; Beach impacted by sanitary overflow.

1) 1,500 Melaleuca seedlings removed from wetland restoration site before Hurricane Irene’s landfall in PR: In 2009 the SJBEP removed over 10,000 invasive species of Melaleuca quinquenervia trees from a wetland known as La Marina. Since the beginning of 2011 we have been in charge of the maintenance of the wetland and, as part of this process, our contractors from Ambiental, Inc., removed 1,500 seedlings from the site. The hurricane would have had the effect of scattering the seeds of the species into the wetland and repopulating it with Melaleuca, affecting its hydrological process.

2) Capetillo Community Urban Forest devastated by Hurricane Irene, SJBEP to contribute in restoration efforts: Jorge Bauzá, Javier Laureano, and Walter Soler visited the forest on August 30, 2011, and found that most of the trees and vegetation were down. The same day, the SJBEP met with the community representatives and communicated with the Department of Natural Resources to draft a plan to restore the forest.

Walter Soler, our contractor, began pruning and planting new species on September 7, 2011.

3) SJBEP conducts chemical water analysis after Irene to monitor impacts on water quality: From August 22 - 27, 2011, the SJBEP conducted a physical, biological, and chemical monitoring of the ecosystem to assess the impact of the storm on the SJBE. Some of the suspected affected parameters include fecal coliform, enterococus, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a.

4) Popular, Inc. to sponsor SJBEP’s educational exhibit and vegetable gardens: Our Board’s Bank and Finance Chair – Ramón Lloveras San Miguel – and Javier Laureano, met with representatives from the Banco Popular to propose an alliance for the launching of SJBEP’s educational exhibit “Unknown Species that Inhabit Our City.” As part of the proposal, both organizations will create two vegetable gardens.

Since 2003 the organization and Popular, Inc. have been in dialogue to organize an exhibit of the Estuary, and we are thankful to Carmen Lidin and Teruca Rullán for their support of this idea through the years and this rewarding conclusion for all parties.

5) Condado Lagoon Park affected by trash overflows, cleaned after SJBEP call for help: Due to its proximity to one of the best-kept estuarine bodies of water, this is a very ecologically sensitive park. In the Condado Lagoon there are frequent sightings of manatees, starfish, stingrays, and even seahorses. Since this park is in the middle of an administrative transition from the Puerto Rico Park Company to the hands of the San Juan Municipality, trash is rarely picked up and security guards have abandoned the park. Javier Laureano contacted María Batista, Sports and Recreation Director of the San Juan Municipality, and the trash was removed.

6) SJBEP files complaint for sanitary overflow affecting the Condado/Ocean Park beach: On September 6, 2011, our organization filed complaint number 41714497 to inform and request corrective action from the Puerto Rico Sewer and Aqueduct Authority on a sanitary overflow that is directly affecting the Condado/Ocean Park beach. Javier Laureano took photos of the citizens walking over the sanitary overflow in the sand.

We thank our collaborators from PRASA for eliminating the overflow within two hours from our notice to the agency.

7) Contribution from Miller/Coors Brewing Co.: The company will donate $5,000 to the SJBEP for the organization’s habitat restoration program. Executives from the corporation will deliver the check to the organization in a cleanup event to take place next October 1, 2011.

8) Key meetings with Claudia Gutiérrez, Senior Advisor to Judith Enck, EPA’s Region 2 Administrator: On September 2, 2011, Claudia Gutiérrez met with the SJBEP’s Executive Director and Evelyn Huertas to explore several projects that may benefit from EPA’s expertise and contribution. Topics included recycling in federal facilities, glassphalt, environmental education, and brownfields, among others. Camilla Fibleman from the Sierra Club and Lyvia Rodríguez from the Proyecto Enlace participated in the meetings.

9) Inauguration of the Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Language School of Carolina Municipality: Our Outreach Coordinator participated in the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of this important education center in Carolina previously known as Escuela Pa’ los Duros. This specialized school has been part of our Estuary Guardians since the beginning of the project, being one of the more active groups. We are proud to mention that scientific project posters related to water monitoring created by Estuary Guardians students, as well as portraits of water monitoring events, were included among the educational material in the classrooms. We congratulate the Carolina Municipality for this excellent initiative. http://www.primerahora.com/amplianescuelaencarolina-541695.html

10) CAC meeting: The Citizens Advisory Committee’s meeting took place on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at the Corredor del Yaguazo’s community initiative facilities, from 5pm to 8pm.

