A large swath of Puerto Rico’s northern coastline will now be protected following the announcement of the establishment of the Submerged Gardens Natural Reserve of Vega Baja and Manatí.

Published 2 months ago

Preserving Pristine Marine Ecosystems

Source:  Surfrider Foundation

The creation of the Submerged Gardens Natural Reserve of Vega Baja and Manatí on the north coast of Puerto Rico is the result of a coalition of partners and is a major milestone in the protection of Puerto Rico’s marine ecosystems.

The reserve is home to a variety of coral species, including one of the largest assemblies of Elkhorn coral in the Caribbean, as well as other threatened and endangered marine life.  The reserve results from a long, hard-fought effort by the local communities, environmental organization Surfrider Foundation and other governmental and official agencies. It was signed into law by the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi.

“The new reserve serves as a living laboratory under the sea. In this environment, crucial research is carried out and coral restoration initiatives are developed,” according to a press release from the Surfrider Foundation.

“Through these activities, thousands of coral fragments are obtained that are then used to restore reefs elsewhere in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. This process not only helps to recover damaged ecosystems but also contributes to the resilience of our coasts in the face of climate change and other environmental threats.”

The Importance of Coral Reefs

“Coral reefs are much more than a refuge for marine wildlife – they are one of the four natural barriers that protect our coasts from the impact of high tides, especially during hurricane season, and climate change,” continues Surfrider’s statement. “These coral formations act as natural breakwaters, reducing the energy of waves before they reach the coast, which helps prevent coastal erosion and protect nearby communities. Without these barriers, the coasts would be much more exposed to natural disasters, putting both marine life and human safety at risk.

“The coral is susceptible to the effects of climate change and environmental shifts. There is hope that this new reserve will provide a safe haven for the Elkhorn to bounce back and flourish once again. It’s also an important component of undersea ecosystems, providing refuge to countless species of fish and aquatic life.

“Elkhorn coral reefs are not only vital for biodiversity but also play a crucial role in protecting our coasts and promoting the overall health of the oceans,”“This achievement underscores the positive impact we can have when we work together for nature’s sake. The creation of this reserve will not only preserve this important coral habitat but will also promote education and awareness about the importance of coral reefs, inspiring future generations to continue this essential work.”

An Advance in Environmental Legislation and Awareness

“The recent approval and signing of the law by the Governor of Puerto Rico marks a significant step towards the conservation and protection of these vital ecosystems”, said the Surfrider Foundation Statement.   “This achievement underscores the positive impact we can achieve when we work together for the sake of nature. The creation of this reserve will not only preserve this important coral habitat, but will also promote education and awareness about the importance of coral reefs, inspiring future generations to continue this essential work.

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At Surfrider Foundation, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has taken action to support the creation of the reserve. Through collective efforts and decisive actions, we have managed to ensure a more sustainable future for our oceans. But our work is not over. We invite everyone to continue supporting initiatives like this and to stay informed about how they can contribute to the protection of our natural resources. ”

Find out more at https://www.surfrider.org/

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Related News:

• New Marine Reserve Established in Puerto Rico (Surfrider.org)
• Puerto Rico’s North Coast Gets New Marine Reserve (Surfer Magazine)

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Related Links:

• Surfrider Foundation

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