Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal

The Rincon of the Seas Hotel lobby came alive with 39 colorful aquatic paintings during the student art opening on June 25, 2009. The talented artists, all junior high school and high school students from Rincon, brought their friends and family that evening to enjoy the unique art, appetizers, the "Porta Coeli Jazz" band, and the launching of a coral reef lesson book created with their art.

The bright canvases are hung along the hotel lobby's walls beautifying it and giving a positive environmental message to the community. All the students in the exhibit had attended two all-day workshops on coral reef lessons, ocean conservation, and painting in March. The ocean-themed paintings they produced during the workshops were weaved into a coral reef lesson book which was handed out at the exhibit to all who attended.

This project sponsored by Surfrider Foundation and NOAA's Marine Debris Program is the educational component of the ambitious community driven program "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas," where more than 475 tires have been removed in the last 2 years, among other debris.

If you haven't seen the show it will be up until July 9. You can pick up a copy of the book at the hotel front desk.

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful live jazz provided by "Porta Coeli Jazz" from San German, we thank them. Many thanks to Rincon of the Seas who sponsored the exhibit and the appetizers. Special thanks to Arnaldo Ruiz, Lizandra Ayala, Victor, and front desk staff at the hotel. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this happen, specially the students and their family. Thanks to Leon and Ali Richter for handling the book printing efforts.

If you are a business owner, teacher, or school and want copies of the book (while supplies last) to hand out contact us at 787 823 2784.

AB

Apertura Exhibición Arte Acuático

2009-07-06T11:36:00.008-04:00

El lobby del Rincón of the Seas se anima con 39 coloridas pinturas acuáticas durante la apertura del arte estudiantil el 25 de junio, 2009. Los talentosos artistas, todos estudiantes de escuela intermedia y superior de Rincón, invitaron a sus amistades y familiares a disfrutar de una velada de arte original, aperitivos, jazz en vivo de la banda Porta Coeli Jazz, y el lanzamiento de un libro de lecciones de coral creado con su arte.

Los brillantes lienzos se muestran en las paredes del lobby del hotel embelleciéndolo y dándole un mensaje positivo a la comunidad. Todos los estudiantes de la exhibición participaron en dos talleres sobre lecciones de coral, conservación del océano, y pintura en marzo. Las pinturas de temas marítimos que fueron producidas durante estos talleres se hilvanaron en un libro de lecciones de arrecifes de coral el cual se repartió en la exhibición a todo el público presente.

Este proyecto auspiciado por Surfrider Foundation y NOAA Marine Debris Program es el componente educativo del ambicioso programa de autogestión comunitaria “Protección de los Arrecifes de Coral a través de Eliminación de Desechos Marinos en la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas” el cual ha logrado extraer más de 475 gomas de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas en los últimos 2 años, entre otros desperdicios.

Si aun no haz visto la muestra estará hasta el 9 de julio. Puedes recoger tu copia del libro en la recepción del hotel.

Todos disfrutaron del maravilloso jazz amenizado por Porta Coeli Jazz de San German, les damos las gracias. Muchas gracias al hotel Rincón of the Seas por auspiciar esta exhibición y los aperitivos. Agradecemos en especial a Arnaldo Ruiz, Lizandra Ayala, Victor, y el personal de recepción del hotel. Gracias a todos los que participaron e hicieron que este esfuerzo se lograse, en especial a los estudiantes y sus familiares. Gracias a Leon y Ali Richter por manejar el esfuerzo de la impresión del libro.

Si eres dueño de negocio, maestro, o escuela y quieres copias del libro (mientras duren) para distribución contáctanos al 787 823 2784.

Finalization of the 2008/09 Coral Reef Project

2009-06-13T07:37:00.006-04:00

Finalization of the 2008/09 Coral Reef Project

6 12 2009

Recently, Captain Pauco and I monitored the area we covered during this past years marine debris removal and coral reef restoration project and found more debris. Though the frequency of discovery of the debris was reduced we still managed to find 12 tires, 7 areas of cable/rope, a derelict trap, a battery, and some clothing smothering corals. We think that these tires may have been uncovered by currents and wave activity shifting the sediments and revealing the debris during this past spring. Other items may have been brought in by currents, overlooked previously, or dumped recently illegally. To report any illegal dumping of marine debris around Puerto Rico please call the Department of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance (Cuerpo de Vigilantes) at 1-787-999-2200.