The next day, September 2, 2011, Javier Laureano met with representatives from the Residentes Unidos de Barrio Obrero Marina (RUBOMI) to discuss financial support alternatives for their community-based recycling project.

11) Kayak Fridays at the Laguna de Condado: Last Friday, September 2, 2011, the Kayak and Canoe Federation offered our citizens another great opportunity to enjoy this estuarine lagoon at night. During the event, educational flyers from the SJBE were distributed. For more information go to Facebook group "Federacion Canoa y Kayak de Puerto Rico."

SAVE THE DATE:

September 10, 2011: The SJBEP presents the movie “Moulin Rouge” as part of Cine del Estuario. The movie will be screened at 7:00pm in the Condado Lagoon Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDw1_yV6ufM [CANCELED DUE TO TROPICAL STORM]

September 17: International Coastal Cleanup

Martín Peña Channel; Volunteers Survey; Berms in the Capetillo creeks; Oral History Project; Scuba Dogs Society; Partnership with CPA's Society

Our update from August 1 to August 15, 2011, is as follows:

1) SJBEP’s Executive Director interviewed as part of an investigative media report about the Martín Peña Channel: Javier Laureano had the opportunity to once more emphasize the SJBEP’s view on the importance to the Metropolitan Area and to Puerto Rico of the dredging and rehabilitation of the Martín Peña Channel. The report was published in August 12, 2011, to read it please follow the link:

http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/ambiente/desarrollo-sustentable/1023-terribles-consecuencias-si-no-se-prioriza-el-dragado-del-cano-martin-pena

2) Results of the Second SJBEP Volunteers Survey: Our Outreach Coordinator, Gladys Rivera, conducted a survey among the SJBEP’s volunteers to measure several public participation indicators. The following are the most important results:

Female volunteers: 69.6%

Age: 45-60 years (34%); 35-44 years (25%)

Employers: Private sector (44%); public sector (23%); students (24%)

Preferred volunteer activities: Planting (62%); Water Quality Monitoring (49%)

How the volunteers first learned about the SJBEP: Internet (30%), Friends or family (27%); Newspaper (26%); TV (15%)

Preferred hobbies: Visiting beaches, coves, and parks (72%); Other local tourism and attractions (65%); Movies (52%)

Preferred time to devote to volunteer activities: Saturday morning (62%)

Transportation used to attend SJBEP activities: Auto (90%)

3) SJBEP to contract three persons from the community to construct berms in the Capetillo’s creeks: A berm “is a man-made mound of earth.” The organization will contract several persons from the Capetillo community to construct berms that will redirect the flow of two small creeks in order to improve water quality. Javier Laureano met with representatives from Capetillo on August 12, 2011, to discuss the activity. The project will be finished by September 30, 2011.

4) Oral History Interview of Eloísa Salvá: As part of the SJBEP’s ongoing Estuarine Oral History Project, Javier Laureano interviewed Mrs. Eloísa Salvá, who is a descendant of the original owners of several pieces of land in the Miramar neighborhood. One of the streets of the community was named in her family’s honor. Mrs. Salvá has a vivid memory of the tides of the Condado Lagoon and all the living organisms of the body of water, including its seagrass beds. The interview took place on August 2, 2011, at 2:00 pm in Mrs. Salvá’s home. We want to thank her and her family for the opportunity.

5) Important meeting with the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants: We began our annual campaign to promote contributions through tax returns to the SJBE’s Special Fund. One of our top target groups is the membership of the CPA’s Society. Javier Laureano met with the Society’s Executive Director, CPA Edna I. Jiménez, and their President, CPA Rubén Rodríguez, to present the mission and main achievements of the SJBEP. We are glad to announce that the Society will help us promote the tax return contributions through their membership. The meeting took place August 4, 2011, at 12:00 pm.

