PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COASTAL BARRIERS 
SUMMARY REPORT 
Prepared for: 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
Department of the Interior 
Prepared by: 
Island Resources Foundation 
Red Hook Center, Box 33 
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 
September 1985 
Table Qf Contents 
Preface •••••• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..i 
Introduction •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1 
Physical Characterization of Coastal Barriers of the Islands •••• 4 
Puerto Rico Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 
St. Croix Units •• · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• 37 
St. John Units ••• · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 
St. Thomas Units. · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• 45 
Ecological Examination of Coastal Barriers along the Islands ••• 62 
Fish and Wildlife Values 
and the U.S.V.I ••••• 
of Coastal Barriers in Puerto Rico 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ••• 72 
Puerto Rico Regulations •••••••••• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..76 
U.S. Virgin Islands Regulations •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 85 
References ...•.....•.....•........•.•..•..•..••................ 92 
PREFACE 
This draft report on coastal barriers in Puerto Rico and the 
Virgin Islands is intended to accompany and complement the 
comprehensive draft report on u.s. mainland barriers which was 
prepared in accordance with Section 10 of Public Law 97-348, the 
Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982, which states: 
Sec. 10. Report to Congress. 
(a) In General.---Before the close of the 3-year period 
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committees a 
report regarding the System. 
(b) Consul tation in Preparing Report.--- The Secretary 
shall prepare the report required under subsection (a) 
in consultation with the Governors of the States in 
which System units are located and with the coastal 
zone management agencies of the States in which System 
units are located and after providing opportunity for, 
and considering, public comment. 
(c) Report Content. --- The report required under 
subsection (a) shall contain---
1) 
recommendations for the conservation of fish, 
wildlife and other natural resources of the 
System based on an evaluation and comparison 
of all management a 1 t er nat i ve s , 
and 
combinations thereof, such as State and local 
actions 
(including management plans approved 
under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 
(16 U.S.C 1451 et seq.), 
Federal actions 
(including acquisition for administration as 
part of the National Wildlife Refuge System), 
and initiatives by private organizations and 
individuals; 
2} 
recommendations for additions to, 
or 
deletions from, the Coastal Barrier Resources 
System, 
and for modifications to the 
boundaries of System units; 
3) 
a summary of comments received from the 
Governors of the States, State coastal zone 
management agencies, 
other government 
officials, and the public regarding the 
System; and 
4} 
an analysis of the effect, if any, that 
general revenue sharing grants made under 
section 102 of the State and Local Fiscal 
Assistance Amendments of 1972 
(31 
U.S.C. 
1221) have had on undeveloped coastal 
barriers. 
Under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and 
Wildlife and Parks, the draft report has been prepared by the 
Coastal Barriers Study Group, a task force of professionals 
representing the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife 
Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and other Department of Treasury 
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 
This draft report is descriptive not prescriptive. 
No 
recommendations to the Congress have been developed at this time. 
Recommendations will be developed following the close of the 
public comment period. 
PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COASTAL BARRIERS 
SUMMARY REPORT 
Introduction 
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act 
(16 U.S.C. 
3509) 
(CBRA) 
enacted in 1982, established the Coastal Barrier Resources System 
(CBRS), a network of 186 units along 
the Atlantic and Gulf of 
Mexico coasts, within which most federal expenditures are no 
longer available to promote economic growth or development. 
The 
stated purposes of the Act are to minimize the loss of human 
life, reduce the wasteful expenditure of federal revenues, and 
reduce the damage to fish and wildlife and other natural 
resources that can occur when coastal barriers are developed. 
Section 10 of the Act directed the Secretary of the Interior to 
provide a report to Congress regarding the CBRS within three 
years of passage of CBRA. 
Specifically, Section 10 requires that 
this report shall contain: 
1) 
recommendations for the conservation of fish and 
wildlife, and other natural resources of the System 
based on an evaluation and comparison of all management 
alternatives, and combinations thereof, such as State 
and local actions (including management plans approved 
under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 
U.S.C. 1451 et seq.), Federal actions (including 
acquisition for administration as part of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System), and initiatives by private, 
organizations and individuals; 
2) 
recommendations for additions to, or deletions from, 
1 
the Coastal Barrier Resources System, 
and for 
modifications to the boundaries of System units; 
3) 
a summary of comments received from the Governors of 
the States, State coastal zone management agencies, 
other government officials, and the public regarding 
the System; and 
4) 
an analysis of the effect, if any, that general revenue 
sharing grants made under section 102 of the State and 
Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1972 (31 U.S.C. 
1221) have had on undeveloped coastal barriers. 
In May of 1985, the Department of the Interior (Department) 
issued a document entitled 
Draft Report to Cong ress." 
review and comment. 
"Coastal Barrier Resources System 
This report has been circulated for 
Additionally, the Department issued a set of draft maps that 
delineated recommended additions, to or deletions from, CBRS, and 
modifications to the boundaries of existing CBRS units. 
This new 
inventory was undertaken as one component of the Report to the 
Congress required of the Secretary by Section 10 of CBRA 
(Public Law 97-348). 
It includes barriers of the Great Lakes 
(Michigan, New York, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin); 
Alaska; West Coast (California, Oregon and Washington); Hawaii 
and American Samoa and Puerto Rico and 
the Virgin Islands. 
To complement the draft maps that have been prepared for the new 
areas, the Department has requested the u.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (FWS) to prepare summary reports on each of these areas 
2 
that briefly describe the physical characteristics of the area, 
provide an overview on the ecological value of barriers to fish 
and wildlife resources, and summarize state conservation and 
regulatory programs for protecting barriers. 
3 
A Physica~ Characterization Qf Coasta~ Barriers Qf ~ 
Islands 
section 3 of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 defines a 
coastal barrier as a depositional geologic feature, such as a 
barrier, tombolo, barrier spit, or barrier island which: 
1) 
consists of unconsolidated sedimentary materials; 
2) 
is subject to wave, tidal and wind energies; 
3) 
protects landward aquatic habitats including the adjacent 
wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets, and nearshore waters. 
The accepted scientific classification follows: 
Bay Barriers- coastal barriers that connect two headlands, and 
enclose a pond, marsh, or other aquatic habitat. 
The terms bay 
mouth bar or bay bar are considered to be synonomous. 
Tombolos- sand or gravel beaches that connect one or more 
offshore islands to each other or to the mainland. 
Coastal 
barriers of this type occur principally in New York and New 
England. 
The terms connecting bar, tie bar, and tying bar are 
synonomous. 
Barrier Spits - coastal barriers that extend into open water and 
are attached to the mainland at only one end. 
They can develop 
into bay barriers if they grow completely across a bay or 
other 
aquatic habitat. 
On the other hand, bay barriers can become 
spits if an inlet is created. 
Barrier Islands - coastal barriers completely detached from the 
mainland. 
Barrier spits may: become barrier islands if their 
connection to the mainland is severed by creation of a permanent 
inlet. 
The barrier island represents a broadened barrier beach, 
4 
commonly sufficiently above high tide to have dunes, vegetated 
zones, and wetland areas. 
This classification is largely inappropriate for coastal areas in 
Puerto Rico and the u.s. Virgin Islands but the definition of a 
coastal barrier has been expanded to include the following, the 
first two of which are more applicable: 
1. 
Areas containing carbonate-cemented deposits such as: 
a. local deposits of beach LQ£k -
found in tropical and semi-
tropical regions, consisting of carbonate-cemented gravel 
and/or beach sand underlain or overlain by unconsolidated 
sediment occurring on a coastal barrier. 
b. cemented dunes -
found as local features in Puerto Rico 
where 
a carbonate-cemented dune line is located 
immediately seaward of a more or less typical coastal 
bar r ie r, cons isting of a beach (which may extend seaward 
to the cemented dune), dune and mangrove. 
2. 
Areas consisting primarily of silt and clay: 
a. Fringing mangroye - that occur as nearshore deposits of 
silt and clay stabilized by mangroves as islands (a.k.a. 
overwash mangroves) and bands of mangrove along 
subtropical or tropical mainland shores in areas of low 
wave energy. 
Many of these areas are located behind coral 
reefs, which together with the mangroves themselves, 
afford significant protection for the mainland from storm 
impact. 
3. 
Areas containing glacial and bedrock deposits: 
a. Discontinuous outcrops Qf bedrock gnQ coarse g~acia~ 
5 
deposits - that comprise less than 25 percent of the 
coastalbarrier landform above mean high water. 
Associated aquatic habitat includes wetlands (e.g., tidal flats, 
,swamps, and marshes), lagoons, estuaries, coves, inlets, the 
nearshore waters seaward of the coastal barrier, including, in 
some tropical areas, fringing and barrier reefs. 
All such 
associated aquatic habitats are inseparable parts of the coastal 
barrier ecosystem. 
All aquatic habitat between a coastal barrier 
and the mainland is protected by the coastal barrier from direct 
wave attack. 
Protection of this habitat and the mainland itself 
from wave attack during major storms has long been recognized as 
a fundamental function of coastal barriers. 
Fringing mangroves and associated coral reef systems are 
considered as coastal barriers in tropical and subtropical areas 
because the protection afforded the associated aquatic habitat 
and mainland are comparable to coastal barriers that contain 
linear or curvilinear beaches. 
6 
Puerto Rico is the easternmost island of the Greater 
Antilles. The U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.), consisting of St. 
Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and about 90 smaller islands, lie 40-
65 mi (65-100 km) east and southeast of Puerto Rico. 
Bathymetry 
Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John are on the Puerto Rican 
plateau which is delineated by the 100 fathom depth contour. 
To 
the north is the Puerto Rican trench with depths to 27,500 ft 
(8,384 m). To the south, the Virgin Islands basin is 13,500 ft 
(4,116 m) deep. St. Croix is 35 mi (64 km) to the south on a 
separate submerged ridge. 
A flat terrace about 60 ft deep, 
probably a result of wave erosion when sea level was lower during 
the Pleistocene, surrounds st. Thomas and St. John. 
As a 
transition zone between oceanic and continental plates, the 
Caribbean island arc is an active earthquake zone. 
Puerto Rico 
and the U.S.V.I. do not experience as much volcanic activity as 
some of the other islands such as Guadeloupe: and Martinique. 
Tsunamis have occurred in the area. 
Puerto Rico formed on the emerged crest of an elongated ridge 
that trends through Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin 
Islands. 
The island is primarily volcanic and bound by the 
seismically active Puerto Rican trench and the Anegada trough. 
Winds 
The Tradewinds (Easterlies) consistently approach the 
islands from the east. 
Changes in the position and intensity of 
the Bermuda High to the north and the Equatorial Trough to the 
south are responsible for major seasonal variations. 
The winds 
7 
blow counterclockwise around the Equatorial Trough, 
a low 
pressure zone. 
The yearly wind regime can be divided roughly into four 
seasonal modes (Table 1). 
When the Bermuda High is intensified 
from December through February with only minimal pressure changes 
in the Equatorial Trough, the trade winds are at a maximum. 
During this period, the "Christmas winds", strong winds from the 
north, may appear as a result of weak cold fronts moving through 
the Caribbean. 
A decrease in pressure of the Equatorial Trough 
results in a reduction in wind velocities from March through May. 
From June through August, wind speeds approach those in December 
through February as the Bermuda High strengthens with a 
concomitant decrease in pressure in the Equatorial Trough. 
The lowest wind velocities occur from September through 
November as the Bermuda High weakens with only a small decrease 
in pressure in the Equatorial Trough. 
Although hurricanes have occurred in every month of the 
year, most storms pass through the Eastern Caribbean between 
August and October with peak activity in September. 
Twenty-four 
hurricanes have passed within 50 miles of the Virgin Islands 
since 1900 (U.S. Army, 1975). Major hurricanes occur about once 
every 33 years. 
8 
Table 1. Annual wind regime for the islands 
~ 
Qf~.r. 
Nl.nQ Y~lQ~it;i.~§l 
Prj,mat;:t: Dj,te~tion 
Dec-Feb 
11 - 21 knots about 
ENE 
60% of the time 
>20 knots c.25% of 
ENE 
the time 
Mar-May 
>20 knots c.13% of 
E 
the time 
June-Aug 
>20 knots c.23% of 
E,ESE 
the time 
Sept-Nov 
>20 knots c.7% of 
E,SE 
the time 
Waves and Cutrents 
The 
mean tidal range in the islands is only 0.8-1.0 ft 
(0.24 
- 0.30 m), 
and tidal currents are usually weak. 
Diurnal 
tides predominate around St. Croix and on the south coasts of St. 
John and St. Thomas. Semi-diurnal tides occur on the north coasts 
of Puerto Rico, 
st. 
Thomas and St. 
John because of exposure to 
open 
ocean water. 
Waves come primarily from the east in the 
winter 
and the southeast in the summer, 
in response to seasonal 
shifts in wind direction. 
Waves are 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 
m) 
about 
half of the time. 
Southeasterly swells are common in late summer 
and autumn, while northern swells, occasionally reaching 10-12 ft 
(3-3.7 
m) 
nearshore, 
develop in winter. 
The northern swells 
create strong longshore currents. 
Wave energy is concentrated on 
projecting headlands, 
and shoreline configuration 
reflects 
variations in the 
resistance of specific rock types 
in these 
headlands to erosion. 
9 
Sediment Transport 
Sediment transport involves a 
complex interaction of 
biological, physical, and gravitational factors. 
During storms, 
rates of sediment transport are an order of magnitude higher than 
during normal conditions. 
Distinct sand channels through coral 
reefs facilitate seaward sediment transport. 
Sources of sand 
include 1) areas of high carbonate productivity, and 2) existing 
accumulations of sand. 
St. Croix's northern shelf has no major storage sites for 
sediment, 
and sediment is transported into the deep basin 
offshore. Off the south coast of the island are two large sand 
bodies, one along the southwest coast and the other extending 
from Grapetree Bay to Grassy Point. Substantial amounts of 
sediment move off the shelf near the southwest tip of the island, 
at Sandy Point. 
An extensive reef parallels most of the south 
shore. The U.S. Geological Survey identified three areas off St. 
Thomas with mineable sand deposits. 
Two are west of Saba Island 
and the other is west of Buck Island. 
There are also submerged 
sand resources on the insular shelf of Puerto Rico. 
Sediments arise from the degradation of corals, coralline 
algae, and calcareous green algae. 
Biological organisms playa 
unique role in the production, break-down, and transport of 
carbonate sediments. 
The distribution of organisms can therefore 
significantly affect the distribution of sediments. 
Biological 
processes such as the reduction of water circulation in seagrass 
beds, reworking of sediments and building of mounds by 
calianassid shrimp, are more important in protected bays than in 
10 
open water where physical processes, particularly currents, 
dominate. 
Beaches in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have 
constantly changing profiles, varying with location and with the 
season. 
steep slopes and narrow berms indicate high energy waves. 
In the summer months, berms tend to become wider. 
During the 
winter, high energy waves tend to transport sand offshore. 
Many beaches inside deep bays show little change while more 
exposed beaches experience loss of sand because of longshore 
currents and "littoral drift". Reefs and seagrass beds buffer 
wave energies and promote beach stability. 
11 
PUERTO RICO UNITS 
PR-Ol Espiritu Santo (Rio Grande): 
The beach in this unit 
supports a coconut palm plantation lying just west of the mouth 
of the Rio Espiritu Santo. 
Mangroves grow along the river 
channel which is joined by a subsidiary channel from the west. 
Cienaga Swamp borders on the southwest corner. 
A fringing reef 
lies 0.5 miles offshore. 
Three species of sea turtles, green, 
hawksbill and leatherback, nest on the beach. 
An unpaved road 
runs parallel to the beach. 
Part of the unit is in the Rio 
Espiritu Santo Natural Reserve managed by the Department of 
Natural Resources. 
PR-02 Ensenada Comezon (Rio Grande): 
The shoreline of this unit 
is largely fine-grained sand beaches with some mangroves, 
particularly along the back bay of Ensenada Comezon. 
Extensive 
mangroves grow along the southern border, including a channel and 
artificial ditch that drains La Picua swamp. 
Several intermit-
tently opened inlets line the unit's shore. 
Unpaved roads lead 
to Puntas'Miguillo and Picua. 
Fringing reefs lie off both these 
points. 
There is evidence of sand and gravel extraction at Punta 
Picua. 
Few structures have been built here. 
PR-03 Rio Mameyes (Rio Grande): Several structures exist in the 
northwestern, south central, and southeastern portions of this 
unit. 
Mangroves line the Rio Mameyes and occupy the unit's 
southeastern third. 
The southwestern portion was filled for a 
golf course which extends right to the beach. 
Roads are unpaved. 
