Salva Bahia de Aguadilla

Bahia de Aguadilla is a special ecological and community resource in Puerto Rico that is threatened by development, pollution, and over-fishing. Surfrider Puerto Rico is leading a community-based effort with many local partners including scientists, community groups and environmental law students to ensure lasting conservation of the bay. The goal of this campaign is to establish a multi-use marine reserve that protects ecological resources while allowing sustainable human use and access.

As critical steps in this effort, Surfrider Puerto Rico has engaged five sectors of the community - fishers, tourism, environmental defense, business, and local government - to inform the needs, challenges, and opportunities for a marine reserve in the Bahia de Aguadilla. Surfrider, Sea Grant, volunteers, and other partners have collected and analyzed environmental data (marine life, bird surveys, etc.) to help guide regulations and boundaries. Currently, Surfrider is working on draft bill language to be introduced in 2026. 

Meanwhile, we are organizing volunteer events including mangrove plantings, cleanups, and other activities to build awareness of the bay’s resources and the campaign as well local stewardship.

For more information about this campaign and other projects in Puerto Rico visit https://puertorico.surfrider.org/