6) SJBEP at Agenda Ciudadana (Citizen’s Agenda) Press Conference: The SJBEP attended the press conference on August 11, 2011 to announce the new cycle of Agenda Ciudadana. This is an interdisciplinary initiative through which civil society, the private sector, and the government discuss current issues together and present ideas and proposals for solving problems in areas such as Health, Education, and the Environment. The initiative, coordinated by the nonprofit educational organization CAPEDCOM, is hosted by El Nuevo Día newspaper. Our organization has been participating in the Agenda Ciudadana meetings for the last year.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/dialogotransectorialsobremedioambiente-830181.html

7) Data collected by the SJBEP to be used by US Congress: Last week the PR Environmental Quality Board requested the water quality data collected by the SJBE Water Quality Volunteer Monitoring Program as part of their 303 (d)/305 (b) Integrated Report. The document consists of a water quality inventory and a list of impaired waters. All states and regional jurisdictions of the United States must comply with this requirement. This valuable information is used by EPA to inform Congress about the progress made at the national level toward the achievement of the statutory water quality goals established by the Federal Clean Water Act.

8) Dr. Jorge Bauzá selected as a member of the Scuba Dog Society’s Board of Directors: The Scuba Dog Society leads the local efforts of the International Coastal Clean Up. Puerto Rico is one of the leading participants in the event thanks to the participation of over 14,000 volunteers. Furthermore, the Society organized an underwater cleanup of aquatic debris. The SJBEP has been a partner and sponsor of the Scuba Society since its foundation. Dr. Bauzá was officially presented as a new member during the Board of Directors ordinary meeting held on July 21, 2011.

9) SJBEP participates in the “Celebration of Oceans” event: Our Scientific Advisor, Dr. Jorge Bauzá, offered a presentation entitled: “Enhancing and monitoring the San Juan Bay Estuary and its submerged spaces: Lessons learned from an urban estuary.” The symposium was hosted August 5, 2011, by the PR Department of Environmental and Natural Resources as part of the Celebration of the Oceans week of activities.

10) Estuary’s Cinema: Last Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Condado Lagoon Park, the SJBEP presented the movie “The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qb8IRFjzN4

Save the Date:

8/18 – Scientific and Technical Committee Meeting: To take place August 18, 2011, in the Library of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.

8/24 – Citizen Advisory Committee’s Meeting: CAC’s meeting will take place August 24, 2011, at 5:30 pm in the Juana Matos Community, Corredor del Yaguazo’s facilities. Be part of the decision making of our organization!

8/27 – Fish Census: To take place at the SJBEP’s Coral Reef Trail of the Condado Lagoon, in front of the Condado Plaza Hotel.

Scientific illustrations for the SJBEP; Over $500k in media leverage; Raw sewage overflow; 16k cigarette butts picked up at Ocean Park

Our update for July 15 to July 31, 2011, is as follows:

30 original scientific illustrations created for the SJBEP: Last Thursday, July 21st, 2011, Puerto Rico’s only certified scientific illustrator, Adriana Ocaña, delivered to Javier Laureano 30 full-color, hand-drawn illustrations commissioned by the SJBEP for our ecological alphabetization campaign. The illustrations of different species of fauna and flora representative of the SJBE’s ecosystem will be placed along the 1.5 miles of Martí Coll Lineal Park, in Hato Rey, as part of our new educational exhibit. Also, her designs will illustrate our upcoming coloring book on the importance of the Estuary.

The SJBEP surpasses half-a-million dollars in leverage for the first part of 2011: The numbers are in, and we are proud to announce that for the first part of the year 2011 the SJBEP has managed to obtain $509,225.36 in leverage. Our strong presence in the media is the result of a combined effort including several public service campaigns, the publication of various articles written by members of our staff, radio and television interviews, and media coverage of the SJBEP’s initiatives.

Raw sewage overflow in the Condado Lagoon: On July 29^th, 2011, our Water Quality Program Coordinator, Ernesto Olivares, reported raw sewage overflow on the northern fringe of the Condado Lagoon. People from the community contacted local authorities due to the strong presence of raw sewage odors.

