F24AC02001

With this project, HJR Reefscaping will collaborate with the USFWS, the PRDNER, and contractor to install at least 50 new manatee waterway signs (3x4 ft.) on single pilings within manatee high use areas in Puerto Rico, similar to the ones used in Florida.

A larger can buoy marker may be considered as well depending on the site and in combination with the single pile marker.

Installation sites will be in the same areas already used by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and authorized for the location of the small manatee buoys.

These sites are generally located in waters no deeper than 20 ft. and benthic substrates of sand, shell, seagrass, and/or mud.

In manatee high use areas, new and improved signage are needed to help with manatee protection efforts in Puerto Rico.

In the past, Puerto Rico manatee in-water markers have only considered the use of small buoys.

Due to their small size, enforcement has also been a challenge.

In addition, these buoys require maintenance and replacement within relatively short periods of time under normal environmental conditions and are less resistant to tropical storms.

Thus, larger and stronger pilings with signs have been recommended, same as those used in Florida.

These markers provide better visibility to mark speed zones minimizing manatee, habitat, and watercraft impacts, and increase boater understanding and appropriate vessel use for marked areas.

Hector J Ruiz Torres

THE PRINCIPAL GOAL OF THE RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION FUNDING OPPORTUNITY IS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PRIORITY RECOVERY ACTIONS FOR FEDERALLY ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES. THIS INCLUDES WORKING WITH PARTNERS, USING A RANGE OF CONSERVATION TOOLS TO RECOVER ENDANGERED SPECIES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SURVIVE ON THEIR OWN IN THE WILD. THESE TOOLS INCLUDE RESTORING HABITAT, REMOVING INVASIVE SPECIES, CONDUCTING SURVEYS, MONITORING INDIVIDUAL POPULATIONS, AND BREEDING SPECIES IN CAPTIVITY TO RELEASE THEM INTO THEIR HISTORIC RANGE. COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS ARE CRITICAL TO RECOVERY SUCCESS. OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE MANY STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, LANDOWNERS, AND OTHER CONCERNED CITIZENS.

15.657 - Endangered Species Recovery Implementation

FWS Headquarters (HQ) [DOI - FWS]

Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4: Southeast [DOI - FWS]

Puerto Rico United States

State-Wide

F24AS00431 FY24 Recovery Implementation (F24AS00431)