Protectores de Cuencas Inc.

Management Action Plan for the Guanica State Forest Marine Extension

2023

Protectores de Cuencas; Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources; NOAA

"The Management Action Plan for the Guanica State Forest (GSF) Marine Extension (ME) was developed to identify threats to shallow-water benthic communities and how these relate to anthropogenic activities in the region. The purpose of this plan is to establish a framework for the management of these important ecosystems and the protection of threatened and endangered species, as well as for the management of recreational and economic opportunities for local communities and visitors. A comprehensive characterization of the marine extension was completed using remote sensing satellite imagery and field campaigns to analyze the current conditions of benthic communities. A literature review was also conducted to support the creation of this plan. Literature such as scientific articles related to the area, management plans for other Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), reports from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), were reviewed to understand past management strategies and historical threats in the ME. Stakeholders including residents, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, municipal officials, and business owners were also involved in the creation of this plan. Based on this information, this plan provides a list of integrated management actions with the potential to minimize the effects of current threats while ensuring the protection and conservation of these important marine ecosystems. The following areas are identified as important for strategic management: a) Expansion of the Marine Reserve b) Improvement of navigational aids c) Pollution Prevention d) Establishment of a no-take zone for Cayo Coral e) Establishment of the Blue Economy f) Fisheries Management g) Best Management Practices"

Puerto Rico, Guanica Bay, Guanica State Forest Marine Extension, best management practices, watershed, coral reef, fisheries management, benthic communities, pollution

NOS

OCM

FY2023 CRCP Project ID 31224; Project Title: FY19 - Domestic Coral Reef Conservation Grants; Principal Investigator: Liz Fairey; Grant NA19NOS4820115.

NA19NOS4820115