Tracking Sources of Pollution in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Testing & analysis identify specific point-sources of pollution
Project Summary
Ridge to Reefs and Surfrider Foundation Rincón are working together to track down sources of pollution impacting Rincón and the surrounding waters. Rincón is a coastal town of approximately 15,000 residents in the northwest region of Puerto Rico; the town is experiencing rapid growth. Rincón is home to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. The reserve was designed to protect these reefs which possess the highest percentage of live coral coverage in Puerto Rico, and represents some of the healthiest and most genetically diverse stands elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) in the Caribbean. The reef contributes to the health and diversity of the coastal fishery and the function of the near-shore ecosystem. The reef also produces the surf breaking in Rincón, regarded as the “capital of surfing.” Tracking sources of pollution and instituting remediation measures protects all the functions of the reefs.
Problem
Pollution from failing septic systems and other sources of bacteria are contributing to dangerous conditions for surfing, swimming, snorkeling and coral reefs inside the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and surroundings areas in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Addressing land based sources of contamination is critical to establishing resilient corals reefs which are not only being impacted by the growing population, but also by climate change.
Solution
Identify sources of pollution with direct testing and institute remediation measures including sustainable green infrastructure methods.
Implementation
Ridge to Reefs and Surfrider Foundation Rincón are working together to track down sources of pollution. After identifying specific issues, a remediation project was put in place to address nutrient and bacterial contamination issues in Quebrada Piletas. We tracked sources of contamination using several indicators including ammonia (present in sewage), optical brighteners (present in detergents) and Chlorophyll A (an indicator of nutrient enrichment).
Outcomes
These efforts identified key areas of sewage pollution and pollution present in nearshore waters. We also targeted specific restoration and remediation projects. These remediation projects include planting vetiver grasses to uptake pollution from waters before reaching the coast.
Funders and Partners Surfrider Foundation Rincón