16,000 cigarette butts picked up in the Student Chapter of the Marine Environment Society’s Ocean Park cleanup: On July 23^rd, 2011, the Student Chapter of the Marine Environment Society (CESAM, for its Spanish acronym) carried out a coastal cleanup in Ocean Park Beach. They targeted cigarette butts buried in the sand and were able to pick up 16,000 of them. A total of 104 volunteer took part in the cleanup.

SJBEP’s license plate sent to 78 municipalities, and federal agencies: In the first week of July, the Governor of Puerto Rico evaluated and approved the new design of the SJBEP’s license plate. The design, showcasing a manatee, was sent to the Island’s 78 municipalities and their police agencies, including the FBI, for registration. The job has already been placed with the Department of Correction, and is on its way to its final stage of fabrication.

Guided tour for the winners of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl: Last Wednesday, July 20^th, 2011, our Water Quality Program coordinator, Ernesto Olivares, offered a guided tour to winners of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl from Marshfield High School. The trip took place in the Corozos, San José, and Torecillas lagoons. The students received a comprehensive explanation of the basic tools utilized in standard water quality inspections, and later they were able to assess water quality for themselves in three different stations of the SJBE.

EPA’s conference on citizen involvement: From the 18^th to the 22^nd of July, our outreach coordinator, Gladys Rivera, attended a seminar hosted by the EPA on special topics regarding citizen participation. Some of the key issues dealt with the workings of communicating ecological vulnerability and/or an environmental crisis to members of a given community.

Proposals for the upcoming SJBEP library catalogue: During the month of July we received several proposals for the elaboration of a digital catalogue for the SJBEP’s scientific library. The catalogue will be a useful tool that will help to make our bibliographic resources more accessible to the public. Some of the specialized books in the SJBEP’s library cannot be found anywhere else in Puerto Rico.

“Cool Cities Manual” climate change publication: On July 29^th we received the Cool Cities Manual. The manual will be printed as part of our collaboration with the Cool Cities Coalition’s climate change campaign.

SJBEP in the Dominican Republic; 30 gallons of oil recycled; New educational exhibit; Financial Single Audit; Workshops

Educational exhibit proposed by the SJBEP for the Dos Hermanos Bridge.

Our update for July 6 to July 15, 2011, is as follows:

SJBEP in the Dominican Republic: The SJBEP has been invited to participate in the International Day of Mangroves in an activity organized by the Minister of the Environment of the Dominican Republic. Javier Laureano will present the organization’s work to promote public participation in its mangrove planting campaign and will take another step to further the Latin American Federation of Estuaries. The conference is set for July 25, 2011.

Results of SJBEP’s proposal to recycle campaign reviewed in newspaper, 30 gallons of oil recycled at 4^th of July event: We want to thank the Office of the Governor and the Solid Waste Management Authority for their fine and rapid execution of our suggestion to recycle the cooking oil produced as part of the 4^th of July celebrations. Follow the link for more information:

http://www.elnuevodia.com/evitanqueaceitevayaapararalaguna-1009369.html

New educational exhibit for the Dos Hermanos Bridge designed and submitted to the Office of the Governor: Last Wednesday, July 13, 2011, Javier Laureano submitted to the Office of the Governor a new educational exhibit proposed for the Dos Hermanos Bridge. This is a unique spot where the public can experience first hand one of the Atlantic Ocean’s salt water intakes into the estuarine ecosystem.

Results of Financial Single Audit Report: We are very happy to announce that we have received another year of “no findings” in our annual Single Audit. We want to thank and congratulate our Office Manager, Cathy Ortiz, for her good bookkeeping job, as well as our CPA, Eduardo Fadhel, and our Compliance Coordinator, Zulma Sanabria.

SJBEP submits comments to USACE regarding a new pier at the San Juan Nautical Club: The organization submitted to the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) its official comments regarding the public notice for permit application for the reconfiguration of the existing eastern pier section and the extension of the western “T” pier section. We recommended that the 0.19 acres of seagrass bed that will be directly impacted be salvaged and transplanted to an adequate alternate site. Also, the remaining 1.06 acres of seagrass beds in the area should be protected from possible impacts associated with this activity.

Workshop offered at the Santa Ana Environmental Interpretation Center: The Scientific Advisor offered a conference on the hydrological connection between the ground waters of the karst and the San Juan Bay Estuary on July 13, 2011. The activity was organized by the Outreach Coordinator and included a technical trip to this beautiful forest within the city. Approximately 20 volunteers participated in the activity.