RMTP Debris Removal Project Summary

2009-05-23T19:08:00.014-04:00

Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal in Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

Project Summary

May 24th, 2009

On March 1st, 2009, the field work portion of this years concerted community effort of protecting reefs through the removal of marine debris came to a close. The field work began nearly a year ago in last June. The project objectives were to involve numerous community members, to expand our efforts outside of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve to adjacent areas, and to inform students and the community in Rincón why it is important to protect these natural resources for generations to come. We are happy to report that all of these objectives were accomplished.

Volunteer participation was a huge success. A grand total of 130 people volunteered their time to protect and restore Rincón’s precious coral reefs. Many of these individuals represented various agencies and businesses. For instance, we had individuals help us from the Gulf of Mexico Foundation, last years project funders, individuals from our current project funders the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources, students from the University of Puerto Rico’s Department of Marine Sciences, the Municipality of Rincón, area schools, local fisherman, international businesses such as Billabong, and local businesses such as Taino Divers. This type of support, and help, was what the project aimed at to achieve. Every person, agency, and business was equally valued during their participation and were all equally as important. Thank you for all of your help.

The amount of volunteer effort allowed project orchestrators, Captain Edwin Pauco’ Font a local Rincoeño fisherman and myself (Wessley Merten) a marine science graduate student from the University of Puerto Rico's Department of Marine Sciences, to expand outside of the marine reserve in search of un-natural underwater debris. Below is an image summarizing the daily tracks run throughout the project. Tow-boarding and swimming were the principle methods used to locate the debris.

Figure 1. Using a GPS handheld device the daily project boat tracks were recorded, saved, and uploaded to a computer where the figure above was created. This was done to depict the area monitored.

Nearly two times the area of the Reserva Marine Tres Palmas (~825,558 m2) was monitored and covered. During the arduous endeavor many objects were found and removed with the help of the volunteers (See figure 2). We encourage you to browse through the project’s blog archive to the date that you helped in the field to find your photo(s).

Figure 2. Debris removed ranged from tires, corals smothered by debris (clothing, rope, fishing line), blocks, extensive areas of cable and rope, trash patches, and significant amounts of derelict boat debris.

A total of 225 tires (Figure 3) were extracted bringing the two year total to 475.

Figure 3. Tires were significantly aggregated along the nearshore shelf stretching from Calle Surf to the Black Eagle Marina. Other tires, in decreased frequency, were discovered near Steps beach and north to Marias beach.

The removal of tires is important because during large winter swell events these tires become projectiles and can easily damage the delicate and endangered Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) that resides in the marine reserve and adjacent areas. Not only can tires negatively impact corals but clothing, rope, and other objects can, too. Hence, throughout our effort we also concentrated on removing these types of items from the afftected Elkhorn coral colonies. Every colony discovered (Figure 4) with growth restricting marine debris was photographed, marked with a waypoint, and relieved by carefully cutting, unraveling, and removing the debris.

Figure 4. A total of 120 corals were restored through the removal of clothing, rope, plastic bags, and fishing line within and outside of the marine reserve.

Another strenuous endeavor was the removal of over 50 cinderblocks discovered just offshore Steps beach (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Over 50 cinderblocks were removed from the marine reserve at the above location. These blocks are an un-natural type of habitat that were discovered within an intricate natural habitat. Hence, to improve the reef quality and health they were extracted.

Other items that hinder the quality and health of these reefs are extensive areas of cable, rope, and metal (Figure 6).

Figure 6. A total of 10 extensive areas of cable, rope, and metal were discovered wrapped around hard and soft corals, and preventing other bottom dwelling organisms from colonizing those areas.

Another common discovery were areas of concentrated bottom debris such as plastic bottles and bags, plastic forks and spoons, shoes, clothing, cans, glass bottles, and more
(Figure 7).

Figure 7. These trash patches were usually found on the lee side of large reef formations (i.e. bank shelfs, or patch reefs) where the dominant nearshore currents concentrated the debris and then were reluctant to remove the debris once it was established there.

