Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
The Tres Palmas Marine Reserve hosts one of the most extensive and well-preserved elkhorn coral communities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. These corals serve as habitat for many species of fish and economically valuable crustaceans. This area provides multiple recreational opportunities, such as diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and, most notably, surfing. Indeed, surfers from all over the world come to Tres Palmas Marine Reserve to enjoy its big waves and scenic beauty.
For the past few years, the Sea Grant Program has been actively collaborating with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community members to promote the conservation of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. These collaborations began over 15 years ago when the designation of Tres Palmas as a reserve was proposed. Eventually, Sea Grant had the opportunity to participate in the drafting of the management plan and currently collaborates with agencies and community groups to implement it.
The Tres Palmas Marine Reserve is a living laboratory where thousands of people are educated on marine and coastal issues. Thanks to the interest and commitment of the community, they have been able to carry out multiple successful activities, such as lionfish capture and tasting events, educational festivals, photographic exhibitions, training on coral and fish monitoring, removal of solid waste from reefs, and coral restoration, among others.
We encourage you to check out the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve newsletters to learn more about these initiatives and join our efforts.
Tres Palmas Reserve Newsletter
Check out the newsletters of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve to learn more about these initiatives and join our efforts.
Volume 1, Number 1 January - June 2018
The community of Rincón comes together to celebrate the event: “Preserve Your Reserve: Tres Palmas Marine Reserve Cleanup.”
Volume 2, Number 2 July - December 2017
Citizen scientists participate in the inventory of corals, fish, and invertebrates of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
Volume 2, Number 1 January - June 2017
Workshop on the lionfish and its impacts on the coral reefs of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
Volume 1, Number 2 July - December 2016
Tres Palmas Marine Reserve Festival.
Volume 1, Number 1 January - June 2016
Signing of collaborative agreements for the management of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
CostaVisPR
CostaVisPR is a visual tool that showcases the transformation of Puerto Rico’s coastline since 1930. It allows exploration of changes in the terrain, such as exposure to natural threats, coastal erosion, and urban development. Additionally, it aids in identifying areas for ecological restoration and community projects. It is beneficial for governmental personnel, residents, educators, researchers, and organizations interested in the Puerto Rican coastal landscape. It stems from the “Puerto Rico Georeferenced” project, which georeferenced aerial photos from 1930-36 and 1950, and was developed by the Interdisciplinary Center for Coastal Studies, the Sea Grant program, and CARICOOS.
Ecosistems from Mayagüez to Añasco
The Estuary or Boquilla de Mayagüez was designated as a natural reserve in 2002. It currently includes 193 acres of public land and extends from Punta Algarrobo in the Municipality of Mayagüez to Caño La Puente in the Municipality of Añasco, including the mouth of the Río Grande de Añasco. The Reserve also includes 9 nautical miles of territorial sea in front of the entire extent of the maritime-terrestrial zone of the Reserve.
The estuary, mangroves, and wetlands between Aguada and Aguadilla constitute the Pantano Espinar and Caño Madre Vieja Natural Reserve.
The Caño Madre Vieja is located on the border of the municipalities of Aguada and Aguadilla on the northwest coast of the island of Puerto Rico. The wetland of Barrio Espinar de Aguada and the Caño Madre Vieja meet at the same point where the mangrove forest predominates, especially the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and other tree species such as emajagüilla (Thespesia populnea) and emajagua (Hibiscus permabucensis). The mangrove area serves as a barrier to protect the coast from swells, and the wetland serves to cushion the frequent floods in the area caused by the overflow of the Culebrinas River.
Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve
The Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve was identified by the Coastal Zone Management Program of Puerto Rico as an area of ecological value, which merits particular protection. A proposal was submitted to NOAA to include this sector of the municipality of Culebra on the list of areas to be designated as a Natural Reserve under one of the four main elements of the Coastal Zone Management Program of Puerto Rico to guide development on public and private property.
