REPORTS

 

Guánica Bay Watershed Management Plan

A Pilot Project for Watershed Planning in Puerto Rico

This report outlines a comprehensive set of actions and an overall management strategy for improving and protecting the Guánica Bay watershed from nonpoint sources of pollution. These are derived from land use alterations in residential, commercial, and agricultural applications. This watershed plan is intended to identify a set of key recommendations, specific partners, and next steps towards implementation.  Recommendations presented here address land-use and land-use change, nutrient and sediment runoff, sewage treatment, streambank stabilization, buffer improvements, and improved sediment and erosion control.

The secondary purpose of this project is to pilot a methodology for assessment and planning appropriate for local agencies to apply in other watersheds throughout Puerto Rico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Departamento De Recursos Naturales Y Ambientales will use the project to evaluate efforts required to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan based on existing studies, limited field observations, and informal meetings with local residents, scientists, farmers, developers, and agency staff.

Sea turtle resting in seagrass on the ocean floor

Culebra Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs

This watershed plan is the result of the initial watershed planning process in Culebra. The goal of the watershed plan is to chart a course for improving water quality and the health of coral reefs to serve the goals of the citizens of Culebra. The process to complete the Plan has included:

1) a baseline study summarizing existing scientific information on the study area (integrated into this report);

2) a stakeholder process including meetings with individuals, agencies, and a series of meetings with the public to establish goals and objectives for the watershed plan;

3) fieldwork to assess water quality and coral reef conditions, as well as identify the sources of land-based pollution;

4) identification and prioritization of restoration opportunities including policy changes, implementation project opportunities and enforcement issues; and

5) completion of a final watershed plan.

Guidance for Reducing the Impact of Dirt Roads on Culebra Reefs: Report August 2015

This document recommends standards for dirt road construction, maintenance, and retrofitting to minimize impacts on the nearshore marine environment. It also provides guidance for minimizing construction and maintenance costs. Dirt roads transport sediments to the coast and reduce the quality and abundance of coral reef and sea grass habitats. These are important for marine turtles, juvenile fish, and shellfish. Reducing the impacts of dirt roads protects the nearshore ecosystems, reduces their maintenance costs, and helps to protect the natural beauty, economy, and ecosystems for future generations.

 
Black and white capture of the report cover "Catchment Management and Coral Reef Conservation" by Clive Wilkinson and Jon Brodie

Catchment Management and Coral Reef Conservation

Case Study- The Guanica Bay, Rio Loco Watershed Project in Puerto Rico (starting page 52)

The Guánica Bay/Rio Loco watershed provides drinking and irrigation water and flows to some of the most extensive coral reefs in Puerto Rico. Development has increased nutrient loads and sediment runoff. In the past 50 years, more than 50% of live coral has been lost, including more than 90% elkhorn and staghorn corals. Ridge to Reefs assessed the watershed and developed models of the catchment area. Farmers and resource managers in the community provided in-depth local knowledge of pollution sources and access to important areas. After identifying major point and non-point sources of pollution, we modeled nutrient and sediment loads and benefits of control measures to improve water quality and reduce impacts on the reef.

Creating Treatment Trains: Capturing >90% of Sediment Runoff Before Reaching Coral Reefs

Using a treatment train approach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

Reducing the downstream transportation of sediment that impacts coral reefs is a challenging task. Land uses in tropical coastal areas alter the ecosystems and can greatly increase sediment erosion. By engineering new ways to combine techniques and best management practices, Ridge to Reefs has been able to achieve high levels of sediment reduction (>90%). Importantly, we have also been able to capture and stabilize the small grained particles that suspend easily in the water column and pose a particular challenge to the health of coral reefs.

Three people working in Culebra, one holding a clip board and writing down data

Cabo Rojo Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs

This watershed plan represents the culmination of the watershed planning process in Cabo Rojo. The goal of the watershed plan is to chart a course for improving water quality and the health of coral reefs, serving the goals of the citizens of the Cabo Rojo/Guanajibo watersheds. These goals include protecting public health, promoting safe and healthy beaches, and protecting natural resources which serve to support the local economy.

 
 
 

Culebra Community Watershed Action Plan: Report August 2015

As part of implementing the Culebra Community Watershed Action Plan for Coral Reefs and Water Quality, two projects were carried out from October to December 2014; one at Zoní Beach and the other in Downtown Culebra. These projects address impacts to Culebra's coastal and marine resources from both untreated runoff and sediment eroding from parking areas and unpaved roads. Both projects and locations were chosen with strong community participation. These projects provide protection for sensitive coral reef communities, including the Luis Peña Marine Reserve.