Lastly, areas of derelict boat debris were frequently discovered during the effort and removed (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Derelict boat debris ranged from fiberglass siding, 2x4’s, wood slates, boat frames, and yolas. There were 4 of these locations with a significant amount of the mentioned items.

The images above summarize the volunteer debris removal effort. Each item was removed by one of the 130 individuals that helped throughout this project. Every item removed, including tires, clothing, rope, etc., were removed with a sense of satisfication knowing that the effort would help improve the health and quality of the reef. But, oftentimes when these items were found, along with miscellaneous objects such as car batteries, engine blocks, oil cans, gas cans, chairs, stuffed animals, and large pvc pipes feelings of dismay and sadness struck the volunteers and project coordinators. It was at these times that it was undoubtedly apparent that education and outreach towards increased reef awareness and protection needs to be a top priority in area schools and throughout the communities in order to to conserve the viability of nearshore reef ecosystems around Puerto Rico.

In effort to protect the future health and quality of the reefs in Rincón, multi-media presentations were given to local students about the severity of this problem and why we should strive to protect these precious natural resources. Annette Blasini an environmental activists and special projects in-school coordinator spearheaded this effort that actively educated and informed over 300 local students. Participating schools were Jorge Ceda Crespo, and the local High School. This effort wouldn’t have been made possible without the help of these schools administration and teachers for supporting and promoting this portion of the project and we are grateful for their help.

The in-school component of this project culminated in a ‘coral reef book’ generated by the students that participated in this project. The book aimed to build on the core lessons of the presentations; what are coral reefs, why are they special, how are they being threatened, and how we can work together to protect them. These lessons were portrayed in the form of art and writings generated by the kids. The book will be published (soon) and distributed to local schools, agencies, and interested partners. In addition, all art that was generated will be shown at Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel from June 25th until July 9th, 2009. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. We encourage everyone to come and join in on the fun.

To conclude, this was a successful multi-faceted community project that the Surfrider Foundation Rincón hopes to expand on in the future. In a week, another round of monitoring will begin to determine if more debris still exists and needs to be removed in the future. Thereafter, interested partners and entities that want to pursue continuing this type of work can strive towards acquiring funding opportunities just as the Surfrider Foundation Rincón had done this year. Grants can be achieved, and may be currently offered, by agencies such as our funder, NOAA. We are very grateful for their support in funding this project. In addition, Surfrider Foundation Rincón not only promotes interested people to inquire about this work but also to initiate it in regions other than Rincón. We can offer our guidance, knowledge, and volunteer support when needed, not only within Rincón, but around Puerto Rico. If your interested in helping out in the monitoring series that will begin on June 1st please contact me, in addition to any inquiries about possiblities of future coral reef restoration and debris removal projects. Exito!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

¡UN ÉXITO el TALLER de ARTE ACUÁTICO!

2009-05-21T06:40:00.000-04:00

Todos se divirtieron mucho y demostraron su gran talento artístico en el taller de arte.

Trentainueve vibrantes pinturas fueron completadas en la segunda sección del taller de Arte Acuático que se ofreció el sábado 28 de marzo en la Escuela Intermedia Jorge Seda Crespo de Rincón. Los jóvenes pintores además trabajaron en 2 pinturas colectivas y en un dibujo gigante de un arrecife de 70" x 30" el cual Wess Merten realizó a lápiz.

En el momento estamos creando un libro de Arte Acuático con lecciones de corales e ilustrado con las 39 pinturas realizadas por los estudiantes durante ambos talleres. Pronto éste libro se irá a la imprenta para luego ser entregado a los estudiantes el 25 de junio (de 7-9 pm) cuando inauguremos la tan esperada exhibición de "Arte Acuático" en el Hotel Rincón of the Seas. Te mantendremos informado...

Este proyecto auspiciado por NOAA Marine Debris Program es el componente educativo del ambicioso programa de autogestión comunitaria" “Protección de los Arrecifes de Coral a través de Eliminación de Desechos Marinos en la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas” el cual ha logrado extraer más de 475 gomas de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas en los últimos 2 años, entre otros desperdicios.