PR-04 Punta La Bandera (Luqu~llo): 
Narrow sand and gravel 
beaches in the east are surrounded by development associated with 
the resort town of Luquillo in this undeveloped unit. 'Well-
12 
developed reefs lie just offshore. 
Coconut plantations extend 
east from the popular Playa de Luquillo which is outside the 
unit. 
PR-05 Luquillo Spit (Luquillo): This sand spit projects from a 
wide beach east of two condominiums on a rocky bluff at the 
junction of the Rio Sabana and the Rio Pitahaya. 
Sand and gravel 
bars occur at the river mouth and mangroves extend upstream in 
channels for about 0.4 miles. 
In the east, an unvegetated 
channel of the Rio Pitahaya cuts through the beach and empties 
into the bay. 
The beach berm is stabilized predominately by sea 
grapes and experiences significant off-road vehicle use. 
Hawksbill, green and leatherback sea turtles are reported to nest 
here. 
Pasture land borders and overlaps the unit on the south 
side. 
PR-06 Juan Martin Spit (Luquillo): 
A long, mostly sand beach 
here is backed by freshwater and brackish marshes along the Rio 
Juan Martin. 
A coral reef occurs offshore, and mangroves occur 
in the western section. 
The unit is undeveloped except for a 
railroad track along the south and east borders, and unpaved 
roads along the beach. 
An overgrown coconut grove appears in the 
western section. 
The southwest side of the river is being culti-
vated. 
PR-07 Laguna Aguas Prietas (Fajardo): Sand barriers have formed 
east and west of Laguna Aguas Prietas behind bedrock cliffs at 
Cabeza Chiquita. 
Some herbaceous marshes occur landward of the 
mangroves 
in the western portion. The lagoon is fringed by 
mangroves on all but the north side and drains through barrier 
13 
and fringing reefs leaving an outwash plume in the bay. 
Reef 
development is best just north of this outlet, behind Cabeza 
Chiquita. 
Immediately adjacent to the unit's eastern section is 
a recent major development. 
The lagoon provides habitat for 
populations of little blue herons and cattle egrets. 
PR-O 8 Cabo San Juan (Faj ardo): 
The gravel beach in the 
southwestern portion of this unit, surrounded by exposed rocky 
platforms, turns into a coarse grained sand beach extending to 
the headland at the northern end. 
Bay barriers protect Laguna 
Grande which has good mangrove development along its edge and 
herbaceous marshes to its southeast. 
Well-developed reefs occur 
in the west. There is 
one small structure west of the lagoon 
and a coconut plantation. 
PR-09 Rio Fajardo (Fajardo): 
This unit runs north-south along 
the exposed eastern coast of Puerto Rico, from the Rio Fajardo in 
the north to the rocky shores of Punta Barrancas. 
The shore 1 ine 
is a narrow beach with some mangroves. 
The unit extends about 
0.5 miles inland to the west in extensive mangrove forest and is 
part of the Department of Natural Resources Ceiba State Forest. 
PR-IO Punta Barrancas (Fajardo): 
This sma 11 bay barrier runs 
south from the point to Punta Mata Redonda. 
It is composed of 
mixed sand and gra ve 1 and fine-grained sand beaches, and inc 1 udes 
a lagoon in the western part with good mangrove development. 
The 
unit is undeveloped al though an unpaved road runs on the southern 
border and a 1 andfill dump appears to be encroaching from the 
south. 
PR-ll Punta Figueras (Fajardo): 
The northern shore line of this 
14 
unit in Roosevelt Roads Naval Station is sand and gravel beach 
with th: rest of th: shoreline lined with mangroves. 
Lagoons at 
the neck of the point drain into Puerto Medio Mundo. Aerial 
photographs (1984) indicate about 10 small structures in th: 
northwest corner and 15 more structures along the southwest shore 
of Bahia Demaj agua, a 11 accessed by unpa ved road along th: 
water's edge. 
PR-12 Playa Flamenco (Culebra): 
A long and wide beach bay 
barrier protects Laguna de 1 Flamenco, the 1 argest 1 agoon on 
Cu lebra, from wave action in Bahia Flamenco. 
Cora 1 formation is 
moderate in the northwest just offshore. 
Unpaved roads lead to 
about 8 structures at th: eastern end. 
The 1 agoon 's south shore 
provides winter and spring habitat for waterfowl, particularly 
the northern pintail, a migratory bird of special concern. 
Hawksbill sea turtles nest here. 
PR-13 Playa Brava (Culebra): 
This unde ve loped unit in th: 
central northern coast of Culebra is defined by Punta Resaca to 
the ·west and a small promontory to the east. 
The beach of 
coarse-grained sand is very wide, low, and flat, and acts as a 
bay barrier to protect mixed vegetation and small ponds to th: 
south, winter and spring habitat for the northern pintail. 
Rap-
tors, sea birds, and gu lIs are found associated with this and 
oth:r units on the is 1 and. 
turtles nest here. 
Leatherback, hawksbill and green sea 
PR-14 Playa Large (Culebra): This undeveloped unit is a bay 
barrier beach which she 1 ters a mang ro ve swamp and a sma 11 pond, 
Laguna Zoni, to the south. 
The lagoon is northern pintail 
habitat. 
The beach is reported to be nesting habitat for the 
15 
hawksbill sea turtle. 
PR-15 Laguna de Molino (Culebra): 
This 
undeveloped barrier 
protects Laguna de Mo 1 ino. 
The western portion of the beach is 
fine-grained sand, while the eastern portion and the south shore 
beach of Cayo Botella, 0.5 miles offshore, are mixed sand and 
gravel. The north and east shores of the cay are rocky. 
Some 
reef development occurs to the northwest. 
Hawksbill sea turtles 
are reported to nest on the western end of the beach. 
PR-16 Culebra Tombo 10 (Culebra): This low tombo 1 0 
connects 
Culebrita Island with Cabo del Pasaje to the north and features 
wide, fine-grained beaches. 
Coral growth is evident to the west 
of the tombolo but absent in the eastern bay. 
Hawksbill sea 
turtles are reported to nest on the tombolo. 
PR-17 Puerto del Manglar (Culebra): 
This undeveloped unit is a 
deeply incut southeast-facing bay with mangroves through most of 
the area. 
Sand and gra ve 1 beaches occur at tre extreme eastern 
end. 
PR-18 Punta Arenas (Vieques): 
This unit is U.S. Navy land at tre 
WNW corner of Vieques Island. This complex landform has several 
spitp and barriers protecting four ponds. 
A paved road runs 
east-west, and an unpa ved road fo 11 ows the 3 mile long beach. 
The wet 1 ands support numerous waterfow 1. 
Various species of 
di v ing birds, wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfow 1, as we 11 as 
raptors, and manatees and three species of sea turt les are found 
along the coast of Vieques in this and the following units. 
PR-19 Playa Grande (Vieques): This coarse-grained sand beach 
protects Laguna Algodones and 1 imited wet 1 ands to the south, and 
16 
is located on the northeastern coast of Vieques. 
It is bordered 
on the east by rocky cliffs. 
An unpa ved road runs para lle 1 to 
the beach and around the 1 agoon. 
The beach is reported to be 
nesting habitat for hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles. 
PR-20 Puerto 
Negro 
(Vieques): 
This unit features a narrow 
barrier of course sand that protects Laguna Monte Largo with 
sparse wet 1 ands. 
An unpa ved road runs just abo ve the high-tide 
mark. 
Reefs occur in the northeJ;n portions of the unit. 
Hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles are reported to nest 
here. 
PR-21 Bahia Playa Blanca (Vieques): 
This bay barrier on the 
nor t he as t co as t 
0 f Pun t a Est e pro t e c t s a sma 1 1 1 ago 0 nan d 
associa ted wet 1 ands. 
A 1 though the unit is unde ve loped, the area 
to the west appears to be a bombing range. 
The coarse grained 
sand beach serves as nesting habitat for the leatherback, 
hawksbill and green sea turtles. 
PR-22 Laguna Anones (Vieques): 
This very 1 arge 1 agoon formed by 
a barrier beach extends northeast from Bahia Salina del Sur 
a 1 most across the narrow neck at the east end of the is 1 and. The 
beach is rimmed by cliffs on either side. The area may be a 
bombing range. 
An unpa ved road runs along the west side of the 
lagoon. 
PR-23 Ensenada Honda (Vieques): 
Extensive mangroves fringe the 
north shore of this major bay on the south coast. 
The unit is 
protected by a rocky head 1 and on the southeast. 
PR-24 Laguna Yanuel (Vieques): This small bay on .. the west side of 
E nsenada Honda is protected on the east by the rocky head 1 and of 
Punta Carenero attached to the mainland by a narrow mangrove 
17 
/ 
spit. 
Mangroves line too shore of too unit with too exception of 
a small beach wOOre too lagoon empties into the bay. 
Leather-
back, hawksbill and green sea turt les are reported to nest on 
this small coarse grained beach. 
No structures exist. 
PR-25 Bahia de la Chiva (Vieques): A 
wide, fine-grained beach 
along the shore of this sma 11 bay west of E nsenada Honda protects 
a lagoon in the northwest. 
Green, leatherback and hawksbill sea 
turt les use this beach as nesting habitat. 
The north hal f of 
Is 1 a Chi va is co vered with coarse sand and gra ve 1, and there is a 
rocky outcrop to the southeast. 
(No structures). 
PR-26 Bahia Tapon (Vieques): 
Mangroves line too shores of this 
phosphorescen t bay, protecting in 1 and wet 1 ands. 
A sma 1 1 pond is 
at the eastern end of the unit. 
(No structures). 
PR-27 Puerto Ferro (Vieques): 
Mangroves line the northern shore 
of Bahia Ferro while the southwest shore is rocky and she 1 tered. 
A few very small ponds are protected by the mangroves on the 
north and extreme southwestern 
sides of the bay. 
The bay 
opening is very narrow. An unpa ved road skirts the west side of 
the unit and a faint track extends to a spit at the extreme 
southeast corner. 
PR-28 Ensenada Sombe (Vieques): 
The unit forms the eastern ha 1 f 
of the long beach of E nsenada Sombe, we II-protected on the east 
by Punta Negra but open to direct wave attack from too south. 
The beach barrier protects a mangrove forest. 
Hawksbill, 
leatherback and green sea turt les are reported to nest on too 
beach. 
An unpaved road provides access to the beach and vacation 
center operated by the Puerto Rican Recreation Deve 1 opment 
18 
Company, a public corporation. 
The U.S. Navy owns the unit with 
the PRRDC. 
Minimal facilities are present. 
PR-29 Cayo de Tierra (Vieques): 
This unit inc I udes one of the 
largest islands south of Vieques. 
A small cape in the north 
extends toward the main island just south of the town of 
Esperanza. 
The south half of the island has bedrock cliffs lined 
by gravel beaches which extend around the island to the north. 
(No structures). 
PR-30 Laguna Playa Grande (Vieques): 
The beach here protects a 
very I arge I agoon from wa ve attack from the south and east. 
The 
beach is fine-grained sand, except for a short gravelly portion 
where the lagoon empties into the bay. 
Green, hawksbill and 
leatherback sea turt les are reported to nest here. 
M angro ves 
fringe the lagoon. 
An unpaved road runs along the barrier. 
PR-3l Medio Mundo (Ceiba): 
Extensive mangroves along bay 
barriers and spits comprise this unit within the Roosevel t 
Roads 
Naval Station. 
Mangroves are bisected by unpaved roads. 
Four 
maj or channe 1 s support we II-de ve loped mang ro ves throughout the 
southern two-thirds of the unit. 
Punta Medio M undo and Is I a 
Pin e r 0 s 
pro t e c t 
the man g r 0 v est 0 
the nor t han d 
e as t , 
respectively, from storm surges. 
Northern pintails are found in 
the interior mangro ves. 
Cora 1 reef deve I opment off the point and 
north of Is 1 a Pineros is good. 
PR-32 Isla Pineros (Ceiba): 
Mangrove development is good in tha 
sha 1 tered southwestern corner of the is I and, 
and fine-grained 
sand beachas adjoin the mangroves to the north and south. 
Hawks-
bill sea turt les are reported to nest on the southeastern beach. 
This undeveloped unit is owned by the U.S. Navy. 
19 
PR-33 Roosevelt Roads (Ceiba): 
Tre unit lines Ensenada Honda 
from tre town of Del Pueblo to the north to an exposed mangrove 
point that protects a sreltered mangrove channel running to tre 
southwest in Guayacan Barrio. 
An exposed rocky headland in the 
center of tre unit has extensive mangrove development behind it. 
Acces's roads and small docks appear at the north and south edges 
of tre unit which is u.s. Navy property. 
PR-34 Punta Cascajo (Ceiba) 
Fringing mangro ves at the southwest 
corner of Ensenada Honda line tre small protected bay. 
The 
southwest point of the bay, Punta Cascajo, is connected to the 
Puerto Rican mainland by a tombolo, which protects mangroves on 
its western side. 
Tre entire point is exc I uded from the unit; a 
paved road that crosses tre tombolo leads to an extensive housing 
development. 
Tre unit is within Roosevel t Roads Naval Station. 
PR-35 Rio Daguao (Ceiba, Naguabo): 
An extensive mangrove forest 
protects two lagoons just in I and at tre mouth of the Rio D aguao 
along which mangroves extend to tre north. 
All of tre unit is 
within Roosevelt Roads Naval Station except for the southwest 
corner which is in N aguabo Municipio and which has an unpaved 
road. 
PR-36 Bosque Estatal de Ceiba (Naguabo): 
This unit is bissected 
by the mouth of the Quebrada Palma as it empties into the Bahia 
Algodones, and its eastern boundaries coincide with those of tre 
state forest managed by D NR. 
Mangroves exposed to wave attack in 
the Pasaje de Vieques line the long spit out to Cayo Algodones in 
the southeastern corner. 
A 
pocket of exposed mangroves lines 
the shore east of the outf I ow of the Quebrada; otherwise the 
20 
shore is fine-grained sand. 
There is no development. 
This unit 
has recently been named a Natural Reserve by DNR. 
PR-37 Punta Santiago (Naguabo, Humacao): 
With a shoreline length 
of 6.42 miles, this unit encompasses large coconut plantations 
along too nortooast and southwest shore. 
The southwest area of 
the unit contains 1 arge ponds and freshwater wet 1 ands that 
support a population of Bahama ducks and West Indian whistling 
ducks. 
The northeast boundary fo 11 ows a manmade channe 1 for 0.25 
miles. 
Both DNR and USFW have recommended exclusion of tre point 
in this unit because of major development including two 
subdivisions. 
Part of the unit belongs to DNR and part is 
operated by the PRRD C as a pub 1 ic beach. 
PR-38 Punta Cande lero (Humacao): 
This fine-grained sand bay 
barrier protects a sma 11 1 agoon in too northeast near the sea and 
wet 1 ands to too west and southwest. 
Some artificia 1 ditching is 
apparent. 
The unit is privately owned and operated by Palmas del 
Mar resort hotel, with part of the grounds set aside for 
conservation. 
PR-39 Puerto Yabucoa (Yabucoa): Too unit surrounds too mouth of 
the Cano Santiago and features a spit. 
River channel migration 
is evident from aeria 1 photos. 
The unit has mixed wet 1 ands. 
D N R 
has recommended that the unit be eliminated because of extensive 
dredging to create an industrial port for too Sun Oil Co. 
PR-40 Punta 'Tuna (Maunabo): 
The unit consists of a short coarse 
sand beach protecting a small mixed mangrove stand 1 andward. It 
is unde ve loped. 
PR-4l Rio Maunabo(Maunabo): 
Spits occur nortreast and southwest 
of the mouth of the Rio Maunabo, joined at the mouth by the 
21 
Quebrada Arenas from the north. 
A 1 agoon or channe 1 connects 
from the west. Seasonal diversion of small streams by the spits 
creates on 1 y narrow aquatic habitat 1 andward. 
Small coconut 
pI antations are present. 
PR-42 Punta Viento (Patillas): 
This 
prominent point south of 
the viII age of Lambog 1 ia is bordered on the north by a sma 11 
channel. 
Mangroves are well-dev leoped in tlE nortlErn two-thirds 
of the unit, giving way to coconut plantations along the shore to 
the south. 
Unpaved roads follow the narrow beach just inland. 
Reef development to the southwest is good. 
(No structures) 
PR-43 Las Mareas (Guayama): 
This long and wide spit protects a 
large aquatic habitat, heavily modified outside of the unit 
especially to the west surrounding the oil facility in the bay 
protected by Punta Ola Grande. 
The Las Mareas area immediately 
north of the eastern portion of the unit is actively developed. 
A channe 1 has been dredged into the bay for oil tanker traffic. 
Two settling ponds have been built in wetlands outside the unit 
north of the bay. 
Coconut groves occur in the southwest, with 
unpaved access roads. 