Proposal to monitor and improve stormwater discharges into the Condado Lagoon: The SJBEP submitted to the San Juan Municipality a proposal to establish a network of stormwater monitoring stations along the Condado, Miramar, and Santurce. The proposal includes the installation of state-of-the-art equipment in the stormwater drainage system to filter oil and grease as well as other pollutants.

Estuary’s Cinema: On July 9, 2011, at 7:00pm. the organization presented another successful screening of its open air cinema project at the Condado Lagoon. On this occasion we screened several short film documentaries about mangroves as well as “The Simpsons: The Movie.”

“Sand, Sun, and Coral Reef” workshop: The SJBEP offered a workshop at the Isla Verde Coral Reef about this unique ecosystem on July 8, 2011, from 9:00am to 11:00am. We want to thank community leader Paco López for his support, and for receiving our staff and volunteers in his community.

Our First Estuarine Short Film Festival keeps receiving good press coverage: The electronic magazine 80grados.net reviewed the Festival:

http://www.80grados.net/2011/07/premian-talento-juvenil/

SAVE THE DATE

July 23, 2011, at 7:00pm: The SJBEP presents “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” and local cartoon “Manny El Manatí” (“Manny the Manatee”) at the next screening of the Estuary’s Cinema, which will take place at the Jaime Benítez Condado Lagoon Park.

Oil recycling, Short Film Festival, Melaleuca species, CCMP revision, Activity with NERR, National Ocean Policy

Our update for June 14 to June 30, 2011, is as follows:

SJBEP promotes oil recycling and planting conservation at 4^th of July event: The Government of Puerto Rico celebrated the 4^th of July on the fringes of the Condado Lagoon with several events, including concerts and the selling local food in kiosks that will be located on the southern axis of this estuarine body of water.

Javier Laureano contacted our partners in the Office of the Governor to promote an oil recycling campaign and received their immediate response. As a result, the Solid Waste Management Authority established oil-recycling centers as part of the event. The collected oil will be recycled as part of an initiative in the Jayuya Municipality, where used oil is transformed into biodiesel fuel for the agriculture industries of the island.

The Office of the Governor also authorized the SJBEP to design and place educational signs to protect the red mangrove (Rizophora mangle) planting sites of the organization located on the northern and eastern axis of the Condado Lagoon.

For more information about the biodiesel initiative follow this link:

http://www.primerahora.com/fortunoanunciainversionde$2175millonesenjayuyaadjuntasyutuado-503405.html

Educational exhibit about the SJBE’s ecosystems to be placed on the Dos Hermanos Bridge: The newly constructed Dos Hermanos Bridge, located over one of the three saltwater inlets into the SJBE, will serve as an environmental interpretation site. We will be placing educational signs to inform the public about the importance of the area and the species that live in the zone. The initiative is being coordinated between the SJBEP and the Office of the Governor.

Success for our First Estuarine Short Film Festival: On Saturday, June 25, 2011, the SJBEP presented this event, which included the screening of seven environmental short films. Four of the films received an original work of art by Jorge Zeno as an award. Click here for detailed information:

http://www.prdailysun.com/news/San-Juan-Estuary-recognizes-filmmakers

The Melaleuca invasive species removal site under control: From June 20 - 23, 2011, wetland’s specialists contracted by the SJBE Program and our Scientific Advisor, Dr. Jorge Bauzá, performed maintenance activities at the Melaleuca invasive species removal site. We observed limited growth of Melaleuca seedlings and heavy growth of native herbaceous plants that will protect and enhance (as planned) the wetland associated with the Suárez Canal.

SJBEP participates in hearing session of the National Ocean Policy: Last Thursday, June 30, 2011, Dr. Jorge Bauzá participated in a virtual meeting in which top government officials from Washington, DC, explained President Obama’s plans to promote America’s stewardship of the oceans to representatives from the National Estuary Program. For more information please follow this White House link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/oceans/policy

New actions for the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan of the San Juan Bay Estuary (CCMP): This week Javier Laureano revised 10 new actions submitted by contractors and sent them to the Program’s staff for further comments. The new CCMP actions will be discussed in public hearings and, after that, submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval. The original CCMP was published on August 4, 2000, and new urgent issues have emerged since then such as climate change, new invasive species, and the need to control pollution in the upper zone of the watershed and fresh water tributaries, among others.