Muchas gracias a: Nicole Hoover, Wess Merten, Patchouly Banks, Oliver Bencosme, fotografía de Producciones Burracas, Cuqui González, Alex Henriques, Miriam Pérez, Miriam Juan, Leon Richter, Allison Jones, Freyda Zell, Bermie Ruiz

Aquatic Art Workshop was a Success!

2009-05-21T06:31:00.006-04:00

Everyone had a great time and had an opportunity to show off their artistic talents during art workshop.

Thirty-nine vibrant paintings were completed on the second day of the Aquatic Art workshop offered March 28 at the Jorge Seda Crespo Middle School in Rincón. The young painters also worked on 2 collective canvases and on a giant 70" x 30" coral reef drawing designed by Wess Merten.

At the moment we are creating an "Aquatic Art" coral reef lesson book illustrated with the 39 student paintings done in both workshops. The book will soon be going off to the printer to later be handed out to the students on June 25th (from 7-9 pm) when we will inaugurate the awaited "Aquatic Art" exhibit at the Rincón of the Seas Hotel. We'll keep you informed...

This project sponsored by NOAA's Marine Debris Program is the educational component of the ambitious community driven program "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas," where more than 475 tires have been removed, among other debris.

Many thanks to: Nicole Hoover, Wess Merten, Patchouly Banks, Oliver Bencosme, photography by Producciones Burracas, Cuqui González, Alex Henriques, Miriam Pérez, Miriam Juan, Leon Richter, Allison Jones, Freyda Zell, Bermie Ruiz

"Taller de Arte Acuático" comenzó muy colorido

2009-03-22T15:16:00.003-04:00

Estudiantes de escuela intermedia participaron en un taller de arte el cual integró pintura, escritura, ecología, y liderato en el programa.

Los trentaicinco (35) jóvenes pintaron coloridas imágenes de tema acuático en acrílico sobre lienzo.

La primera parte de este taller se llevó a cabo en la cancha bajo techo de la escuela intermedia Jorge Seda Crespo de Rincón el sábado 14 de marzo.

La segunda parte del taller concluirá en el mismo sitio el sábado 28 de marzo, donde los jóvenes artistas completarán sus lienzos y trabajarán en lienzos colectivos.

Esta actividad dirigida al estudiante es parte del componente educativo de" “Protección de los Arrecifes de Coral a través de Eliminación de Desechos Marinos en la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas”" auspiciada por NOAA.

Esto es un esfuerzo comunitario donde voluntari@s, agencias, padres, maestros, estudiantes, y negocios locales participan juntos para ayudar a proteger y a educar sobre nuestros preciados arrecifes de coral.

Gracias a tod@s los padres que apoyaron la paticipación de sus hij@s en esta bella iniciativa.

Agradecemos muy en especial a l@s voluntari@as: Ana M. Igartua, Oliver Bencosme de Burracas, Wess Merten, Patchouly Banks, Sean Green, Danielle Barbiero, Allison Jones, Leon Richter, Enid Miranda y Eva, Yulitza Nieves, Tony Dooley de Uncharted Studios, Miriam Pérez, Miriam Juan, y Obras Públicas

Este proyecto se ha hecho posible con el apoyo de tod@s ustedes!

"Aquatic Art Workshop" started with bright colors

2009-03-22T14:52:00.006-04:00

Eager middle school students participated in an all day art workshop which included painting, writing, ecology, and leadership. The thirty-five (35) participants painted brightly colored ocean images on their canvases.

This first part of the workshop was held at Rincón's Jorge Seda Crespo Middle School's basketball court on Saturday, March 14th.

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW

The two part workshop will conclude at the same place on Saturday, March 28 where the young artists will complete their individual paintings and work on collective canvases.

This student-centered activity is part of the educational component of the "Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas" funded by NOAA. This is a community driven effort where volunteers, agencies and NGO's, parents, teachers, students, and local businesses all participate together to help protect and educate about our precious coral reefs.

Thanks to all the parents who supported their children's participation in this beautiful initiative.

A very special thanks to volunteers: Ana M. Igartua, Oliver Bencosme from Burracas Studio, Wess Merten, Patchouly Banks, Sean Green, Danielle Barbiero, Allison Jones, Leon Richter, Enid Miranda y Eva, Yulitza Nieves, Tony Dooley from Uncharted Studios, Miriam Pérez, Miriam Juan, y Obras Públicas.