Fringing reefs are moderately developed to 
the south and east, especially at the southwest tip of the point. 
Hawksbill sea turt les are reported to nest on the south shore of 
the unit. 
PR-44 Bahia de Jobos (Guayama): 
This unit is almost entirely 
within the Aguirre State Forest and/or Jobos Bay National 
Estuarine Sanctuary. 
Punta Pozue lois a huge spit protecting 
Jobos Bay. 
The spit is exc 1 uded from the unit because of 
development. 
Extensive mangroves occur in the east, and 
22 
fringing mangroves line the north and east shores 
of the bay. 
Sal t production ponds exist in the southern portion of Punta 
Pozuelo. 
Mangroves fringe the shorelines of the Cayos Caribes, 
islands which run southwest of the point. 
A Leucaena plantation, 
mixed with coconut palms, occurs in the unit's southeast corner. 
Puerto de Jobos has high-density residentia I 
structures and 3 
docks and seems to be exc I uded, a long with the city of Centra I 
Aguire. 
PR-45 Mar Negro (Salinas): 
Most of the unit is within the Jobos 
Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary and/or the Aguirre State Forest. 
Mangroves grow in a set of channels in the eastern half. 
Mar 
Negro is a series of lagoons 1 inked by channe I s and I ined by 
mangroves. 
The Cayos de Barca, islands to the south, have 
extensive mangroves and small offshore reefs. 
Abandoned sal t 
production ponds occur southwest of Las Mareas. 
About 30 
structures along the beach near an unpaved road running southeast 
from Las M areas shou I d probab I y be exc I uded. 
Punta Arenas has 
several small structures and a coconut plantation accessed by an 
unpa ved road. 
from this road. 
Mangroves appear to have been cut back extensively 
A fringing reef occurs around the south shore of 
Cayos de Ratones. 
The northwest corner of the unit has dense 
residential development all around the bay protected by Punta 
Salinas. 
PR-46 Arenal (Salinas): 
The mouth of the Rio Nigua is 
characterized by dynamic spits and barriers of mixed sand and 
gravel, with some mangroves in the west. 
Sand migration WNW 
along the coast has created a sand barrier that has almost closed 
the mouth of the river. 
Three small structures occur along the 
23 
road at the unit's northwest corner. 
PR-47 Punta Petrona (Santa Isabel): 
Poorly developed mangroves 
fringe the shores of Bahia de Rincon, Bahia de Juaca, and an 
unnamed bay. 
Sma 11 reefs occur offshore. A coconut plantation 
occurs on the far eastern border. 
Weak mangrove development on 
the east side and point of Bahia de Rincon, 
and a dense 
development of small structures along the bay's north shore are 
evident. 
Se vera 1 unpa ved roads run along the west shore near 
sandy areas or borrow pits. 
Punta Petrona has fringing mangroves 
and salt ponds. 
On the west side are mangrove barrier islands 
and reefs which protect a lagoon. 
The unit's northwest corner 
has several structures just behind the mangroves. 
PR-48 Rincon Keys (Santa Isabel): 
The unit is a co llection of 
small islands associated with well-developed reefs running 
roughly E-W. 
Cayos Cabezazos and Cayos de Caracoles are about 
2.0 miles offshore with exposed mangro ves and gra ve 1 beaches. 
The mangroves of Cayos de Caracoles support populations of great 
Blue Herons. 
Other islands are reef limestone. 
The two 
easternmost is lands ha ve breaking reefs. 
The unit is located 
within the proposed Punta Petrona Natural Reserve to be 
administered by D NR. (No structures) 
PR-49 Cayo Berberia (Santa Isabel): 
This island 2.5 miles 
offshore of Playa Cortada features exposed mangro ves a long most 
of its shore, except for small coarse-sand beaches at the north 
and southwest tips. Reef deve I opment is good in the protected 
waters southwest of the island. 
The unit is included in the DNR-
administered Caja de Muertos Natural Reserve. 
Small-scale coral 
24 
reef fish:ries for snapper, grouper, grunt, lobsters, and conchs 
are present. 
PR-50 Chardon (Santa Isabel): 
This unit is mixed sand and gravel 
barrier beach with a small patch of fringing mangroves flanked by 
small channels on either side. 
Hawksbill sea turtles are 
reported to nest in this area. 
(No structures) 
PR-5l Rio Descalabrado (Juana Diaz): 
This unit includes a 
prominent spit on the south side of the mouth of the Rio 
Desc a 1 abrado, 
with se vera 1 
sma 1 1 er spits and associated 
mangroves. 
One new structure on about 2 acres of land is located 
on th: unit's north centra 1 boundary. 
An unpa ved road accesses 
the spit in the southwest portion. 
PR-52 Punta Pastil 1 0 
(Juanica Diaz): 
This bay barrier has 
substantially disturbed sand and gravel beach:s. 
A small river 
channel lined with mangroves and a sand spit form th: unit's 
western boundary. 
An unpa ved road runs south from th: pa ved road 
on th: north:rn boundary. 
Th: unit's south:rn point has a sparse 
shrub and h:rbaceous cover on sand flats. 
A fringing coral reef 
occurs in the southeast corner of the barrier. 
PR-53 Bajo de Marea (Juana Diaz): 
This sma 11 unit inc 1 udes a 
channe 1 and spit on its western border. 
A small sand and gra ve 1 
beach protects the mangroves. 
(No structures) 
PR-54 Rio Jacaguas (Ponce): 
This unit consists of reasonab 1 y 
well-developed mangroves and a mixed sand and gravel beach. 
A 
. channel on th: west side forms a sand spit that encloses a small 
lagoon. 
(No structures) 
PR-55 Cayos F rios (Ponce): 
This unit inc 1 udes an exposed 
mangrove island (Isla del Frio) about 0.5 miles offshore with a 
25 
sma 11 fine-grained sand beach on its northeastern shore. 
The 
island has poorly developed reef to the south and s small gravel 
beach on its southeast shore. 
Cattle egrets nest on the island 
and hawksbill turt les nest on the shore. The unit a Iso inc 1 udes a 
mixed sand and gra ve 1 beach spit formed where the Rio Inabon 
drains near the western boundary. 
PR-56 Punta Cabullones (Ponce): 
This barrier spit direct ly abuts 
PR-55 on the east side and inc 1 udes the fo 11 owing ecosystems: 
1) mixed sand and gra ve 1, and coarse-grained sand beaches, with 
low sand ridges on either side of the point, 2)exposed and 
sheltered mangroves, especially well-developed along the 
artificially dredged canals in the western corner, 3) a flooded 
zone on the 1 and ward boundary with wet 1 ands, 4) reefs running 
offshore of the exposed mangroves in the west, and 5) numerous 
limestone and mangrove cays which are inhabitated by brown 
pelicans, white-tailed tropic birds and cattle egrets. 
All of 
the unit, except the point mangroves and cays, is completely 
modified by extensive ditching, drainage cana 1 s, unpa ved roads, 
and sand mining. 
The five structure settlement of Quinta 
Esperanza is within the unit. 
PR-57 Punta Cucharas 
(Ponce): 
This bay barrier inc 1 udes a 
coarse-grained public beach operated by the Recreation 
Deve 1 opment Company in its western portion, comp lete with 1 arge 
bathhouse, pool, parking lots, and coconut grove. 
The south 
shore is characterized by fringing exposed mangroves and fringing 
cora 1 reef. 
A network of unpa ved roads winds along the southern 
mangro ve border and throughout the eastern ha 1 f of the unit. 
The 
26 
extreme nortteast section has been mined for sand, and the former 
extensi ve mangro ves in tte northeast ha ve been drained. The east 
shore exhibits good beach development. 
One third of the unit is 
a large lagoon opening to the southeast through a break in the 
beach among tte mang ro ves. 
PR-58 Tallaboa Keys {Penuel as) : 
The six major keys and several 
minor ones here are charac terized by exposed mang ro ves and 
offshore reefs south of the beaches of Bahia de Tall aboa. 
There 
are also small segments of rocky shore, riprap, and a seawall and 
breakwater. 
The Rio Tall aboa drains just west of tte seawa 11. 
Four breaking reefs are found east and west of the cays, while 
reefs are best developed on the south and southeast sides. 
Small scale reef fisheries exist for snapper, grouper, grunt, 
spiny lobster, and conch. 
Extensive oil refinery development has 
occurred along the shore. 
The extreme eastern shore has an 
unpaved road following the mangroves and about 15 units (which 
should be excluded) have replaced the mangroves within a mile of 
the coast line. 
PR-59 Punta Ballena (Yauco, Guanica): This spit and mangro ve 
island complex forms the west border of Bahia de la Ballena. 
Extensive coconut pI antations occur along tte east hal f of Punta 
Ballena. Steltered mangrove development behind the point to the 
west and ringing tte bay is extensive. 
A 1 arge reef fringes tba 
cays to the south. 
Small scale reef fisteries exist for snapper, 
g run t, grouper, spiny lobster and conch. 
The unit inc 1 udes 
Guanica State Forest. 
Salt production ponds north of Punta 
Jacinto have been abandoned. 
The mangrove cays (Cayes de Cana 
Gorda) are used extensively for recreation. 
About 15 structures 
27 
and several cleared lots at tn: south tip of Punta Jacinto should 
be excluded. 
Tn: Balneario de Cana Gorda, administered by the 
Dept. 
of Parks and Recreation, has extensive structural 
development (about 7 structures). 
PR-60 Punta Meseta (Guanica): 
Most of this unit is within 
Guanica State Forest although a portion has been developed as a 
public bathing beach by tre Recreation Development Company. 
Tre 
shore includes exposed fringing mangroves protected by small 
fringing reefs, as we 11 as short stretches of gra ve 1 and fine-
grained sand beaches. 
Several ponds exist, and Route 333 runs 
direct 1 y abo ve the unit I s northern boundary. 
(N 0 structures) 
PR-61 Ensenada Las Pardas (Guanica): 
The shore consists of 
fringing mang ro ves interspersed with segments 
0 f exposed rocks 
and a small coarse-grained sand beach. 
Reefs protect the 
landward mangroves and .are also associated with about 15 small 
mangrove islands. The hawksbill turtle nests on the western end 
of the shore. 
(No structures) 
PR-62 Punta Jorobado (Guanica): 
Exposed mangroves, heavily 
damaged in recent storms, and a coarse-g rained sand beach 
characterize this unit within Guanica State Forest. 
The 
hawksbill turt Ie is reported to nest on this beach. 
A small 
fringing reef runs along a segment of shoreline, and an unpaved 
road follows the northern shore. 
(No structures) 
PR-63 Cayo don Luis (G uanica) : 
This unit inc I udes exposed 
fringing mangroves in small patches and a mangrove cay located 
about 0.3 miles southwest of its shoreline. 
Developed reef lies 
south of the cay and between the cay and vegetated shore. 
An 
28 
unpaved road winds along the shore. 
(No structures) 
PR-64 Bahia Montalva (Guanica): 
This unit has a long shoreline 
of fringing mangro ves and about 15 offshore mangro ve cays with 
exce llent reefs as 
we 11 as wet 1 ands bordering Bahia 
Fosforescente. 
This sma 11 bay has a narrow opening with 
promontories at tn: mouth and well-protected, extensive mangroves 
inside. E xtensi ve sa 1 t production ponds occur just north of tn: 
mangroves fringing Montalva Bay. 
An unpaved road runs along tre 
east shore of tn: bay in the far east of tn: unit, and there is a 
cluster of 8 structures on the beach and 2 in the mangroves 
which shou 1 d be exc 1 uded. 
D NR and otn:r agencies are acting to 
halt illegal construction of houses n:re. 
Part of the unit is in 
the La Parguera Natura 1 Reserve and part has been acquired by the 
Puerto Rican Conservation Trust. 
PR-65 Margarita (Cabo Rojo): 
0 ver 90 % of this 1 arge unit is 
within the Boqueron State Forest; all of the fringing mangroves 
as far west as Punta Pitahaya are within this forest and also 
fall within D NR's La Parguera Nature Reserve. 
The landward 
boundary fo 11 ows the forest boundary for administrative 
convenience. 
Portions of the coastline include a tombolo, 
sn:ltered mangroves, coarse and mixed sand and gravel beacn:s, 
and exposed and sn: 1 tered rocku shores. 
Tn: unit inc 1 udes a 
National Institute of Health research facility on Isla Cueva, 
within tn: state forest, as we 11 as tn: University of Puerto 
Rico's Institute of Marine Bio logy on Is 1 a M agueyes at Parguera. 
The entire east section of shoreline is lined with numerous 
structures in tn: mangroves (some illegal), extending west of 
Parguera into Boqueron State Forest and east to Punta Papayo. 
29 
Magnificant frigate birds nest on tre mangrove island of Cayo 
Viegues. 
PR-66 Cabo Rojo (Cabo Rojo): 
This comp lex barrier cape and 
tombo I 0, part of tre Boqueron State Forest, inc I udes fringing 
mangroves along Bahia Sucia. 
Mangroves grow along both sides of 
tre spit out to the cape, and two small mangrove islands sit west 
of tie tombo I o. 
Otrer shore line components inc I ude fine and 
coarse-grained sand beacres, sre I tered mangro ves, rocky shores, 
and commercial salt flats behind Punta Aquila and Bahia Salinas. 
A good beach occurs nortreast of the cape. 
Other wide beaches 
border the cape's northwest side and tre northwest corner of tre 
unit where coconut and other shore species thrive. 
A network of 
unpa ved roads runs throughout. 
Three of tre fine-grained sand 
beaches host nesting sea turtles (hawksbill, 
green, 
and 
leatherback), 
while tre white-tailed tropic bird breeds on tie 
cape's point. 
PR-67 Bahia de Boqueron (Cabo Rojo): 
This unit consists of a 
spit in the southwest and a major barrier in the center 
protecting very extensive mangroves from tre Bahia de Boqueron. 
Shoreline components inc I ude coarse-grained sand beacres wrere 
tre hawksbill t urt Ie nests, minima I 
sre I tered rocky shore, and 
both exposed and sre I tered mangro ves. 
The spit has commercia 1 
sal t ponds. 
At tre bay head is Boqueron Ba I neario, a pub I ic 
beach and vacation center with cottages, bathing facilities, 
public parking, and utilities operated by PRRDC. 
East of the 
beach lies a substantial tract of mangroves managed by D NR as a 
Wildlife (Bird) Refuge; it is also a Natural Reserve. 
Tre north 
30 
side of the bay is dominated by fringing mangro ves, most within 
the Boqueron State Forest. 
The extreme northern bay barrier is 
characterized by a coconut pI antation protecting a 1 agoon. 
PR-68 Boca Prieta (Cabo Rojo): 
The coarse-grained beach here 
supports a coconut grove and a 
limited mangrove forest. 
Hawksbill sea turtles nest on the beach. 
Spits have formed at 
the mouth of th: Quebrada Zumbon. Th:re is an unpa ved road, and 
two structures exist at the stream mouth. 
Ownership is private 
and public. 
PR-69 Punta Carenero (Cabo Rojo): 
The south:rn cape here 
features a coconut grove and exposed mangroves behind the spit of 
Punta la Mela. 
The area directly south of this point along the 
shore shou 1 d be eliminated because of private resort de ve 1 opment 
with permanent structures in th: coconut grove. 
The head of 
Puerto Real consists of fringing mangroves. 
Sh:ltered mangroves 
1 ine the northwest portion of Puerto Rea 1, th: town proper, which 
is eliminated. 
Extensive mangroves protect a well-developed 
beach on the prominent Punta Carenero spit. 
In the extreme 
north, Punta Ostiones forms a cape 
protecting mangroves behind. 
Unpa ved access roads are 1 aced throughout the north and south 
segments of the unit. 
Several exposed mangrove cays run north 
from Punta Carenero. 
PR-70 Bel vedere (Cabo Rojo): 
This small unit consists of 
fringing mangro ves as we 11 as mangro ves behind th: fast 1 and. 
The 
extreme tip of th: unit shou 1 d be exc 1 uded because th: area has 
been developed as a yacht club and marina. 
PR-71 Garita (Cabo Rojo): 
Fringing exposed mangroves in the 
south and a spit with scattered structures and mangroves in the 
31 
north comprise this unit. 
The shore has a I ternating mangro ves, 
gravel and coarse sand. 
However, both DNR and Fish and Wildlife 
have recommended rejection of the entire unit because it is 
densely developed. 
PR-72 Punta Guanajibo (Mayaguez): 
The Rio Guanajibo forms tm 
southern boundary of the coarse-grained sand beach here and 
crea tes a southwest -pointing spit with interspersed mang ro ves. 
To tm northeast is the town of San Jose and a paved road is 
inc I uded in the unit. 
