Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Description:

The Jobos Bay Reserve is the second largest estuarine area in Puerto Rico. It encompasses a chain of 15 tear shape mangrove islets known as Cayos Caribe and the Mar Negro area in western Jobos Bay. The Cayos Caribe islets are fringed by coral reefs and seagrass beds, with small beach deposits and upland area. The Mar Negro area consists of mangrove forest and complex systems of lagoons and channels interspersed with salt and mud flats. The reserve is home to the endangered brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill sea turtle and West Indian manatee. It is commercially important for marine recreation, commercial and recreational fishing and ecotourism.

Directions:

The reserve is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, between the municipalities of Guayama and Salinas.

Address:

Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Department of Natural and Environmental Resources

Call Box B

Aguirre PR 00704

Phone:

787-853-4617

Email:

Jin.Wang@noaa.gov

Organization:

NOS - National Ocean Service