This project is made possible thanks to everyone's support!

Estudiantes se registran para el taller de arte

2009-03-13T11:02:00.004-04:00

English version

Más de 40 estudiantes se registraron para el taller de "Arte Acuático" que se ofrecerá en la escuela intermadia Jorge Seda Crespo los sábados 14 y 28 de marzo de 9am a 3pm.

Será un taller muy divertido el cual el resultado final culminará en la producción de un libro de tema ecológico. Además habrá una exhibición de las pinturas en las Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Rincón en mayo.

Rincón Students signing up for art workshop

2009-03-13T10:56:00.007-04:00

More that 40 students signed up for the "Aquatic Art Workshop" to be held on Saturday March 14 and 28 at the Jorge Seda Crespo Junior High School from 9am to 3pm.

It will be a fun workshop where the end result will be an environmental book based on the art produced during the workshop. There will also be an art show of the paintings at the Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Rincón in May.

TALLER DE ARTE ACUÁTICO

2009-03-10T14:29:00.005-04:00

Los sábados 14 y 28 de marzo la Fundación Surfrider y NOAA estarán ofreciendo el Taller de Arte Acuático en la Escuela Intermedia Jorge Seda Crespo de Rincón como parte del programa - “Protección de los Arrecifes de Coral a través de Eliminación de Desechos Marinos en la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas”. Participarán estudiantes de 7mo, 8vo, y 9no grado.

El taller será de 9am-3pm en la cancha bajo techo del plantel escolar (frente al Balneario de Rincón)

La misión de este taller de arte es el desarrollo de estudiantes líderes y activos en la defensa de su patrimonio natural.

Siendo voluntario dejarás tu huella en la experiencia educativa de los jóvenes de Rincón. Es un regalo que les durará toda la vida.

Hay varias posiciones para voluntariado como:

1-Artistas que asistan a los estudiantes durante el taller (de 9-3 ambos sábados)
2-Auspiciar compras en el supermercado para los 2 dás de almuerzos
3-Asistencia el día de montar la exhibición en la Cooperativa de Rincón
4-Documentar talleres y/o exhibición con cámara digital
5-Documentar talleres y/o exhibición con cámara de video
6-Asistir en la preparación del taller antes de comenzar y después de finalizar
7-Otras posiciones de voluntariado

Si te interesa ser voluntari@ en este taller y otras actividades asociadas con este programa educativo favor de contactar a:
Annette Blasini 787.823.0964 / 787.233.6510
annetteblasini@yahoo.com

AQUATIC ART WORKSHOP

2009-03-10T14:00:00.002-04:00

Surfrider Foundtion and NOAA will be offering the “Aquatic Art Workshop” on Saturdays March 14th and 28th at the Jorge Seda Crespo middle school of Rincón as part of the

Coral Reef Protection through Marine Debris Removal at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

Students from 7th, 8th, and 9th grade will be participating.

The workshop will be held at the basketball court inside the school premises (across the street from the Balneario).

The art workshop’s mission is to develop students who become leaders and active participants in the defense of their natural heritage.

When you volunteer you’ll leave a footprint in the educational experience of Rincón’s youth. It’s a gift the will last a lifetime.

There’s various volunteering positions:

1- Artists who can assist students during both workshop days from 9am-3pm
2- Sponsor a trip to the supermarket to get groceries for kid’s lunches
3- Helping hang art show in Rincón Coop
4- Documenting workshops and/or art exhibit with digital camera
5- Documenting workshops and/or art exhibit with video camera
6- Assist in the prep and cleanup before and after workshops.
7- Other positions available

If you’re interested in volunteering for this workshop and other activities related to this educational program please contact:
Annette Blasini 787.823.0964 / 787.233.6510
annetteblasini@yahoo.com

Limpiando los arrecifes de coral en Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-03-01T14:15:00.000-04:00

1 de marzo, 2009

in english

Dia de trabajo #12

Hoy fue el último día de trabajo para el proyecto de restauración de los arrecifes de coral en Rincón. Tres voluntarios ayudaron a terminar el proyecto hoy. Trece de los neumáticos se han eliminado el arrecife. Me gustaría dar las gracias a los voluntarios para salir y ayudar en este esfuerzo!