The cattle egret uses the beach for 
breeding. 
PR-73 Cano Corozones (Mayaguez): Significant erosion has occurred 
here. 
Tm coarse sand beach immediately north of San Jose and 
protecting the en trance to the cana I is inc I uded. 
The pa ved road 
is now almost in the water northeast of the canal due to wave 
attack from the southwest. 
Former structures along the road are 
no longer readily visible. Coconut palms fringe the fastland and 
catt Ie egret s breed here. 
PR-74 Cano Boquilla (Playa Grande) (Mayaguez): 
This highly 
\ 
developed unit has been recommended for elimination by DNR. 
Fine-grained sand beaches and extensive coconut groves protect 
the mang ro ves a long the C ano B oqui I lo river. 
Mangroves are 
densest in the southeast corner of the unit and continue behind 
the unit's eastern boundary. 
The west Indian whist I ing duck 
breeds here year -round. 
H awksbill sea turt les are reported to 
nest on tm fine grained sand beaches. Recent aerial photographs 
indicate that about 32 structures and a paved road exist within 
the unit. 
32 
PR-75 Espinar (Aquadilla): 
This bay barrier features fine and 
coarse-grained sand and gra ve 1 beaches protecting a small pond in 
the south. Hawksbill sea turt les nest on these beaches. 
Humpback 
whales are seen off shore in the winter and spring. 
Mangroves 
run para lIe 1 to shore from west to east along the channe 1. 
The 
barrier in the southwest features coconut groves. 
A paved road 
leads to tre Aguadill a M unicipa 1 Park in the northeast. 
PR-76 Punta Agujereada (Aguadill a) : 
This bay barrier has coarse-
grained sand beaches with two exposed rocky platforms. 
The 
eastern section has been recent ly cleared and contains numerous 
unpa ved roads, but no substantia 1 deve 1 opment. 
Landward of the 
barrier and its coconut grove there is mixed wetland vegetation. 
PR-77 Bajuras (Isabela): This small bay barrier unit includes 
rocky shore and coarse-grained sand beaches. 
Cemented dunes 
protect fringing mangroves to the landward side that cuts east 
of the unit. 
An unpaved road and one structure are present. 
The 
unit is within the Bajura Isabela Special Planning Area designed 
and managed by the PR Planning Board. 
PR-78 Guayabos (Isabel a): This barrier contains 1 andward aquatic 
habitat protected by cemented dune deposits.-
The hawksbill sea 
turt Ie nests on the sand beach here. 
The eastern end has an 
unpaved road. 
(No structures) 
PR-79 
Penon Brusi (Camuy): Coarse-grained sand dunes here appear 
to have been mined. 
A small mangrove forest runs parallel to tre 
coast behind the dunes. 
A beachrock formation along the coast 
line allows extensive sand deposition landward. 
Unpaved roads 
access the area. 
PR-80 Punta Karacayo (Camuy): 
The center of this bay barrier has 
33 
been cleared, filled and developed thereby creating two segmented 
barriers. 
Thin 1 y vegetated beach dunes protect the west segment 
while recent development is evident along the eastern border. 
Beach rock protects the wide coarse-grained sand beach. 
In the 
eastern segment trees grow in concentric circ les around a 
herbaceous wet 1 and. 
An unpa ved road allows access in the east. 
PR-81 Puerto Arecibo (Arecibo): This hal f-mile fine-grained sand 
spit supports some coconut trees and low herbaceous growth. 
The 
unit forms the south shore of Puerto de Arecibo bay on the east 
shore of the outlet of the Rio Grande de Arecibo. 
A paved road 
pro vides access from the west. 
(No structures) 
PR-82 Punta Manati (Manati): This sma 11 barrier inc 1 udes coarse-
grained sand beach and cemented dunes, which front the unit on 
the ocean side. 
The hawksbill turt Ie nests on this beach. 
Seagrape trees at the beach edge protect black mangroves and 
related species. 
(No structures) 
PR-83 Tortugpero (Manati): 
A freshwater lake and valuable 
wetlands designated as DNR's Tortuguero Laguna Natural Reserve 
are located behind this barrier. 
The shoreline consists of 
coarse-grained sands interspersed with beachrock. 
The hawksbill 
t urt Ie nests on the beach. 
Both paved and unpa ved roads, plus 
scattered structures, 
are present. 
Mixed freshwater wet 1 ands 
surround the 1 agoon. 
PR-84 Rio Cibuco (Vega Baja): Fine-grained sand beach and some 
rocky shore protects extensive mangroves where the Rio Cibuco 
empties into Boca del Cibuco. 
Sand spits are well-developed at 
the northeastern point. 
At the northwest corner of the unit, 
34 
sand bar development parallel to shore may be intermittently 
attached as a spit at the western end. 
Pa ved and unpa ved roads 
provide access. 
Coconut groves thrive at the extreme northeast 
corner. 
(No structures) 
PR-85 Rio Cocal (Toa Baja): 
Most of the eastern portion of this 
spit is administered by the u.s. Navy (U.S. Naval Radio Station, 
Sabana Seca). 
The dune line is well-developed. 
Extensive 
mangroves and freshwater wetlands occur in the west. 
The major 
river, 
Rio Cocal, 
and tributaries run throughout. 
Some 
development in the Lagos de Plata was begun in the wetlands west 
of Levittown Lakes until a cease and desist order was given by 
the Army Corps of Engineers in 1981. 
The remaining 1 and in that 
project must by agreement be kept undeveloped as conservation 
1 and. 
Mangroves have been reseeded. 
Paved and unpaved roads, as 
we 11 as scattered structures, are present. 
PR-86 Punta Salinas (Toa Baja): 
A tombo 1 0 with fine-grained 
sand and gravel beaches and a coconut grove links Punta Salinas 
with the mainland. 
The area has been developed as a public 
beach. 
Too rocky point and its 5-6 1 arge structures, plus the 
rocky isle with 3 structures 
connected to the tombo 1 0 
by an 
artificial causeway, are excluded from the unit. 
No wetlands are 
present. 
A trail network has been established in the southeast 
corner, and a paved road runs through the center of the tombo 1 0 
to the point. 
An unpa ved road runs around a 
1 ake in the 
southwest corner. 
The unit's southern border consists of the 
Levittown development with high density residential structures. 
According ly, 
recreationa 1 
demands are high. 
The unit is 
protected by pub 1 ic ownership of the bathing beach. 
35 
PR-87 Bosque Estatal de Pinones (Carolina): 
This sand spit 
consists of D NR's Pinones State ,Forest and Natural Reserve in the 
west, and some private I and in the east. 
The tract inc 1 udes 
Puerto Rico's 
I argest exposed and she 1 tered mangro ve forest. 
Private developments have been excluded from the unit at La 
Torre, Punta Maldonado, Pinones, and Arenas. 
A sewage treatment 
p I an t has a 1 so been exc I uded. Pa ved and unpa ved roads, and 
utilities are present. 
PR-88 Punta Boca Juana (Dorado): 
Coarse grained sand beaches lie 
at the mouth of the Dorado River and protect in I and wet lands. 
Unpaved roads lead out to the exposed rocky point from the town 
of Mameya, which borders the wet lands. 
PR-89 Punta Manglillo (Guanica): Patches of fringing mangroves 
are interspersed with coarse sand and gra ve I beaches and exposed 
rocky shoreline, all within Guanica State Forest. 
Hawksbill sea 
turt les are reported to nest on the beaches. 
PR-90 Puerto Mosquito (V.ieques): A narrow bay opening of rocky 
shores and seawalls she I ter the shores of this phosphorescent bay 
and inland wetlands on the south side of Vieques. (No structures) 
PR-9l Punto Cabras (Culebra): Mangroves line the northeast shore 
of Ensenada Honda, the main bay on the southeast side of Culebra. 
36 
ST. CROIX UNITS 
VI-Ol Rust Up Twist: This undeveloped area is characterized by a 
beach and landward mangrdve habitat. 
Coral reefs occur offshore. 
A paved road parallels the shore. 
VI-02 Altona Lagoon: 
Just east of Christiansted Harbor, St. 
Croix's major port, Altona Lagoon has mangrove-lined shores. 
Plankton blooms occur seasonally in the lagoon, leading to 
population explosions of shrimp and fish which are extensively 
fished at the lagoon outlet. This outlet, though small, makes 
the lagoon potentially subject to pollution from raw sewage and 
effluent from a power plant. 
The eastern end of the lagoon is 
good wintering habitat for shore birds, ducks, white crowned 
pigeon and herons. 
This partly developed unit also includes a 
popular beach and shallow coral reefs west and north of the 
lagoon, all of which are vulnerable to environmental damage if 
plans to dredge and fill areas for a major cruise ship port 
proceed. 
VI-03 Southgate Pond: 
Recent construction of a marina in this 
pond led to destruction of some of the mangrove habitat. 
The 
eastern portion of the pond is relatively undisturbed. 
A jetty 
has been built at the entrance, and a paved road leads to the 
area. 
Parts of the pond are good duck habitat. 
VI-04 Coakley Bay: 
This undeveloped bay barrier has a good sand 
beach with landward mangrove habitat around a relatively large 
pond. 
Turtles nest on the beach. 
Seagrass beds -and coral reefs 
lie offshore. 
There is an unpaved road to the area. 
VI-OS Robin Bay: 
This undeveloped bay barrier on the south side 
37 
of St. Croix is characterized by a salt pond, a beach, and an 
impressive coral reef offshore. 
The pond is good shorebird 
habitat. 
VI-06 Great Pond: 
This large brackish pond, with an outlet !to 
the sea at its eastern end, has some of the best red and black 
mangrove stands remaining in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
The stable 
beach barrier between the pond and the sea has typical beach 
strand vegetation. This area provides a feeding/roosting site 
for a variety of bird species. 
A barrier coral reef lies I km 
seaward of the island. 
VI-07 Krause Lagoon: 
The central portion of this unit has been 
completely filled in conjunction with the development of one of 
the world's largest oil refineries, Hess Oil. 
It is also the 
site of the Martin Marietta Alumina plant. It qualifies as a 
coastal barrier only in its eastern and western portions where 
mangroves and mudflats provide good shorebird habitat. An 
offshore spoil bank was created following dredging of the 
navigational channels in the early 1970's. 
VI-OS Long Point: 
This undeveloped unit has an intermittent 
beach and a mangrove lagoon with mud flats. 
VI-09 Sandy Point: This National Wildlife Refuge is a nesting 
site for green, hawskbill, and leatherback sea turtles. It is 
also important habitat for migratory and resident bird 
populations which use the mangroves, beaches and inland salt pond 
as feeding and nesting areas. 
Extensive sand mining has ocurred 
here. 
38 
VI-no i Salt River: 
Salt River is a mangrove-lined estuary with 
seagrass beds and impressive coral reefs offshore. 
The area is 
good habitat for several species of birds. 
A marina has been 
built in the mangroves in the western portion of the estuary. 
39 
ST. JOHN UNITS 
VI-IO Cinnamon Bay: 
Cinnamon Bay is a large, protected bay with 
a National Park Service (NPS) campground occupying the lower 
portion of the surrounding watershed. 
Beach erosion alongshore, 
the subject of numerous investigations, is currently threatening 
to undermine an old Danish warehouse. 
Construction of a boulder 
wall to prohibit or decrease erosion has had the opposite effect. 
The beautiful white sand beach is a popular tourist attraction. 
Visitor damage to inshore reefs is evident but coral communities 
have also apparently been affected by sedimentation. Present 
coral cover is sparse with few areas of good development. 
Hawksbill sea turtles nest here. 
VI-II Maho Bay: 
This protected bay has a beautiful, privately 
owned beach and very little coral cover along either shore. 
Sparse seagrass beds here and in Francis Bay (see below) are 
heavily grazed by one of the largest green sea turtle populations 
in the u.S. Virgin ,Islands. 
The small, predominantly fresh-water 
pond at the bottom of the watershed is frequently flushed by 
storm runoff. 
VI-I2 Francis Bay: 
Francis Bay is a protected bay with a narrow 
sand beach on NPS land. Corals are sparse and mostly confined to 
small colonies on boulders just offshore. 
A large population of 
green sea turtles grazes on the sparse seagrasses on the bay 
bottom. Hawskbill sea turtles nest on the beach. The large 
associated salt pond is one of the best bird habitats within the 
U.S. Virgin Islands. 
Historic ruins and pre-Columbian Indian 
sites occur in the watershed. 
40 
VI-13 Leinster Bay: 
A small fringing reef occupies the western 
portion of Leinster Bay. 
Live coral cover is moderately high on 
the we ll-deve loped reef which protects the shoreward lagoonal 
seagrass bed and mangrove fringe. 
The area is an important 
nursery habitat for lobsters and fish. 
The lower portion of the 
watershed has dense tropical vegetation cover. 
Several historic 
ruins are present. 
VI-14 Newfound Bay: 
This exposed bay has one of the most 
picturesque shallow reefs around St. John. 
The well-developed 
fringing reef forms a wave-barrier which dampens the effect of 
storm waves. 
The salt pond is relatively large and surrounded by 
mangroves. 
The privately-owned but undeveloped watershed is an 
undisturbed wildlife (particularly shorebird) habitat. 
VI-IS Lagoon Point-Johnson Reef, Coral Bay: The lower reef zones 
of the well-developed fringing reef here have high coral cover. 
Shallower zones have sparse cover with few of the typical elkhorn 
coral colonies, many of which ·.qere destroyed during hurricanes 
David and Frederic in 1979. 
The reef protects the shallow 
inshore lagoon which has a sand bottom and seagrass cover which 
increases in abundance northerly into Johnson Bay. 
Mangroves 
fringe the shore. The surrounding, privately owned watersheds 
are undergoing rapid development. 
VI~16 Salt Pond Bay-Drunk Bay-Ram Bead: This undeveloped area 
lies within NPS boundaries. Diverse marine communities, coral 
reefs, seagrass beds, and algal plains, provide habitat for 
conchs and lobsters. The shallow salt pond is very saline and 
rock salt forms during long dry periods. This pond has long been 
used as a salt source. 
During wet seasons, it is an important 
41 
undisturbed wildlife habitat. 
Hawksbill sea turtles nest on Salt 
Pond Bay beach. 
VI-I7 KiddIe Bay: 
KiddIe Bay is a small protected bay with 
sparse coral and.seagrass cover. 
The watershed is privately 
owned and slightly developed. 
The beach is sand and cobble. 
VI-I8 Grootpan Bay: This bay has impressive coral cover along 
its western shore. 
Seagrass is present in the central bay. 
The 
beach is coral rubble and cobble. 
An extensive salt pond 
provides an excellent undisturbed wildlife habitat, especially 
for wading birds and 
waterfowl such as Bahama ducks. 
The 
privately-owned watershed is mostly undeveloped. 
VI-I9 Great Lameshur Bay: 
The watershed of this bay is within 
NPS boundaries and essentially undeve loped. 
A small research 
station operated by the College of the Virgin Islands is located 
in the lower portion. 
Coral cover along both shores is high. 
(The Tektite underwater habitat was located off the southeastern 
shore, 1969-1972.) 
Dense seagrasses grow in the central portion 
of the bay. 
A small salt pond on the northeastern shore is 
usually hypersaline. 
A large red and black mangrove stand grows 
in the northwestern portion; it is good nesting habitat for the 
threatened White Crowned pigeon. 
Open to the bay, 
this area 
flushes with the tides. 
Birds and land crabs are abundant. 
The 
beach is primarily coral rubble with sparse sand. 
VI-20 Europa Bay: 
This impressive, undeveloped watershed is 
within NPS boundaries. 
Several unique species of vegetation are 
fringing reef has sparse coral cover with the shallow zones 
exhibiting storm damage. 
Moderately dense 
seagras~~s cover the 
42 
bay seaward of the reef. 
The beach is primarily coral rubble 
with sparse sand. 
Hawksbill sea turtles nest here occasionally. 
VI-2l Reef Bay: 
Reef Bay is a large bay with a mostly 
undeveloped watershed, primarily within NPS bounda-ries. 
A small 
privately-owned portion of the western watershed is being 
developed, with almost complete devegetation at one construction 
site. 
Extensive fringing reefs occur along the eastern and 
western shores with excellent coral cover, although shallow zones 
show severe storm damage. 
Dense seagrasses grow in the lagoonal 
habitats landward and seward of the reefs. The salt pond is 
atypical due to previous disturbances from sugar production. 
Ruins of the once extensive sugar plantation are present near the 
pond. 
The beach is sand and coral rubble. 
The sand beaches 
within Reef Bay are all excellent nesting habitat for hawksbill 
sea turtles. 
VI-22 Fish Bay: 
Fish Bay has a rapidly developing watershed with 
only a small portion within NPS boundaries. 