Conservation and restoration project endorsements: On June 24, 2011, the SJBEP endorsed the designation of the Isla Verde Coral Reef Island as a marine sanctuary. This is an initiative proposed by the Isla Verde community. To date their nonprofit grassroots organization – Arrecifes Pro Ciudad – has gathered thousands of signatures in a petition letter to government representatives asking for this protective designation. The coral reefs of the Isla Verde Island are at risk due to Jet Ski and vessel impacts, as well as sedimentation and nonpoint source pollution. On June 26, 2011, the organization also endorsed the “Condado beach nourishment and artificial reefs infrastructure.” This is an initiative driven by community and business leaders of the area concerned about the serious erosion problem of this estuarine sandy beach.

New scientific newspaper article authored by our Scientific Advisor published in Puerto Rico and Argentina: A two-page article entitled “Biodiversity of the Oceans” was published by Dr. Jorge Bauzá on June 19, 2011, at El Nuevo Día newspaper. The article was also published by the Nuestromar Foundation, an ocean conservation and educational NGO from Argentina. The article can be read at:

http://www.nuestromar.org/noticias/destacados/23_06_2011/37981_la_biodiversidad_de_los_oceanos.

Benthic restoration of the Condado Lagoon: The Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Condado Lagoon Water Quality Improvement and Seagrass Restoration Project was approved and signed on June 29, 2011, by Donal Ringel, QAPP evaluator and EPA Region 2 Quality Assurance Coordinator. We want to thank Evelyn Huertas for her support during the process.

Estuary educational talk at Isla de Cabras: On the sunny morning of June 14, 2011, in Isla de Cabras, Toa Baja, thirty-six people participated in an educational talk by SJBEP's Outreach Coordinator, Gladys Rivera. As part of the event, environmental games and water monitoring demonstrations were used to show the importance of protecting our estuary. At the end of the activity, kids were asked about the new word they learned that day — “estuary” — and its meaning, and almost all were able to answer correctly. A 75% of knowledge acquisition was measured among the adults through a pre- and post- test.

Joining efforts with our National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) sister organization: On June 29, 2011, twenty-six participants joined our Outreach Coordinator, Gladys Rivera, at the Jobos Bay’s Learning Center in Salinas. Nilda Peña and Angel Dieppa from the Education and Scientific areas of the Reserve offered an educational talk, which highlighted the differences between the SJBE and the Jobos Bay ecosystems, with special emphasis on fresh water sources. During the educational guided tour through the reserve, the group visited a salt and mud flat, a mangrove channel, and enjoyed a spectacular view of the bay and its mangrove islets. 100% acquisition of knowledge was measured by a pre- and post-test. For more information click here:

http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Reserve.aspx?ResID=JOB

Arts and ecology in the Piñones Forest and Nature Reserve: On June 28, 2011, a visit to this beautiful estuarine area provided an inspirational scenario for a group of kids and adolescents from the Arts Summer Camp of the Puerto Rico Contemporary Museum of Art. Gladys Rivera guided them through the mangrove forest in an educational tour, during which they learned about the mangroves and other species. A community member, Oscar Carrazco, offered a Piñones’ history talk. The activity ended with an environmental game, and participants returned to the Museum for a painting and drawing session using their estuarine tour as motivation and inspiration.

Leatherbacks, Sea level sensors, PVC tube removal from mangroves begins, Update from the Indicators Project

Photos: Saving leatherbacks, Summer Festival at the Fishermen Peninsula, Kayak Federation Open House, PVC tube removal begins

Our update for May 23 to June 13, 2011, is as follows:

Unforgettable experience: Saving leatherback turtles: In a beautiful activity at the Isla Verde Public Beach, sixteen (16) baby Leatherback turtles were liberated to the sea on June 8, 2011. Volunteers and the Department of Natural Environmental Resources (DNER) were able to save the turtles from predators following their hatching the previous day. The DNER representative, Herminio Díaz, instructed the participants on the importance of taking care of the turtle nesting areas. Leatherback sea turtles are the biggest turtles on Earth; adults can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, and are generally at least 6 feet long. Our Outreach Coordinator, Gladys Rivera, participated in the event.