Cleaning the reefs in Rincon, Puerto Rico

2009-03-01T11:30:00.002-04:00

March 1st, 2009

en espanol

Offshore work day #12

Today was the last day of field work for the coral reef restoration project. Three volunteers came out on the final day to remove previously marked tires amongst the the reefs around Rincon's marine reserve and nearby areas. The last 13 tires were removed including a derelict anchor, ropes, and other miscellaneous debris. I would like to thank the volunteers for coming out and helping in this effort.

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpiando Reserva Marina Tres Palmas en Rincon

2009-02-28T16:44:00.002-04:00

28 de febrero, 2009

in english

Dia de trabajo # 11

Hoy tres voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la reserva marina y zonas adyacentes. Los voluntarios fueron Iván Soto, el capitán Roberto Ruiz un pescador local, y John Millen. Lamentablemente, la cámara no funciona hoy en día así que no tenemos fotos. Sin embargo, la voluntarios ayudaron a eliminar 5 gomas, una batería de coche, una gran tubería, y otros desechos. Además, un seguimiento al sur y al norte de la reserva marina en busca de los desechos y no encontraron nada. Quiero dar las gracias a todos los voluntarios para salir hoy y ayudar en este esfuerzo!

Contacto (Wess Merten) al 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com para obtener más información sobre esta ayuda en la restauración de los arrecifes de coral y los esfuerzos de eliminación de desechos marinos.

Cleaning Rincon's Marine Reserve

2009-02-28T16:35:00.004-04:00

February 28th, 2009

en español

Offshore workday #11

Today we had three volunteers accompany us to clean the marine reserve and adjacent areas. The volunteers were Ivan Soto, Captain Roberto Ruiz a local fisherman, and John Millen. Unfortunately, the camera malfunctioned today so we have no digital photos. Nonetheless, the crew helped to remove 5 tires, a car battery, a large pipe, and other miscellaneous debris from areas just outside of the marina. In addition we ran tracks south, and north of the marine reserve in search of debris and found nothing. I want to thank all of the volunteers for coming out today to and helping in this effort!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpiando los arrecifes de Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-26T13:54:00.003-04:00

26 de Febrero, 2009

in english

Dia de trabajo #10

Hoy Iván Soto local rincóeño, Allan Freeman asociados con Rescate Playa Isabela, y nuestra propia Fundación Surfrider Rincón Steve Tamar coordinador de voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar los arrecifes de Rincón. Los voluntarios ayudaron a eliminar las llantas de 29 zonas al lado del puerto deportivo. A continuación se presentan fotos de los días de trabajo.

Gracias por su ayuda!

Contacto (Wess Merten) al 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com para obtener más información sobre esta ayuda en la restauración de los arrecifes de coral y los esfuerzos de eliminación de desechos marinos.

Cleaning the reefs in Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-26T13:20:00.008-04:00

February 26th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #10

Today Ivan Soto a local rincóeño, Freeman Allan associated with Rescate Playa Isabela, and our very own Surfrider Foundation Rincón volunteer coordinator Steve Tamar helped clean the reefs just outside of the marina. All of the volunteers worked today to remove 29 tires from areas just outside of the marina. Below are photos from the days work and our procedure.

The days crew would

spot a tire and rope it...

hoist it...

pull it aboard...

sometimes with all of their strength...

take a breather...and then repeat.

Here is a photo of the aftermath.

Thanks for your help!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpiando la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas en Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-25T13:57:00.002-04:00

25 de Febrero 2009

in english

Dia de Trabajo #9

Hoy, Ivan Soto local Rincoeño, Curt Malborn de Taino Divers, Allen y Freeman un residente de Isabela ayudado a limpiar los arrecifes de Rincón. Antes de que nos fuimos a trabajar "towboarding 'sobre la franja de arrecifes de la reserva.

Durante towboarding vimos a un joven peje blanco nadar por encima de los arrecifes.

Después de towboarding hemos eliminado 12 gomas.

Además de los neumáticos, hemos eliminado una vieja yola abandonados por el corte con una sierra y con nuestra fuerza. Aquí está el antes y después de fotos de la yola.

Aquí están los remneants de la yola en el lado y sur al frente del lancha de Pauco.