The salt pond and at 
one time extensive mangroves on the eastern shore have been 
heavily altered by construction and currently provides little 
wildlife habitat. The beach is sand and coral rubble. 
The inner 
bay with sparse seagrasses is protected by fringing reef. 
The 
shallow coral zone has sparse coral cover which increases with 
depth. 
VI-23 Chocolate Bole: 
This watershed has extensive residential 
development. 
The salt pond has received moderate impact, but 
development has decreased the value of wildlife habitat. 
The bay 
has sparse coral development along the shore. Dense seagrass 
grows throughout the bay. 
The beach is primarily sand with 
43 
sparse coral rubble. 
VI-24 Great Cruz Bay: 
Great Cruz Bay has been extensively 
altered by dredging and filling along the inner shore. 
A resort 
corporation is currently building a large hotel. 
The upper 
portion of the watershed has moderate residential development. 
Coral and seagrass cover is very sparse. 
This area should be 
considered for deletion. 
44 
ST. THOMAS UNITS 
VI-25 Sprat Bay: 
Sprat Bay is a shallow bay on water Island, 
south of St. Thomas, with moderate coral development'and seagrass 
cover. 
The salt pond across the peninsula is small but within an 
undeveloped watershed. 
VI-26 South Limestone Bay: 
This stretch of shoreline protects a 
small salt pond on Water Island. 
The surrounding watershed is 
mostly undeveloped. 
VI-27 Perseverance Bay: 
This bay on the south shore of St. 
Thomas has a large undeveloped watershed. 
The large salt pond 
has surrounding mangroves. 
The narrow sand beach is flanked by 
coral rubble beaches on either side. 
A well-developed fringing 
reef is present in the western portion, with slightly deeper 
reefs in the center and to the east. 
Dense seagrasses grow in 
the bay. 
Green sea turtles commonly graze in the inner bay. 
VI-28 Hagens Bay: Magens Bay is the largest bay on the northern 
side of St. Thomas. 
The watershed is developed primarily with 
residential housing. 
The long wide white sand beach is the most 
popular beach on the island. Coral development is sparse and 
most of the bottom is sand. 
A remnant coconut grove is behind 
the beach. 
The pond is hyposaline and surounded by a high 
diversity of tropical vegetation. 
The area provides good 
wildlife habitat. 
VI-29 Handahl Bay: 
Mandahl Bay is a small, exposed bay with 
sparse coral development. 
The beach is coral rubble. 
A large 
salt pond to the east has been opened into the b~y. 
A large 
boulder rampart was constructed on the eastern portion of the bay 
45 
to protect the pond entrance from waves. Flushing has altered 
the salt pond which still has high wildlife habitat value. 
VI-30 Water Bay: 
water Bay has been extensively dredged with 
fill placed inshore for resort construction. 
The small pond area 
on the southern shore has recently been surrounded by resort 
development. 
Seagrasses are sparse. 
This area should probably 
be deleted. 
VI-31 Smith Bay: 
The slightly developed lower portion of the 
watershed has extensive tropical vegetation. 
The area provides 
good wildlife habitat. A well-developed fringing reef protects 
the inshore habitats. 
The inshore bay floor and beach is 
composed of white sand. 
VI-32 Vessup Bay: 
The salt pond on the northeastern shore of 
Vessup Bay is within a slightly developed watershed. 
The narrow 
opening into the bay results in limited flushing. 
This area 
provides good wildlife habitat although limited by road 
disturbance. 
VI-33 Red Hook-Great Bay: 
This area is presently under 
development. 
Coral growth is sparse. 
The bay still has good 
seagrass bottom and green sea turtles are frequently seen. 
VI-34 Mangrove Lagoon-Benner Bay: 
The Mangrove Lagoon-Benner Bay 
system is the largest mangrove system on St. Thomas. 
Several 
mangrove-covered islands provide for a highly protected, shallow 
bay. 
The watershed is very developed, especially along the 
Benner Bay shoreline. 
Development within the eastern portion of 
the bay has resulted in loss of a small salt pond and several 
mangroves. 
46 
The mangrove lagoon to the west has been developed along its 
northern shore with construction of a racetrack by the 
territorial government. 
The island's "sanitary" landfill is 
located in the western portion. Although the inner portion of 
Mangrove Lagoon and Benner Bay are polluted and affected by 
development, 
the seaward portions have clear waters with 
extensive seagrass cover. 
This area is an extremely valuable 
wildlife habitat and wetlands/marine nursery. 
Coral development 
along the southern portion of Mangrove Lagoon provides protection 
from storm waves. 
VI-35 Northeast Capella Island: 
This small is I and is 
undeveloped and owned by the territorial government. 
The eastern 
portion has good coral development which protects the shoreline. 
The small salt pond and surrounding area is excellent wildlife 
(shorebird) habitat. 
47 
/ 
ID CODE NO. -
UNIT NA'1E -
CONGo DIST. -
QUAD(S) -
STATUS -
Key to Summarv Table 
Unit identification on maps. 
State initials plus number identifies a new unit. 
Coastal Barrier Resources System unit (CBRS) is 
identified by legal code letter and number. 
For new units, a provisional name based on a 
prominent local feature. 
For CBRS units, the 
legal name. 
U.S. Congressional District in which unit is located. 
• 
The U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Map(s) used to 
depict the unit. 
Ownership status in one of six categories: 
PROTECTED - As defined in the CBRA areas, lands 
publicly or privately established for conservation 
purposes: i.e., Federal, State and local parks; 
wildlife refuges; recreation areas; private hold-
ings, such as by The Nature Conservancy or Audubon 
~Society; 
UNPROTECTED - Public lands not held for conservation 
purposes, i.e., military lands; 
PRIVATE - Lands privately owned with no conservation 
protection; 
MIXED - Lands partially protected, with the balance 
private, unprotected or unknown; 
UNKNOWN - Ownership of lands not known at this time; 
CBRS UNIT - Approximat.e boundary of the legally 
defined CBRS unit. 
The map will indicate whether 
additions have been identified. 
48 
-'. 
IDENTIFICATION ·,INFORMATION SUHMARY FOR COASTAL BARRIERS IN PUERTO RICO 
Shoreline 
County I 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
-parish __ J?ist. ih)adra ngl e(s) 
.. till-mil e.!!.l (i Tl 11 ~r e s) 
Sta tus 
PR-01 
ES PIRITU SANTO 
MUNICIPIO 
RIO GRANDE 
1.25 
430 
MIXED 
RIO GRANDE 
PR-02 
EN SENADA COMEZON 
MUNICIPIO 
RIO GRANDE 
3.11 
1056 
PROTECTED 
RIO GRANDE 
PR-03 
RIO MAMEYES 
MUNICIPIO 
RIO GRANDE 
1.00 
166 
PRIVATE 
RIO GRANDE 
~ 
PR-04 
PUNTA LA BANDERA 
MUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
0.35 
33 
UNKNOWN 
'" 
LOQUILLO 
PR-05 
LUQUILLO SPIT 
MUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
0.61 
72 
UNKNOWN 
LOQUILLO 
PR-06 
JUAN HARTIN SPIT 
MUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
0.87 
107 
UNKNo.WN 
LOQUILLO 
PR-07 
LAGUNA AGUAS 
HUN ICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
1 .81 
415 
MIXED 
PRIETAS 
FAJARDO 
PR-08 
CAB 0 SAN JUAN 
HUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
0.60 
127 
PROTECTED 
FAJARDO 
CAYO ICACOS 
PR-09 
RIO FAJARDO 
HUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
1.35 
229 
PROTECTED 
FAJARDO 
Countyl 
Congo USGS Topographic 
ID Code 
JJnit:_ Name -- --------
-
Parish 
___ Dist. Quadrangle(s) 
PR-I0 
PUNTA BARRANCAS 
MUNICIPIO 
FAJARDO 
FAJARDO 
PR-ll 
PUNTA FIGUERAS 
MUNICIPIO 
r'AJARDO 
FAJARDO 
NAGUABO 
PUNTA PUERCA 
PR-12 
PLAYA FLAMEN CO 
MUNICIPIO 
CULEBRA AND 
CULEBRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
PR-13 
PLAYA BRAVA 
HUNICIPIO 
CULEERA AND 
CULEBRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
U1 
0 
PR-14 
PLAYA LARGA 
MUNICIPIO 
CULEBRA AND 
CULEBRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
PR-15 
LAGUNA DE HOLINO 
MUNICIPIO 
CULffiRA AND 
CULEBRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
PR-16 
CUL Ell R ITA TOMB OLD 
MUNICIPIO 
CULEllRA AND 
CULEllRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
1:'1\-,17 
PUERTO DEL MANGLAR 
l-ruNICIPIO 
CULEllRA AND 
CULEBRA 
ADJACENT ISLANDS 
l'R-18 
PUNTA ARENAS 
HUNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
VIEQUES 
PR-19 
PLAYA GRANDE 
l-ruNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
VIEQUES 
Shor eline 
Length 
Acreage 
(in miles) tin ~q-~s) 
0.27 
56 
2.14 
130 
0.83 
135 
0.55 
35 
0.32 
28 
0.33 
13 
0.49 
25 
0.66 
13 
3.05 
625 
0.43 
32 
Status 
UNKNOWN 
UNPROTECTED 
MIXED 
PROTECTED 
PROTECTED 
PROTECTED 
PROTECTED 
PROTECTED 
UNPROTECTED 
MIXED 
Pi".;;; 
"'1~,\, 
.' .... , .... 
\, 
'" 
Shor cline 
County/ 
Congo USGS Topogr a ph i c 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
.!list.!. ~adran~s) 
JilL mil ~~ (i n a cr e s ) 
Stetus ---
----
PR-20 
PUERTO NEGRO 
HUNICIPIO 
ISLAND O~' VIEQUES 
0.35 
42 
UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-21 
BAll IA PLAYA B LAN CA 
HUNICIPIO 
ISLAN D OF V IEQUES 
0.22 
22 
UNPROrE;CTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-22 
LAGUNA ANONES 
HUN ICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.20 
61 
UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-23 
EN SENADA HONDA 
NUN ICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
1.09 
160 
UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
, 
PR-24 
LAGUNA YANUEr.. 
NUNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.37 
80 
UNPROTECTED 
Vl 
VIEQUES 
f-' 
PR-25 
BAHIA DE LA L111VA 
MUNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.35 
67 
UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-26 
BAHIA TAPON 
HUN ICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.22 
58 
UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-27 
PUERTO FERRO 
HUNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.18 
98 
UNP1WTECTED 
VIEQUES 
PR-28 
ENSENADA smmE 
HUN ICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.41 
147 
MIXED 
I 
VIEQUES 
PR-29 
CAYO DE TIERRA 
HUN ICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.37 
12 
UNKNOWN 
VIEQUES 
PR-30 
LAGUNA PLAYA GRANDE 
}UJNICIPIO 
ISLAND OF VIEQUES 
0.90 
142 
'UNPROTECTED 
VIEQUES 
~.-;!~.: 
'~" ..... ,. 
Shoreline 
County! 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
10 Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
Dist. Quadrangle(s) 
(in mile1>l 1i!Laq:es) 
Status 
PR-31 
HEDIO l-IDNDO 
MUNICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
3.02 
1096 
UNPROTECTED 
CErnA 
PUNTA PU ERCA 
PR-32 
ISLA PINEROS 
MUNICIPIO 
PUNTA PU ERCA 
0.85 
58 
UNPROTECTED 
CErnA 
PR-33 
ROOSE.VELT ROADS 
MUNICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
1.34 
160 
UNPROTECTED 
CElBA 
1'H-34 
PUNTA CASCAJO 
NUN ICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
1.18 
55 
UNPROTECTED 
CElBA 
U1 
tv 
1'R-35 
RIO DAGUAO 
HUUICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
1.25 
448 
UNPROTETED 
CEIBA 
l'R-36 
BOSQUE ESTATAL 
HUNICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
2.18 
371 
PROTECTED 
DE CEIBA 
NAGUABO 
l'R-37 
PUNTA SANTIAGO 
HUNICIPIO 
NAGUABO 
6.42 
3037 
MIXED 
NAGUABO 
HUHACAO 
l'R-38 
PUNTA CANDELERO 
MUNICIPIO 
PUNTA GUYAN ES 
1.18 
268 
PRIVATE 
HUHACAO 
PR-39 
PUERTO YABUCOA 
HUNICIPIO 
PUNTA GUYANES 
0.56 
43 
UNKNOWN 
YABUCOA 
l'R-40 
PUNTA TUNA 
MUNICIPIO 
PUNTA TUNA 
0.55 
42 
UNKNOWN 
}!AUNABO 
YABUCOA 
1'R --41 
RIO HAUNABO 
HUN ICIPIO 
PUNTA TUNA 
0.87 
51 
UNKNOWN 
BAUNABO 
"">;. 
Shar eline 
County I 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
.!list. ~drangill.u __ (in miles) (in acres) Status ___ 
PR-42 
PUNTA VIENTO 
l1UNICIPIO 
PUNTA TUNA 
1.24 
177 
UNKNOWN 
PATILLAS 
PR-43 
LAS MAREAS 
MUN ICIPIO 
CENTRAL AGUIRRE 
0.94 
148 
UNKNOWN 
GUAYAHA 
PR-44 
BAIl IA DE JOB OS 
HUN ICIPIO 
CENTRAL AGUIRRE 
3.56 
2010 
MIXED 
GUAYAHA 
PR-45 
HAR NEGRO 
MUNICIPIO 
CEHTRAL AGUIRRE 
4.10 
2379 
MIXED 
SALINAS 
SALINAS 
lJl 
w 
PR-46 
ARENAL 
HUN ICIPIO 
SAL IN AS 
0.72 
33 
UNKNOWN 
SALINAS 
PR-47 
PUNTA PE1RONA 
HUN ICIPIO 
SANTA ISABEL 
5.07 
801 
MIXED 
SANTA ISABEL 
SAL INAS 
PR-48 
RINCON KEYS 
MUNICIPIO 
SANTA ISABEL 
1.54 
49 
UNKNOWN 
SANTA ISAB EL 
SAL IN AS 
PR-49 
CAYO BERBERIA 
HUN ICIPIO 
SAN TA ISAB EL 
1.10 
80 
PROTECTED 
SANTA ISAB EL 
PR-SO 
CHARDON 
HUNICIPIO 
SANTA ISABEL 
0.32 
11 
UNKNOWN 
SANTA ISAB EL 
PR-Sl 
RIO DES CALABRAOO 
MUNICIPIO 
SANTA ISABEL 
0.34 
17 
UNKNOWN 
JUANA DIAZ 
PR-52 
PUNTA PASTILLO 
HUNICIPIO 
SANTA ISAB EL 
0.42 
56 
UNKNOWN 
JUANA DIAZ 
Shoreline 
County/ 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
l.!L Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
Pist. QQadrangle(s) 
ii~miles2 (in acres) 
Status ___ 
PR-53 
BAJO DE HAREA 
HUN ICIPIO 
PLAYA DE PONCE 
0.35 
17 
UNKNOWN 
JUANA DIAZ 
PR-54 
RIO JACAGUAS 
HUN ICIPIO 
PLAYA DE PONCE 
0.50 
22 
UNKNOWN 
PONCE 
PR-55 
CAYOS FRIOS 
HUN ICIPIO 
PLAYA DE PONCE 
0.45 
10 
UNKNOWN 
PONCE 
PR-56 
PUNTA CAB ULLON 
HUNICIPIO 
PLAYA DE PONCE 
2.45 
1093 
UNKNOWN 
PONCE 
lJ1 
PR-57 
PUNTA CUCHARA 
HUNICIPIO 
PUNTA CU CHAR A 
1.95 
340 
MIXED 
""'-
PONCE 
PR-58 
TALLABOA KEYS 
MUNICIPIO 
PUNTA CUCHARA 
2.11 
125 
UNKNOWN 
PEN U ELAS 
PUNTA VERRACO 
PR-59 
PUNTA BALLENA 
HUNICIPIO 
GUANICA 
3.16 
284 
MIXED 
YAUCO 
PUNTA VERRACO. 
l'R-60 
PUNTA HESETA 
NUNICIPIO 
GUANICA 
1.10 
22 
PROTECTED 
GUANICA 
l'R-61 
EN S EN ADA LAS PAR DAS 
l-UNICIPIO 
GUANICA 
0.44 
14 
UNKNOWN 
GUAN ICA 
l'R-62 
PUNTA JOROBADO 
HUNICIPIO 
GUANICA 
0.42 
11 
PROTECTED 
GUANICA 
~':~~;~j 
"'. 
"~4~'-l: 
"'''-,,-,,, .: ". 