Sea level sensors to be deployed by the SJBEP: On June 6, 2011, Dr. Jorge Bauzá met with Director of the USGS in Puerto Rico Pedro Díaz, USGS water and environmental sampling expert Luis Soler, and USGS Hydrologist Carlos Figueroa to evaluate site alternatives for the deployment of water level sensors. Four sites were selected based on accessibility, and on the safety of the instruments and field technicians. Moreover, the selected sites represent typical tropical estuarine water bodies. The sites chosen are San José Lagoon, San Antonio Channel, Torrecillas, and Piñones Lagoon.

Grant application and Work Plan submitted: We want to thank our Board of Directors for their collaboration in the submission of this year’s Grant application to EPA. The document includes a myriad of activities that will continue to further the restoration of Puerto Rico’s most important watershed for the economy of the island.

Kid Summer Festival at the Península de los Pescadores (Fishermen Peninsula) in the Piñones community: On Saturday, June 4, 2011, more than one-hundred children from the Afro-Caribbean community of Piñones enjoyed a Summer day coordinated by the community leaders of their neighborhood. Activities included kayak trips, music, and educational talks from agencies and organizations, including the SJBEP. Gladys Rivera and Ernesto Olivares measured a 90% knowledge acquisition about the term ‘estuary’ among participants, and recruited enthusiastic children who explained how to perform the water quality monitoring tests to adults and other children.

Epilepsy patients receive our educational talk: Eager to learn more about their environment, twenty participants of the Epilepsy Foundation Summer Camp received an educational talk from Gladys Rivera on June 10, 2011. The event included the projection of the Estuary Guardians’ short movie, and "Basura Caliente" – a game in which each participant represented a waterbody of the estuary and needed to protect that waterbody from contamination. The activity took place in William M. Acosta School in Bayamón.

Kayak Federation Open House a success!: On June 11 and 12, 2011, the Kayak Federation organized a successful event at which hundreds of participants enjoyed free kayak and canoe rides in the Jaime Benítez Condado Lagoon Park. Gladys Rivera offered talks and distributed educational flyers about the SJBE ecosystems.

National Ocean Science Bowl will visit the SJBE: The winning team from the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) (www.nosb.org) will be visiting our estuary on July 19, 2011, as part of their prize, which includes a one-week educational visit to Puerto Rico. We will report more information as the event approaches.

Mangrove planting monitoring continues - PVC tube removal begins: As part of their school environmental program, students from the San Ignacio School will continue their red mangrove monitoring activities at our Condado Lagoon restoration site. Students have performed an assessment of the planting and identified the need to plant 100 additional seedlings. The volunteers began removing PVC tubes. The activity took place at the San Gerónimo planting site on June 9, 2011.

Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) and the Implementation Committee (ImCo) regular meetings: The STAC met at the library of the Environmental Offices Building on May 26, 2011. Key activities for next work plan were discussed. The next STAC meeting was scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 2011. The STAC welcomes Katia Avilés from the Enlace Project as a new member. The ImCo met at the Solid Waste Management Authority on May 31, 2011 at 1:00pm.

Sediments and Fish Tissue Contaminants Indicators Project - Summary of field activities completed between May 30 and June 3, 2011:

Sampling of Bottom Sediments

• Sediment samples were collected from the nine stations located within the "eastern half" of the SJ Bay Estuary (i.e., Stations 1SJB, 2SJB, 3SJB, 16SJB, 5PC, 6MP, 4RPN, 15LC, and 18LC).
• Sediment samples and one equipment blank were FedExed to Pace Analytical Laboratories in New Orleans, to comply with sample holding times.

Sampling of Fish and Crab Tissues

• Fishing (traps and nets) for Mojarra and blue crab (targeted species) was conducted for three days (June 8-10) at the five biota sampling stations located within the eastern half of the SJ Bay Estuary.
• Biota Sampling Station 6 MP (Martin Peña) had to be moved westward, as bottom anoxic conditions prevented the capture of any organisms. The anoxic conditions were evidenced by the reduction of iron oxide on the cages.