Capitán Pauco encontrar nuestro esfuerzo por ser divertido, por lo tanto, su risa en la foto de abajo.

En este momento quisiera dar las gracias a todos los voluntarios para ayudar en esta proyecto de restauración de los arrecifes de corales!

Contacto (Wess Merten) al 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com para obtener más información sobre esta ayuda en la restauración de los arrecifes de coral y los desechos marinos eliminación esfuerzo.

Removing Marine Debris in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-25T13:07:00.009-04:00

February 25th 2009

en español

Offshore Work Day #9

Today, Ivan Soto a local Rincoeño, Curt Malborn of Taino Divers, and Freeman Allen a resident of Isabela helped clean the reefs within the Marine Reserve and nearby areas. Before we got to work we had a 'towboarding' session on the outer fringing reefs of the reserve.

During towboarding we came across a young juvenile green turtle cruzing amongst the gorgonians.

After towboarding, we removed 12 tires, one of which was from the reserve, and the remaining 11 were taken from in front of the marina just outside of the 'little malibu reef.'

In addition to the tires, we removed an old derelict yola by cutting it with a saw and literally ripping it apart by the strength of three divers. Here is the before and after photos of the yola. We assessed it and began our work in this photo...

Here are the remneants of the yola on the starboard side, and bow of Pauco's boat.

Captain Pauco found our effort to be amusing, hence his laughter in the photo below.

At this time I wanted to thank all of volunteers for helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpiando la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas en Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-24T13:22:00.003-04:00

24 de Febrero, 2009

in english

Dia de Trabajo #8

Hoy Rich y Jennette Taylor ayudó a limpiar la reserva marina y zonas adyacentes. Después de 'tow-boarding' en la reserva, que monitorimos el arrecife de Casa China hasta el Faro y no encontramos nada.

Luego, fuimos a investigar un área que nos fuimos a la última semana antes de las grandes olas. La semana pasada se encontró un viejo 'yola'and dos gomas. Hoy en día, la yola todavía estaba allí, pero también ~ 20 nuevos gomas que no vimos la semana pasada en el mismo lugar. Hemos eliminado 12 de ellos. Esta área está en frente del puerto deportivo.

En este momento quiero dar las gracias a los voluntarios para salir hoy a ayudar en este proyecto de restauración de los arrecifes de coral. Gracias!

Contacto Wess Merten en siestasyolas6@aol.com o 401-258-4627 para obtener más información sobre esta ayuda en la restauración de los arrecifes de coral y los esfuerzos de eliminación de desechos marinos.

Cleaning the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-24T12:52:00.009-04:00

February 24th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #8

Today Rich and Jennette Taylor joined the Surfrider Foundation Rincón in a community effort of cleaning the marine reserve and adjacent areas by removing tires, cable, and other 'unnatural' debris from the reef. After a tow-boarding session in the reserve, and finding and removing one tire, we monitored the reef for any debris from Casa China to el Faro and didn't find anything.

Then, we proceeded to investigate an area that we left off on last week before our significant swell event. Last week at this location we found an old 'yola' that we marked with a waypoint and two tires of which we removed. Today we returned to investigate the yola, which was still there, but to much of our suprrise the waves had uncovered about ~20 tires, 12 of which we removed. This area is essentially out in front of the marina where the waves break near the surfspot 'little malibu.'

At this time I would like to thank the volunteers for coming out today to help in this coral reef restoration project. Thank you!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Playa y Black Eagle Marina en Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-02-21T22:00:00.003-04:00

21 de febrero 2009

Limpieza de Playa y Marina

in english

Dia de Trabajo # 6

Hoy, día final de limpieza de playas del programa “Restauración de Arrecifes de Coral 2008-2009”, fue un gran éxito. Tuvimos más de 40 voluntarios ayudándonos en este esfuerzo. Surfrider Foundation Rincón le gustaría dar gracias en especial a Samanta Chardón Ortiz, profesora de la Escuela WALKS en Mayagüez, por venir con sus alumnos y padres de alumnos. El clima agradable permitió que los voluntarios pudieran recoger una gran cantidad de desechos en todo el puerto deportivo y las playas.