Shoreline 
Countyl 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
pist. Quadrangle(s) 
Jin miles) (in acres) 
St~ 
___ 
PR-63 
CA YO OON LUIS 
HUN ICIPIO 
GUANICA 
0.27 
7 
UNKNOWN 
GUAN ICA 
PR-64 
BAHIA l-ONTALVA 
MUNICIPIO 
PARGUERA 
4.39 
110 
MIXED 
GUANICA 
GUAN lCA 
PR-65 
MARGARITA 
HUN ICIPIO 
PARGUERA 
8.51 
1489 
PROTECTED 
LAJAS 
CABO ROJO 
PR-66 
CABO ROJO 
HUNICIPIO 
CABO ROJO 
9.45 
1445 
MIXED 
CABO ROJO 
U1 
PR-67 
BAHIA DE BOQUERON 
HUNICIPIO 
PUERTO REAL 
5.43 
1332 
MIXED 
U1 
CABO ROJO 
Pit-6B 
BOCA PRIETA 
HUNICIPlO 
PUERTO REAL 
0.23 
22 
UNKNOWN 
CABO ROJO 
!)1~·-69 
PUNTA CARENERO 
HUN ICIPIO 
PUERTO REAL 
5.43 
386 
UNKNOWN 
CABO ROJO 
PR-70 
BELVEDERE 
HUN ICIPIO 
PUERTO REAL 
0.34 
31 
UNKNOWN 
CABO ROJO 
PR-71 
GARITA 
HUNICIPIO 
PUERTO REAL 
0.82 
90 
UNKNOWN 
CABO ROJO 
PR-72 
PUNTA GUANAJ IBO 
HUN ICIPIO 
MAYAGUEZ 
0.48 
81 
UNKNOWN 
HAYAGUEZ 
l'R-73 
CANO CORAZONES 
HUNICIPIO 
MAYAGUEZ 
0.33 
187 
UNKNOWN 
NAYAGUEZ 
~~;>, 
". 
Shor e1 ine 
County! 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
1D Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
.!list. !Luadrang1e(s) 
lin mil~.!U (in acrlli St!!.tus ___ 
PR-74 
CANO BOQUILLA 
HUNICIPIO 
RINCON 
0.71 
144 
UNKNOWN 
HAYAGUEZ 
PR-75 
ESPINAR 
MUNICIPIO 
AGUADILLA 
0.83 
91 
UNKNOWN 
AGUADILLA 
PR-76 
PUNTA AGUJEREADA 
HUNICIPIO 
AGUADILLA 
0.62 
97 
UNKNOWN 
AGUADILLA 
ISABELA 
PR-77 
BAJURAS 
HUN ICIPIO 
ISABELA 
0.47 
67 
UNKNOWN 
ISABELA 
PR-78 
GUAYABOS 
HUNICIPIO 
QUEBRADILLAS 
0.46 
33 
UNKNOWN 
ISABELA 
U1 
0'\ 
PR-79 
PENON BRUSI 
MUNICIPIO 
CAl-my 
0.60 
72 
UNKNOWN 
CAMUY 
PR-80 
PUNTA HARACA YO 
HUNICIPIO 
CAt-mY 
0.53 
47 
UNKNOWN 
CAMUY 
PR-81 
PUERTO ARECIBO 
HUNICIPIO 
ARECIBO 
0.51 
76 
UNKNOWN 
ARECIBO 
PR-82 
PUNTA HANATI 
HUN ICIPIO 
BAR CELON ETA 
0.30 
26 
UNKNOWN 
HAN AT I 
PR-83 
TORTUGUERO 
HUN ICIPIO 
MANATI 
1.48 
1326 
MIXED 
HANATI 
l'R-84 
RIO CIBUCO 
HUNICIPIO 
MANATI 
0.41 
599 
UNKNOWN 
VEGA-BAJA 
County/ 
Congo USGS Topographic 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
~ist~ ~adrangle(s) 
PR-85 
RIO mCAL 
HUN ICIPIO 
BAYAHON 
TOA BAJA 
PR-86 
PUNTA SAL IN AS 
HUNICIPIO 
BAYAHON 
TOA BAJA 
PR-87 
BOSQUE ESTATAL DE 
HUN ICIPIO 
CAROLINA 
PINONES 
CAROLINA 
Totals: 
U1 
--.] 
Shor eline 
Length 
Acreage 
lin miles ~(in acres) 
3.01 
1417 
1.43 
126 
6.74 
7090 
-----
130.14 
34335 
Status 
UNKNOWN 
PROTECTED 
MIXED 
--.~ 
~,' . ,. 
..... 
,."-
... s~<;i •. , 
IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION SUMMARY FOR COASTAL BARRIERS IN UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS 
Shor eline 
County I 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
Di8t~ Quadrangle(s) 
Jin mi1illl!!l~~r~8) Sta tus 
VI-Ol 
RUST UP TWIST 
HUN ICI PAL ITY 
CHRISTIANSTED 
0.26 
31 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-02 
ALTONA LAGOON 
MUNICIPALITY 
CRR IS T IAN STED 
1 .21 
230 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-03 
SOUDI GATE POND 
HUN ICI PAL ITY 
EAST POINT 
0.86 
11 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-04 
COAKLEY BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
EAST POINT 
0.42 
49 
UNKNOWN 
U1 
OF ST.CROIX 
ex> 
VI-OS 
ROB IN BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
EAST POINT 
0.42 
18 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-06 
GREAT POND 
MUNICIPALITY 
EAST mINT 
0.72 
160 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-07 
KRAUS E LAGOON 
MUNICIPALITY 
CRRISTIANSTED 
3.72 
701 
PRIVATE 
OF ST.CROIX 
VI-OS 
LONG mINT 
MUNICIPALITY 
FREDER nCSTED 
0.53 
41 
PRIVATE 
OF ST • CROIX 
VI-09 
SANDY POINT 
MUNICIPALITY 
FREDER IICS TED 
3.36 
432 
m.XED 
OF ST.CROIX 
Note: VI-01 through VI-09 are on Island of St. Croix; 
VI-10 through VI-24 are 00 Island of St. John; 
VI-25 through VI-35 are on Island of St. Thomas. 
Shoreline 
County I 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
10 Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
__ Dist • .oUl<lx~!lglg1~J 
J!!Lmil~lJl (in acres) Statu8 
VI-I0 
CINNAMON BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTmN ST. JOHN 
0.25 
14 
mOTECTED 
OF ST.JWN 
VI-ll 
MAHO BAY 
HUN ICIPAL ITY 
WESTmN ST. JOHN 
0.08 
8 
mOTECTED 
OF ST.JOHN 
VI-12 
HARY POINT 
HUN ICI PAL ITY 
WESTmN ST. JOHN 
0.23 
17 
PROTECTED 
OF S~.JOlIN 
VI-13 
ANNABERG POINT 
MUNICIPALITY 
WES TERN ST. JOHN 
0.29 
20 
PROTECTED 
OF ST.JOON 
VI-14 
NEWFOUND BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
EASTERN ST. JOON 
0.24 
12 
PRIVATE 
OF ST .JOHN 
U1 
VI-15 
LAGOON POINT 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTEllN ST. JOHN 
0.26 
9 
PRIVATE 
1.0 
OF ST .JOHN 
VI-16 
DRUNK BAY 
MUN ICIPAL ITY 
WESTmN ST. JOHN 
0.26 
24 
PROTECTED 
OF ST .JOON 
VI-17 
KIDDEL BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTatN ST. JOHN 
0.10 
4 
PROTECTED 
OF ST.JOHN 
VI-is 
GROOTPAN BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTERN ST. JOHN 
0.17 
32 
PROTECTED 
OF ST .JOHN 
VI-19 
GREAT LAMESHUR BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTERN ST. JOHN 
0.26 
20 
PROTECTED 
OF ST • JOlIN 
VI-20 
EUROPA BAY 
HUN ICI PAL ITY 
WESTERN ST. JOHN 
0.17 
27 
PROTECTED 
OF ST.JOIIN 
Shoreline 
County/ 
Congo USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
.!Q.. Code 
Unit Name 
Parish 
Dist • .Quadrangle(a) 
Ji~milea) (in acres) Sta tUB 
VI-21 
REEF BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTERN ST. JOHN 
1 .06 
65 
mOTECTED 
OF ST.JOHN 
VI-22 
FISH BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
WESTERN ST. JOON 
0.37 
38 
HIXED 
OF ST.JOHN 
VI-23 
CHOOOLATE HOLE 
HUN ICIPALITY 
WES TEllN ST. JOHN 
0.28 
24 
mIVATE 
OF ST .JOHN 
VI-24 
GREAT CRUZ BAY 
HUN ICI PAL ITY 
WESTERN ST. JOHN 
0.46 
21 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.JOHN 
VI-25 
SPRAT POINT 
MUN ICI PAL ITY 
CENTRAL ST. 'mOMAS 
0.40 
22 
UNKNOWN 
0"1 
OF ST.JOHN 
0 
VI-26 
LIMESTONE BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
CENTRAL ST. nlOHAS 
0.15 
8 
UNmOWN 
OF ST .JOON 
. 
VI-27 
PERSE.VERANCE 
HUN ICIPALITY 
CENTRAL ST. 'mOMAS 
0.66 
40 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.JOON 
VI-28 
ENIGHED 
MUNICIPALITY 
CENTRAL ST. mOMAS 
0.51 
44 
MIXED 
OF ST .JOlIN 
VI-29 
HANJl4.L BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
EASTEltN ST. 'mOMAS 
0.22 
20 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.JOON 
VI-30 
WATER BAY 
HUN ICIPAL ITY 
EASTERN ST. nlOHAS 
0.42 
14 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST .JOHN 
VI-31 
SMITH BAY 
MUNICIPALITY 
EASTERN ST. nlOHAS 
0.73 
50 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST.JOHN 
Shoreline 
County! 
Cong. USGS Topographic 
Length 
Acreage 
ID Code 
Unit NlUIle 
!arish 
Diet, Quadrangle(s) 
Jin milillH..L~cree) Status 
VI-32 
VESSUP BAY 
HUN ICIPALITY 
EASTERN ST. mOMAS 
0.29 
20 
UNKNOWN 
OF ST .JOlIN 
VT.-33 
GREAT BAY 
MUN IC I PAL ITY 
EASTERN ST. mOMAS 
0.47 
32-
UNKNOWN 
OF ST • JOlIN 
VI-34 
JERSEY BAY 
HUN ICIPALITY 
EASTERN ST. mOMAS 
2.49 
137 
WKNOWN 
OF ST .JOHN 
VI-35 
BUCK ISLAND 
MUNICIPALITY 
EAST:mN ST. mOMAS 
0.07 
3 
PROTECTED 
OF ST.JOON 
0'1 
I-' 
Totals : 
22.39 
2398 
An Ecological Examination Qf Coastal Barriers along ~ 
Islands 
Coastal ecosystems in the u.s. Virgin Islands and Puerto 
Rico include coral reefs, beaches, seagrass beds, mangroves, 
and salt ponds (Figures 1, 2). 
Mangroyes 
Mangroves are very productive ecosystems which support a 
high diversity of fish, birds, and other wildlife. 
The mangrove 
foodweb, based largely on the release of nutrients from the 
decomposition of mangrove leaves, supports nearshore fisheries. 
Mangroves are vital feeding, nesting and roosting areas for 
several species of birds including ospreys, pelicans, egrets, 
herons and ducks. 
Many of the species are rarely seen outside 
this habitat. 
Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) 
grow along the shoreline 
often in monospecific stands. In well-developed forests, red 
mangroves form the seawardmost zone, and 
black (Ayicennia 
germinans) and white 
(LaguncU~aria racemosa) mangroves grow 
behind the red mangroves. Off the south coast of Puerto Rico, 
there are mangrove islands with red mangroves near shore and 
black mangroves in the interior. 
Often a highly s~line pond 
towards the cay's center will contain black mangroves which died 
when the salinity exceeded the tolerance of even this salt-
resistant species. 
In places where channels to the sea exist, or 
where the berm is low enough that storm seas can break through to 
the inner forest, the salinity stays low enough that the black 
and white mangroves thrive. 
62 
Sand Beach - Grass Beds - Salt Pond -- Reef Associations 
SALT POND 
Traps runoff, 
sediment, pollu-
tants. 
Controls 
drainage. 
Figure " 
BEACH 
Dune 
Berm 
Foreshore 
Recreational sites. 
Vegeta-
tion stabilizes shore. 
Berm 
and fore~hore constantly 
changing in "dynamic equilib-
rium." 
Filters water leaving 
the land. 
SEA GRASS BED 
Stabilizes sand. 
Provides oxygen. 
Assimilates wastes. 
Feeds and shelters 
diverse biota. 
REEF 
Protects shore 
from waves 
and 
s~'ell. 
Sand and bio-
logical pro-
duction high. 
Typical sand beach ecosystem showing relationship of component habitats. 
(From: Island Resources Foundation, 1977) 
63 
: ' 
Mangrove - Lagoon - Reef Associations 
MANGROVE 
SEA GRASS 
SALT POND 
HORELINE 
FLAT 
MANGROVE CAY 
BACK REEF FLATS 
FRINGING REEF 
Traps run-
Red man-
Quiet wa-
Trapped sediments 
off. Black 
groves 
ter, silty and mangrove roots. 
Sea grass, algae, 
scattered corals, 
clean sand, reef 
rubble. 
Typically 
Acropora near 
surface. Or-
gan corals, 
sea fans, etc. 
seaward. 
Finger coral 
landward. 
A-
bundant sea 
life. Wave 
protection. '. 
Sand produc-
tion. ' 
and white 
mangroves 
landward. 
Figure 
2 
seaward. 
sand sed-
Larger cays with 
Black and iment, 
mangrove zonation 
white 
thick se 
and terrestrial 
mangrove grass 
vegetation. 
Wild-
landward. growth, 
Ii fe sanctuary. 
Traps 
abundant 
sediment sea life. 
expandin 
shore-
line. 
Mangrove dominated ecosystem with lagoonal flats and protective reef. Food chain centered on sea grasses 
and mangrove litter. (From Island Resources Foundation I 
1977) 
64 
The 
red 
mangroves are the most distinctive of the three 
major tree species, 
with their characteristic aerial prop roots. 
These roots are usually partially submerged and support a diverse 
community of sponges, ascidians, algae and sometimes even corals. 
Juvenile reef and pelagic fishes as well as lobsters are abundant 
in these root communities. 
The roots also trap sediments 
and 
over 
a period of several years can extend the shoreline seaward. 
Mangroves can reduce the amount of runoff (and associated 
and pollutants) 
which reaches offshore seagrass beds and 
reefs. 
~ 
Ponds 
sewage 
coral 
Most salt ponds are formed when mangroves or fringing 
coral 
reefs 
grow across 
a portion of a bay, 
isolating it from the 
waters in the rest of the bay. 
Coral rubble and sand transported 
by 
storm waves can contribute to the closing off of the pond. 
Beaches 
and salt ponds commonly occur together, 
and black 
and 
white mangroves frequently fringe the edges of the pond. 
These 
ecosystems support a specialized biota which varies 
with fluctuations in salinity of the pond water. 
Several species 
of insect-eating 
and fish-eating birds 
including kingfishers, 
h.erons, 
ospreys, stilts, 
and sandpipers feed on insects, brine 
shrimp, and fishes in the ponds. 
Rapid 
evaporation causes the water to be extremely saline, 
and salt crystals sometimes form along the shores of the pond. 
The 
most saline ponds will support a less diverse 
fauna 
than 
those ponds 
where storm waves have breached the perm creating 
channels 
where seawater of normal salinity rushes 
in, 
reducing 
the salinity. 
Barracudas, 
mullets, 
and crabs can be found 
in 
65 
ponds which are open to the sea. 
Many salt ponds situated between an upland watershed and its 
associated bay function as settling or catchment basins, trapping 
the runoff from the land. 
Especially in areas where development 
of the watershed has occurred, 
the ponds reduce the amount 
of 
silt-laden 
water 
which 
reaches 
the bay, 
contributing 
to 
maintenance of high water quality in the bay. 
Seagrass ~ 
Seagrass 
beds 
are highly productive ecosystems 
which are 
extensive 
in the shallow waters around Puerto Rico and the u.s. 
Virgin Islands. 
In the Caribbean, turtle grass 
(Thalassia 
testudinum) 
and 
manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) 
are the 
most 
abundant seagrass species. 
Seagrasses are true flowering 
plants but spread primarily through growth of roots and rhizomes. 
"Calcareous" 
algae such as Halimeda and Penicillus, 
which 
have 
calcium carbonate or limestone in their tissues, 
grow 
in the 
grass beds. 
Most beach sands are primarily composed of particles 
which 
arose 
from the decomposition and dis~ntegration of these 
calcareous plants. 