• Regarding fish:
• Fish were captured at four of the five stations (all but the 5PC Sampling Station).
• Mojarras were only present at two sampling stations (although of different species and sizes), whereas other edible fish species (snappers) were captured at the remaining two stations.

• Regarding blue crab:
• Crabs were captured at all but the Martin Peña Sampling Station.
• The minimum tissue weight required to perform all chemical analyses was not collected at the Sampling Stations.

Epidemiological study on its way: Yadiris López Rivera, a doctorate candidate from the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Puerto Rico, will begin a required graduate internship under the supervision of Dr. Jorge Bauzá. López will complete an epidemiological study about water-born diseases in the communities surrounding the Martin Peña Channel. She met with Dr. Bauzá on May 27, 2011, to discuss the objectives, approaches, and methodology of the study.

Agreement with the PR Planning Board to acquire aerial photos: We will use aerial photos to develop a new land use map for the SJBE, and to identify and quantify changes in natural resources. This map will be the basis for the development of watershed indicators. A key meeting with Yanira Valles – Remote Sensing and Image Technician from the Puerto Rico Planning Board – took place on June 2, 2011.

Abstract submitted for local symposium/ scientific talk at the Natural History Society: On June 6, 2011, Dr. Jorge Bauzá submitted an abstract for the Second Sea Escape Symposium organized by the PR Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The title of the presentation is: “Enhancing and Monitoring the San Juan Bay Estuary: Lessons Learned in an Urban Estuary.” Also on June 6, Dr. Bauzá offered a presentation about the San Juan Bay Estuary Program to the PR Natural History Society, the oldest environmental organization in Puerto Rico.

Mentoring graduate student to analyze benthic images: Dr. Jorge Bauzá will mentor graduate student Mr. Ariel Lopez from the University Of Puerto Rico. Mr. Lopez will analyze benthic images of the SJBE submerged coastline. The objective is to characterize critical resources, such as coral reefs, that depend on what is exported from the SJBE system. The UW images were obtained through collaboration between the SJBE Program and USEPA OSV Bold. Ariel Lopez and Dr. Bauzá last met on June 8, 2011.

Revised seagrass restoration QAPP submitted to EPA: The revised Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Water Quality Improvement and Seagrass Restoration Project at the Condado Lagoon was submitted to EPA on June 13 for final approval.

New scientific article published in local newspaper: On May 29, 2011, Dr. Jorge Bauzá published in May 29, 2011 a two-page scientific article entitled “Methane: A Gas with Multiples Faces” in El Nuevo Día:

http://www.elnuevodia.com/elmetanoungasconmuchosrostros-978424.html

SAVE THE DATE

"Summer 2011 at the Estuary": This Summer we are coordinating and promoting several activities for volunteers and families. The calendar includes an agreement with our estuarine partner – the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – to visit their facilities. Let’s enjoy the Summer and our estuaries! For a copy of the calendar, please visit our website, call 787 725 8165, or email us at: grivera@estuario.org

JUNE 25, 2011 @ 7:00PM: ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT FILMS FESTIVAL AT THE JAIME BENÍTEZ PARK

El Nuevo Día

http://www.elnuevodia.com/convocanasometerpiezasparafestivaldecortometrajesambientales-959680.html

Díalogo Digital

http://www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Cortometrajes-por-el-ambiente-en-El-Estuario.html

80grados

http://www.80grados.net/2011/06/cortometrajes-del-estuario/

Wapa.tv

http://www.wapa.tv/noticias/entretenimiento/abren-convocatoria-de-cortometrajes_20110506144301.html

Rubén Sanchez Online

http://www.rubensanchezonline.com/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64:primer-festival-de-cortometrajes-ambientales-de-cine-del-estuario-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=62

Mi Puerto Rico Verde

http://www.miprv.com/convocatoria-para-el-primer-festival-de-cortometrajes-ambientales/

Revista Atabey

http://revistaatabey.com/blog/2011/05/09/celebraran-primer-festival-de-cortometrajes-ambientales-de-cine-del-estuario