Several species of commercially important fishes, 
such as 
snappers 
and grunts, 
find shelter in coral reefs during the day 
and feed in the grass beds at night. 
Grass beds are the primary 
habitat for the commercially important 
queen 
conch 
(Strombas 
gigas) which feeds on the algae growing on the grass blades. 
The 
foodweb 
in grass 
beds is based both on direct herbivory 
(grazing) 
on grass blades and algae and on detritus 
from the 
decomposition of these plants. 
Conspicuous halos or bare sandy 
zones around coral patch reefs within grass 
beds are the product 
66 
of physical factors like currents but also grazing by fishes 
and 
sea urchins. 
Dredging 
in grass beds, 
and boat anchors 
and 
propellers 
leave scars which can take years to recover. 
Grass beds support 
populations of the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia 
mydap) 
and the west Indian manatee (Trichechy£ maD~tus). The extensive 
root 
system of seagrasses helps to stabilize the sediments 
and 
reduce erosion. 
Coral Re~ip 
Coral 
reefs are exceptionally beautiful, 
and are the most 
productive 
and 
diverse of all marine 
ecosystems. 
They 
have 
economic value for recreation and tourism, 
and provide vital 
protection for harbors and shorelines because they dissipate wave 
energies 
and reduce erosion. 
The reef system is very complex. 
Reefs thrive in nutrient poor waters because of efficient cycling 
of nutrients within the ecosystem. 
The 
numerous 
holes 
and 
crevices 
in the reef's limestone structure provide shelter for 
fishes and crustaceans. 
Harvestable coral reef resources include 
fish, 
spiny lobsters, 
octopuses 
and 
conchs. 
Commercially 
important 
fishes 
associated with reefs 
include 
snappers, 
groupers, 
triggerfish, 
and grunts. 
Endangered hawskbill 
sea 
turtles live on the reefs. 
Breakdown of hard coral skeletons 
produces sand for beaches. 
Beaches 
The beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. 
are 
major tourist attractions. 
However, particularly in Puerto Rico, 
they 
have been mined extensively for construction sand. 
Reefs 
67 
and seagrass 
beds 
help to buffer 
wave 
energies 
and 
reduce 
shoreline erosion resulting in deposition of sand and 
formation 
of beaches. 
The protection provided by these ecosystems results 
in less severe erosion than is observed along the Atlantic coast 
of the United States. 
Human Impact§ 
Industrialization and tourism have placed enormous 
demands 
on 
the coastal resources of Puerto Rico 
and 
the 
U.S. 
Virgin 
Islands. 
The population of the Virgin Islands has tripled in the 
last three decades to about 100,000, and Puerto Rico has over 3.2 
million people living in an area of 3435 sq. 
mi. 
on 
the coastal barriers are evident 
as 
marinas, 
condominiums continue to be built. 
The pressures 
hotels, 
and 
One 
of the largest mangrove systems in the 
U.S. 
Virgin 
Islands, 
on the south side of St. 
Croix, was filled to make way 
for 
an 
alumina plant and for Hess Oil Refinery, 
one of the 
larges~ refineries in the western hemisphere. 
Shipping channels 
were dredged through a coral reef to accommodate 
super tankers 
and 
bulk 
ore carrier ships. 
Efforts to reestablish mangroves 
by planting seedlings in some marginal areas have been relatively 
successful, but the new "forest" is only a small fraction of what 
the old one was. 
Clearing mangroves has altered drainage patterns in several 
locations leading to increased amounts of runoff from the land 
entering the bays. 
Mangroves have historically been thought of 
as 
insect-infested swamps with few 
redeeming characteristics. 
Consequently, 
they have been cleared and filled with no 
regard 
68 
for their ecological values and frequently used as garbage dumps. 
One of the largest remaining well~developed forests in the u.s. 
Virgin Islands, Jersey Bay ("Mangrove Lagoon") in St. Thomas, has 
deteriorated significantly because of upland development. 
Increased turbidity from runoff, sewage input from a sewage 
treatment plant, dredging, and the construction of several 
marinas have all contributed to the decline of the bay. 
The steep slopes on these islands promote rapid runoff, and 
the soils do not have much moisture-holding capacity. 
Where 
watersheds have been extensively developed, the associated bays 
have siltation problems. 
Clearing upland vegetation on the steep 
hillsides has accelerated erosion and led to increased runoff. 
Coral reefs have suffered from the resulting turbidity. Sediment 
particles smother the reef organisms and reduce the amount of 
light necessary for photosynthesis and production of oxygen. 
Silt from dredging operations can continue to be resuspended for 
years even after dredging ceases. 
These sediments can inhibit 
coral recruitment and grow~h. 
Several bays have been dredged for construction sand. 
Seagrass beds have not re-established themselves in some of these 
areas. 
For example, the dredged area in Lindberg Bay, St. 
Thomas, remains barren although dredging took place over 40 years 
ago. 
Aerial photographs over recent years indicate that seagrass 
beds have decreased in area in several bays. 
In some cases, the 
decrease seems to be associated with thermal-saline effluent from 
desalination plants. 
Seagrasses have also suffered from anchor 
and propeller damage. 
69 
Beaches have been mined for sand, particularly in Puerto 
Rico but also in the U.S.V.I. 
An estimated 2.2 million cubic 
yards of sand have been removed from Christiansted Harbor, St. 
Croix, 
alone. 
Legislation passed in 1973 was intended to put a 
stop to mining of beaches and nearshore areas, although it hasn't 
completely done so. 
Groins and other retaining structures have 
been built in attempts to trap sand for particular beaches, 
usually resulting in erosion problems in other areas. 
Hotels and 
condominiums have sprung up along large stretches of the 
coastline. 
Filling of salt ponds has destroyed their function as 
catchment basins for runoff. 
The associated aquatic habitats, 
important as roosting and feeding areas for a variety of birds, 
have been destroyed. 
Heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals associated 
with petrochemical complexes, shipyards and factories have had a 
largely unknown effect on coastal areas. 
Oil spills have 
resulted in the death of some mangroves in Puerto Rico. 
Some activities, like dredging, actually remove the physical 
structure of a coral reef while others, such as release of sewage 
into overlying waters, can lead to death of reef organisms but 
leave the physical framework unimpaired. 
Sewage and fertilizers stimulate the growth of marine algae 
which can outcompete and overgrow corals. 
Collection of corals, 
fish and shells for souvenirs and scientific purposes has caused 
localized damage. 
Overfishing and habitat destruction have led to serious 
depletion of lobsters, conchs, and whelks and several species of 
70 
fishes 
(especially the yellowtail snapper and 
Nassau 
grouper}. 
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council has developed management 
plans for 
reef fishes and the spiny lobster in Puerto Rico 
and 
the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
Interactionp of CO~B~ Reefs, SeagLBJLS Be~PJ snQ Mangroyes 
Coral 
reefs, 
seagrass beds, 
and 
mangroves 
interact in 
numerous ways, and one system cannot be managed in isolation from 
the others. 
Cutting mangroves which trap sediments can result in 
excessive siltation for nearby seagrass beds and coral reefs from 
runoff after heavy rains. 
Runoff will be especially severe where 
there has been coastal development or agriculture. 
Destruction 
of red mangroves with submerged prop roots decreases the habitat 
available for juvenile fishes which inhabit reefs and grass beds 
when mature. 
It is well-documented that some species of fishes 
migrate 
from coral 
reefs to grass beds every night and 
return in the 
morning. 
The 
seagrass beds are therefore subsidizing the reefs 
in terms of energy flow. 
In addition to these short-term feeding 
migrations, there are life-history migrations between ecosystems. 
For example, 
juvenile lobsters settle in seagrasses and mangrove 
prop 
roots 
and 
move out to the coral reefs as 
they mature. 
Seagrass blades 
(particularly those of Syringodium) 
float for 
several days after detachment by rough seas or by grazing animals 
such as parrotfishes and sea turtles. 
They drift in 9.pen water 
an 
important 
over 
reefs and grass beds and decompose to become 
source of nutrients for the communities below. 
nutrients 
from 
mangrov~ detritus enhance the 
The 
dissolved 
productivity of 
71 
seagrasses. 
The links between seagrass beds, mangroves, and 
coral reefs have only recently begun to receive much needed 
attention. 
~ 
and Wildlife Values of Coastal Barriers in Puerto Rico and 
~ 
U.S.V.I. 
The major coastal ecosystems -
beaches, mangroves, seagrass 
beds, and coral reefs - all occur in Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. 
Differences among the islands, and between one section of an 
island and another, consequently depend primarily on differences 
in the location of these ecosystems, their size, and stage of 
development. 
Mangroves, for example, are best-developed in Puerto Rico 
where, unlike the U.S.V.I., there are major rivers and streams. 
There is a higher diversity and abundance of animal species 
associated with the mangroves in Puerto Rico. 
There is evidence that the northern coast of Puerto Rico 
produces a lower harvest of commercially important fish "than the 
east, west and south coasts (Univ. of Puerto Rico, 1976). 
High 
wave energies and large river discharges along the northern coast 
have inhibited reef development there. 
Also, mangroves are 
primarily associated with the eastern, western and southwestern 
coastal areas of Puerto Rico. 
In the U.S.V.I., the most extensive reef development exists 
as a barrier along the southern coast of St. Croix where the 
submarine shelf is especially wide and shallow. 
Reefs around St. 
Thomas and st. John are primarily smaller, fringing reefs. 
72 
Puerto Rico is a large island, with an area of 3,435 sq mi 
compared to a combined area of 133 sq mi for the U.S.V.I., and 
has a greater diversity of habitats. It is not surprising that 
more of the endangered and threatened species occur in Puerto 
Rico (Table F-l). 
The 
West Indian manatee is found near Vieques Island 
(Puerto Rico) and off the shores of the main island. 
Leatherback 
turtles nest most abundantly on beaches in St. Croix and Culebra 
(Puerto Rico). 
Green turtles are commonly observed within the 
protected waters of Virgin Islands National Park on st. John. 
73 
Table F-l. 
Species of special emphasis and endangered and threatened species and 
their occurrence within the coastal barriers of Puerto Rico and the U. S. \~ . :::. 
BIRDS 
Least grebe 
Red-billed tropicbird 
White-tailed tropicbird 
Brown pelican 
Blue-faced booby 
Red-footed booby 
Magnificent frigatebird 
Great blue heron 
Great egret 
Snowy egret 
Black-crowned night heron 
Least bittern 
Glossy ibis 
West Indian whistling duck 
Bahama duck 
American wigeon 
Northern pintail 
Ring-necked duck 
Masked duck 
Ruddy duck 
Osprey 
Peregrine falcon 
Clapper rail 
Purple gallinule 
Caribbean coot 
Piping plover 
Snowy plover 
Willet 
Short-billed dowitcher 
Common tern 
Roseate tern 
Least tern 
Royal tern 
Sandwich tern 
White-crowned pigeon 
Plain pigeon 
Key West quail dove 
Bridled quail dove 
Puerto Rican parrot 
Puerto 
Rico 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
·x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
St. 
Thomas 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
·x 
St. 
John 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
·x 
St. 
Croix 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x: 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Endangered/ 
Threatened * 
LE 
LE 
LE 
E 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
E 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LE 
LT 
LT 
LE 
E 
LT 
LT 
LT 
LE 
LT 
LT 
E 
*Note: E=on federal endangered species list; T=on ferederal threatened species list; 
LE,LT=considered locally endangered or locally threatened 
74 
REPTILES 
Puerto 
St. 
St. 
St. 
Endangered/ 
Rico 
Thomas 
John 
Croix 
Threatened 
Green sea turtle 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Hawksbill 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Loggerhead 
x 
Leatherback 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Common iguana 
x 
x 
x 
St. Croix ground lizard 
x 
Blue-tailed ground lizard 
x 
Slipperyback skink 
x 
x 
Puerto Rican tree boa 
x 
Tree boa 
x 
x 
Ground snake 
x 
x 
MAMMALS 
Fisherman bat 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Red fruit bat 
x 
x 
x 
Sperm whale 
x 
x 
Humpback whale 
x 
x 
x 
x 
West Indian manatee 
x 
Note: 
Sources for this table include: l)Puerto Rico Coastal Atlas, 1984 
2)Philobosian and Yntema, 1977 
3)Norton, (no date) 
4)Slayden, pers. comm. 
75 
T 
E 
T 
E 
E 
E 
T 
E 
E 
E 
PUERTO RICO REGULATIONS 
Coastal Resource Management 
The Coastal Zone Management Program in Puerto Rico was 
approved in 1978 with the Department of Natural Resources as the 
lead agency. 
Prior to approval of this program, several 
Commonwealth and Federal programs already addressed many of the 
problems of Puerto Rico's coastal resources. 
The Coastal Zone 
Management Program extended and improved these programs. 
The 
following Commonwealth agencies have responsibiity for guiding 
development: 
Department of Natural Resources -
responsible for conservation 
of natural resources (water, wildlife, fisheries). 
Puerto Rico Planning Board - guides land use and integrates the 
programs of Commonwealth agencies. 
Regulations and Permits Administration -
handles building and use 
permits. 
Enyironmenta1 Ouality Board - establishes environmental policy 
and pollution control standards, also processes environmental 
impact statements. 
The Coastal Zone Management Program in Puerto Rico 
established a Coastal Management Unit in the Department of 
Natural Resources 
(DNR). This unit has primary responsibility 
for preparing policies and plans for Special Planning Areas and 
Nature Reserves and recommends additional areas in these 
categories. 
All plans and recommendations go through the 
Secretary of Natural Resources who submits them to the Planning 
76 
Board for incorporation in the Board's Land Use Plan. 
The unit 
also assists the Secretary of Natural Resources in review of 
development proposals. 
Regulation of Puerto Rico's coastal resources is an unusual 
combination of existing Spanish common law statutes enacted 
during Spain's dominion over the island until 1898, federal 
legislation and regulations, and Commonwealth laws, largely 
enacted in the past ten years. 
Since the island is only about 35 
by 100 miles in size, its coastal environments have long been the 
focal point of industrial, maritime, urban, military and 
commercial activities. 
As such, they have suffered 
proportionally to their accessibility. Coastal habitats were 
first extensively modified for plantation agriculture (especially 
the clearing of mangroves for sugar cane production), then for 
industr ial deve lopment following the introduction of Ope ration 
Bootstrap in the late 1940's, 
and finally for residential 
expansion as Puerto Rico's population increased. 
Regulations pertinent to the" management of coastal barriers 
include the following: 
COmmonwealth Law ~ 
Articles ~ 
~ 
~ 
1972. Organic Act Qf 
~ 
Department Qf Natura~ Resources. This act authorizes the 
Secretary of 
DNR to formulate regulations for the conservation 
and preservation of forests, plants, and animals; to acquire 
lands and aquatic habitat for these purposes, especially for the 
protection of endangered species; to maintain and construct 
facilities for recreation in these areas; and to regulate off-
road vehicles. 
The law also guarantees public participation in 
such processes administrated by the department. 
An amendment in 
77 
1975 refined DNR's responsibilities and its status vis-a-vis the 
Environmental Quality Board concentrating most environmental 
regulatory activity in DNR. 
Another amendment in 1983 refined 
public participation, penalties, and responsibilities. 
Law ~ Law ~ 
~yironmenta~ Pub~ic Po~i£y approved June 18, 
1970, amended May 31, 1973. Law 9 
established a public policy 
for the conservation of the environment and the Commonwealth's 
natural resources. It also established the 
Environmental Quality 
Board and defined its authority pursuant to Articles 4-6 of Law 
158 of June 28, 1968. 
Ports ~ 
amending the Spanish Ports Law of 1880, effective in 
Puerto Rico in 1886 by Royal decree. 
This law 
established 
dominion over ports, coastal lands and waters~ established 
beaches and intidal waters as public (as well as rivers used as 
ports and near-shore waters); provided for free access to the 
sea; regulated anchorages and beach use; and classified ports and 
provided 
for their regulation by either the Governor General of 
the island or the Spanish Overseas Ministry (based in Spain). 
Section 8a established the authority to patrol and enforce these 
regulations. 
Law ~, the water Law. 
The water law declared all waters 
public. 
It obligated DNR to plan for and to regulate their use, 
conservation, 
and development; established penalties; and 
established the rights and responsibilities of the.Authority of 
Aqueducts and Sewer Sytems (AAA locally) and the Authority for 
Aquifers (Autoridad de las Fuentes Fluviales), as well as the 
78 
Environmental Quality Board and the Puerto Rico Planning Board. 
DNR jurisdiction includes all mangroves, subterranean waters, 
lakes, standing waters, and coastal waters. 
All are to be 
regulated for the people of Puerto Rico. 
Lsli fQ£ ~ 
Preyention Qf Flooding and ~ 
Conseryation Qf 
Beaches and Riy~ This law transferred responsibility for 
beaches and rivers from the Department of Public Works to DNR and 
provided for 
control of floodable areas and the extracation of 
gravel and sand and conservation of beaches. 
It also defined a 
terrestrial coastal zone and provided for the protection and 
monitoring of all of the island's mangroves. 
It was amended, 
largely for consolidation of responsibility in DNR, in June 1972, 
July 1973, and again in 1975. 
Law lL ~ 
Fishing Law of February 25, 1977. 
Law 3 amended 
section 4 of Law 83 of May 13, 1936, Fishing Law of Puerto Rico, 
to conform with federal management and jurisdiction and 
International Law. 
It extended jurisdiction 12 nautical miles 
out from the island. 
Further, it established the responsibility 
for regulation of fishing with DNR. 
DNR Regulations Chapter lL Subchapter ~ 
Regulation Qf Fishing. 
DNR requires a permit in writing from the Secretary of 
Agriculture and Commerce for a company or corporation before it 
will permit the construction of dikes or other obstacles that 
prevent the free passage of fish. 
DNR also limits the daily 
catches, mode of fishing and equipment used, and the sale of 
fish. 
79 
Law li..L.. This law amends Law 132 of June 25, 1968, thereby 
expanding and further refining the jurisdiction of DNR to 
regulate public viewsheds, especially their excavation or similar 
disruption. 
It also created a public fund for DNR activities. 
Pue rto Rico Forest Act, No ~ 
July 1, 1975. This act prov ided 
for the creation and regulation of Commonwealth Forests; 
delineated unlawful acts in Commonwealth Forests, and established 
all Commonwealth Forests as refuges for wildlife. 
It also 
created a Puerto Rico Forest Service and specified its 
responsibilities. 
D N.B E e 9..I.ll..§..ti 0 11.§. 
t 0 
~Qn.tL.Ql. .th~ ~A.tL. a£. t iQIlL £ 0 .§..§. e .§..§.i 0 IlL 
Transportation, ~ 
Sa.le Qf Coral. Resources in Puerto Rico, 
October 11, 1979. 
Under authority conferred to it by the Organic 
Act of 1972 and the Fishing Law of 1936 and its amendments, DNR 
adopted regulations for the protection of coral resources in the 
Commonwealth. 
Law ~ Qf J.I.ll.~ lL 1979. This law created a Corporation for the 
Development and Administration of Marine, Lake, and Flowing water 
Resources within the DNR. 
It recognized Puerto Rico's dependence 
on marine resources for food and development and put regulations 
on commercial and industrial activities in coastal zones. 
DNR 
~l.Sli.§. to Regu.l~ ~ 
Extraction of Material..§. from ~ 
Earth's Crust JJ1ining Law). This law regulated the granting of 
permits for the extraction, excavation, removal and dredging of 
sand, gravel, stone, clay or other such components not regulated 
80 
as economic minerals, on both public and private lands in Puerto 
Rico. 
Article 10 recognized deposits of special public interest 
and defined and regulated them. 
1. ali l..ik 1 9 7 5 • 
T his 1 a w c rea ted a Cor p 0 rat ion for the 
Development of the Mineral Resources of Puerto Rico. It gave the 
corporation the financial capacity and operational ability to 
develop the mineral resources of the Commonwealth, subject to the 
Organic Law for DNR and the Mining Law. 
Law ~ 
~ 
~ 1985, Off-Road Vehicles Law: 
An addition to Law 
141 of July 20, 1960, Law of Vehicles and Transit in Puerto Rico, 
which prohibits the use of off-road vehicles of all kinds on 
public lands and beaches of Puerto Rico. 
Law ~ 
June 22, 1975. 
This license permits the use of these lands for conservation, and 
proposed recreation areas on five parcels on the island totaling 
1566 cuerdas (one cuerda is roughly one acre ). 
License ~ 
~ 
~ 
Qf Federal. Lands, 
August 27, 1976. This 
agreement between DNR, the Commonwealth, and the Navy defined the 
use of federal lands in 12 parcels. 
~ 
Nay~ Lands: 
All federal lands are exempt from the CZM 
program regulations. 
However, Navy lands at Roosevelt Roads 
Naval Station on the east tip of Puerto Rico, and on Vieques, are 
unlikely to have significant further development without 
considerable effort expended in securing appropriate permits, 
especially in mangroves and wetlands under their control. 
81 
Memorandum Q! Under~tanding Regarding ~~ ~~~ Qf Yieques, 
October 11, 1983, between the u.s. Department of the Navy and 
Commonweal th of Puerto Rico. 
This agreement establ ished a 
forestry program on Navy lands; provided for continual 
consultation with DNR on use of its lands for economic purposes 
and on wildlife habitat requirements; established seven lagoonal 
or mangrove conservation zones; provided for sea turtle, sea 
mammal, and brown pe 1 ican management; ag reed to cont inue a 
cultural resources preservation program, and established a 
Management Advisory Committee to assist the Navy in managing 
natural resources on the island, with representatives from DNR, 
Navy, USFWS, and USFS. 
Planning Board Regulation ~ 
Adoption and Regulation Qf Zones Qf 
Tourism Interest, March 30, 1979. This regulation provided for 
the development and regulation of areas of interest for tourism 
. purposes. It established and classified zones in these areas and 
provided for their regulation and administration. 
Planning Board Regulations ~ 
Special Planning Areas. The Bajura 
Isabela Special Planning Area was delineated in regulations in 
January 1980. 
The Planning Board regulates the sand dunes 
of 
Jacinto, the mangroves, beaches, and other coastal resources that 
are not protected by other legislation or are in need of special 
planning activities because of their exposure to development 
pressures. 
~ 
~ 
Ni~d~ife ~ 
May 30, 1976. Law 70 
regulated the 
82 
conservation of wildlife, native and migratory birds and animals, 
and the introduction of other species in Puerto Rico. It also 
authorized DNR to develop regulations for hunting. 
DNR Regulations !Q£ Management of Wildlife and Hunting, May 17, 
1978. 
These 
regulations 
enumerate dove and pigeon species and 
waterfowl that can be hunted, and endangered species that cannot. 
It also lists mangrove forests and lakes where hunting is 
prohibited (many of which are DNR lands). 
DNR Regulations fQL ~ 
~ 
Management, and Administration Qf 
Recreation Areas under ~ 
Jurisdiction Qf DNR, April 29, 1980. 
DNR adopted regulations for its recreation areas. 
Natural Reseryes: 
The Natural Reserve Program began in 1976 in 
CZM, and through it the Planning Board has designated 26 
potential reserves, of which about seven have been formally put 
into place. 
At present, these Reserves have no legal protective 
status, and exist· largely as planning mechanisms. 
Local Actions 
Municipalities have no powers to zone their lands or to introduce 
land use controls. 
This power is reserved for the Commonwealth 
and is exercised by the Planning Board. For planning purposes, 
the coastal zone (as defined by the CZM program) extends .62 
miles inland and three miles out to sea. 
The CZM office in 
Puerto Rico is largely funded by the federal program, and is 
located within the offices of DNR in San Juan. 
83 
Federal ~ 
Specific iQ Puerto ~ 
~ 
Pub~ic Law 96205, March 1980: 
Extends jurisdiction of the 
Commonwealth out to three marine leagues (10.3 miles). 
Two bills 
are currently being considered in Congress to address coastal 
zone extensions from 10.3 to 12 miles. 
Jacobs Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary: 
Administered by NOAA 
and DNR jointly, this is currently the only such Estuarine 
Sanctuary in Puerto Rico. 
It was established to afford federal 
protection to a bay undergoing considerable development, yet 
offering exceptional~natural resources. 
84 
u.s. VIRGIN ISLANDS REGULATIONS 
Coastal Resource Management 
In 1917, Denmark ceded the Virgin Islands to the United 
States along with all Danish governmental interests in submerged 
lands (lands below the mean high tide line). 
Under the Organic 
Act of 1936 and the Revised Organic Act of 1954 which provide the 
framework for the operation of the Virgin Islands government, the 
territorial government has jurisdiction over federal lands, 
including submerged and tidelands, but no authority to sell these 
lands. 
Territorial control over these lands was expanded with the 
Territorial Submerged Lands Act of 1974. 
Together these Acts 
authorized the Secretary of the Interior to transfer federal 
interests in submerged and other lands to the Virgin Islands upon 
the Governor's request and effectively conveyed all federal 
right, title, and interest to territorial submerged lands with 
certain restrictions. 
The Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) 
is the central territorial agency for administration of coastal 
zone management. 
Other principal entities include the Governor, 
Legislature, Planning Office, Department of Public Works and the 
Board of Land Use Appeals. 
The Coastal Zone Management Act of 
1978 became effective in 1979. 
The Coastal Zone Management 
Program was prepared by the Virgin Islands Planning Office for 
the management of the coastal zone of the Virgin. Islands and 
submitted by the Governor to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 
pursuant to the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. 
85 
The Coastal Land and water Use Plan is the comprehensive 
plan for the development of the first tier of the Coastal Zone. 
It is to se rve 
as a gu ide I ine for mak ing dec is ions re I ated to 
development within this tier. The first tier is defined as the 
area extending from the outer limit of the territorial sea 
(including offshore islands) to distances inland as indicated on 
a set of maps. 
The second tier includes interior portions of the 
three islands including all areas not in the first tier. 
The Coastal Zone Management Act created a Coastal Zone 
Management Commission within DCCA. There are three committies 
within the Commission, one for each major island. 
Each committee 
has authority over the issuance of Coastal Zone Permits. 
A 
Division of Coastal Zone Management was also created within DCCA 
to assist the Commission and the Commissioner in administration 
and enforcement of the Act. 
The Act defines major and minor 
coastal permits. 
After completion of a major permit application, the 
Commissioner submits a copy to relevant public agencies for 
review and schedules a public hearing. 
Within 30 days of the 
hearing, the appropriate committee acts upon the application. 
Appeals of committee decisions can be filed with the Board of 
Land Use Appeals. The Board of Land Use Appeals must hold a 
public hearing on an appeal and then render a decision. Minor 
permit applications are acted upon by the Commissioner. 
Within 30 days of approval by the Commissioner or the 
appropriate Committee, coastal zone permits that include 
development or occupancy of trust lands or other submerged or 
filled lands are forwarded to the Governor for approval or 
86 
disapproval. 
The Governor's approval must be ratified by the 
Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 
water Pollution Control Act, Act 1979, (1967). 
This Act provides 
the territorial authority to implement the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act, establishing standards for water quality 
and pollutant discharge into Virgin. Islands waters. 
The 
term 
"pollutant" refers to a variety of materials including rock, sand 
and dredged spoils. 
The Act as amended only regulates point 
sources of pollution. 
DCCA administers the Act through a permit 
system which requires a public hearing and determination by the 
Commissioner that all water quality standards are met. 
The 
Commissioner is to cooperate with the Virgin Islands Planning 
Board on zoning of waters. 
Under the Federal Act, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) 
with the Environmental Protection Agency has regulatory authority 
over discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. 
Permits 
cannot be issued unless specified standards are" met. 
The 
Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of the Army 
Corps, issues permits for the discharge of dredged or fill 
material. 
All development in tidelands, coastal wetlands, swamps and 
lagoons are subject to review. 
Consequently, the Ar~y Corps has 
independent review and determination over dredging and filling of 
all Virgin Islands coastal waters. 
Open Shore~ines Act, Act 3063, (1971). 
This act constituted a 
critical element for implementation of the Coastal Zone 
87 
Management Program by establishing a legal basis for public use 
of shorelines. 
Shorelines are defined as the area between the 
low tide level inland to a line of natural vegetation, a natural 
barrier, or a distance of 50 feet, whichever is shortest. 
The 
Act is intended to regulate extraction of natural products, 
including sand and marine life, with the exception of fish and 
wildlife. 
The DCCA Commissioner administers a permit program for 
taking all specified resources. 
EaI~h Chang~ LaliL 
AQ~ ~i~2L Lli2~~ This Act created an 
environmental protection program for the Virgin Islands to 
control soil erosion and restrict environmentally damaging land 
alterations within entire watersheds. 
Earth Change Permits are 
issued after approval by the Virgin Islands water and Soil 
Conservation District or DCCA. 
The Commissioner of Public Works 
is to enforce the Act. 
Trust~ands, Occupancy gnQ A~teration Contro~ ~ 
Act 3667. 
(1975). 
Along with the Open Shorelines Act and the Earth Change 
Act, this provides the territorial authority over the development 
and alteration of the Virgin Islands coastal zone, including 
dredging and mining of sand and coral from the shoreline. 
The 
DCCA 
Commissioner administers the permit system. 
An 
environmental assessment of the site or proposed development is 
required, and the Governor, Legislature, and Army Corps of 
Engineers must approve the work. 
A permit from the ACE is 
required after the applicant receives a permit from the 
territorial government. 
88 
Qil ~~ Prevention and Pollution Control Act and Regulations, 
A&t 
~~1~ Ll~2~ The objectives of the Act include 1) 
preservation of Virgin Islands waters and shorelines for 
recreation and 2) protection of environmental resources. 
The Act 
established a program to regulate the production and transport of 
pollutants as well as contingency plans to control the effects of 
pollution discharges and the cleanup of 
discharges. 
All 
discharges are to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard and DCCA. 
The Governor has emergency powers under this act. 
Zoning ~ 
Act 3284., (1972). 
This law is an important element 
in the system of land use and environmental regulations in the 
Virgin Islands. 
It established 17 separate zoning districts 
ranging from ag r icul tural, residential, commercial, industrial 
and waterfront to public use classifications. Passed prior to 
the Coastal Zone Act, it fails to specify adequate criteria for 
development of the coastal zone. 
The Virgin Island Planning 
Office submits reviews of applications to the zoning 
administration who is the Commissioner of DCCA. 
89 
Federal Law Specirfic iQ the Virgin Islands 
Any project involving potential impacts on coastal waters 
must be reviewed by several federal agencies. All wetlands in 
the Virgin Islands lie in Tier One of the Coastal Zone. 
Accordingly, permits must be obtained from the u.s. Army Corps of 
Engineers. 
Projects must be reported to National Marine 
Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as 
the Coastal Zone Management division of the Division of 
Conservation and Cultural Affairs. 
The 
Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of 
Conservation and Cultural Affairs have developed a joint permit 
application form for use in regard to projects requiring both 
agencies to issue permits for work in the waters of the United 
States and fills affecting wetlands. 
If a given proposal potentially endangers or threatens a 
protected species, notification must be made jointly to U.S. Fish 
and Wildflife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and 
Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife. 
The local Division of Fish and Wildlife, in the Department of 
Conservation and Cultural Affairs, serves as a representative of 
the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
These agencies work together 
under a Memorandum of Agreement for Endangered Species. 
At the present time, there are two areas in the Virgin 
Islands that have been classified as National Wildlife Refuges: 
1. 
Sandy Point, St. Croix. 
This beach area is used by 
leatherback turtles for nesting and was recently 
designated a National Wildlife Refuge to provide 
protection for this endangered species. 
90 
2. 
Green Cay, St. Croix. This is a small island Northeast 
of Christiansted. 
It is one of the last remaining habitats 
for the endangered lizard Ameiya polops. 
The National Park Service has concurrent jurisdiction with 
the Virgin Islands government on federally owned land areas of 
the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. 
Offshore water 
areas within the park are under the jurisdiction of the Park 
Service, Corps of Engineers, Virgin Islands government, and u.s. 
Coast Guard. Acts of the Virgin Islands government and the u.S. 
Code of Federal Regulations apply to lands and waters of the 
National Park. 
The Virgin Islands government has jurisdiction 
over the enforcement of traffic regulations on roads in the park. 
It retains rights-of-way for all dedicated roads, as defined by 
an official map that includes tracks now reverted to trails or 
completely overgrown. 
The territorial government exerts control over lands and 
activities on St. John through public health and safety laws. It 
also has legislation providing for the protection of water 
resources, wildlife, and the environment. 
The National Park 
Service cooperates with the territorial government in these 
matters. 
Zoning regulations of the territorial government were 
approved August 8, 1972. 
They permit residential development on 
mostly privately owned park lands. 
91 
References 
Dept. of Marine Sciences, Univ. of Puerto Rico. 1976. 
A Marine 
Atlas of Puerto Rico. 
O. H. Pilkey, editor. 
M. J. Cerame-
Vivas, Inc. 
139 pp. 
Heyman, I. M., and Gralnek, D. o. 
1977. 
Authorities and 
organization: Legal analysis and recommendations for 
implementing a coastal zone management program. 
Virgin 
Islands Planning Office, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. 
Technical Supplement No.3. 
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