Los voluntarios recogieron sillas de playa viejas, cruzacalles de "Don Q", botellas plásticas, latas, botellas de cerveza, papel, ropa, equipos viejos de metal, llantas, y mucho más. Además, algunos voluntarios recortaron arbustos con un 'trimmer,' cortaron árboles con machetes, y trasladaron objetos pesados con tractor.

Después de tres horas de trabajo, se habían acumulado 4 montones de desechos; uno de basura, uno de objetos grandes de metal y neumáticos, uno de desperdicios, y otro de chatarra. Surfrider Foundation Rincón, todos los voluntarios, turistas, y las empresas en el puerto deportivo les gustaría dar gracias al Municipio de Rincón por recoger y apropiadamente disponer de todos los desechos recogidos en este esfuerzo, este lunes en la mañana. Mil gracias por toda su ayuda!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Beach and Marina cleanup in Rincón Puerto Rico

2009-02-21T19:19:00.015-04:00

February 21st, 2009

Beach and Marina Cleanup

en español

Work day # 6

Today, the final beach and creek, or marina cleanup in this case, of the 2008-2009 Coral Reef Restoration program went out in style when more than 40 volunteers came out to make Rincón's Black Eagle Marina and adjacent beaches clean. Surfrider Foundation Rincón would like to thank Samanta Chardón Ortiz, a teacher from WALKS School in Mayaguez, for attending the event with her students and their parents. Beautiful weather allowed the volunteers to gather copious amounts of debris around the marina and along the adjacent beaches.

The volunteers collected all sorts of debris ranging from old beach chairs and 'Don Q' banners, to plastic bottles, cans, beer bottles, paper, clothing, metal rebar and parts of old equipment, and tires. In addition, some volunteers cut hedges with a 'weedwacker,' trimmed trees with machetes, and moved heavy objects with a tractor.

After three hours of working under the beautiful Caribbean sun 4 piles of debris had accumulated; a pile for trash, a pile for large metal objects and tires, a refuse pile, and another pile of miscellaneous scrap metal. Surfrider Foundation Rincón, all the volunteers, the tourists, and the businesses in the marina would like to thank the Muncipality of Rincón for removing the piles of debris from the marina on Monday morning and disposing of the debris in a proper disposal area. Thank you for all of your help!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas in Rincon, Puerto Rico

2009-02-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

17 de febrero, 2009

in english

Dia de Trabajo #9

Hoy el Dr. Luis Feliú y Dra. Nicole Hoover, los propietarios de las prácticas de la quiropráctica en Rincón y Aquadilla llamado "Pura Vida: Salud en Familia, disfrutaron de una mañana con nosotros. Las condiciones fueron excelentes y permitieron hacer el trabajo. Hemos eliminado 3 gomas, un bloque, algunos desechos de plástico, y encuentra un abandonado "yola". Quiero dar las gracias a los voluntarios para ayudarnos a cabo el día de hoy. En los últimos 6 meses hemos tenido 94 voluntarios ayudan a limpiar los arrecifes de Rincón!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Cleaning Rincón Puerto Rico's Marine Reserve

2009-02-17T14:00:00.001-04:00

February 17th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #9

Today Dr. Luis Feliú and Dra. Nicole Hoover, owners of chiropractic practices in Rincón and Aquadilla called 'Pura Vida: Salud en Familia, enjoyed a morning on the water helping beautify the reefs of Rincón's marine reserve. The conditions were excellent and allowed us get some quality work done. We found and removed 3 tires, a block, some plastic debris, and located a derelict 'yola.' We were unable to remove the yola but did mark it with a GPS waypoint so when conditions allow we can return to it and remove it. Considering the swell that we are getting it will be interesting to see if it remains in the spot that we found it. I want to thank the volunteers for coming out and helping in this community effort today. To date, we have had 94 volunteers help clean the reefs of Rincón in the last 6 months!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de la Playa y Quebrada de Marias en Rincon, Pr

2009-02-07T21:42:00.002-04:00

7 de Febrero, 2009

in english

Playa y Quebrada, día de trabajo # 2

No se supone que esta sea la estación seca? En los últimos días hemos visto como las persistentes lluvias han afectando la costa oeste de Puerto Rico y hoy no fue diferente. A pesar de este patrón de lluvia, más de 20 voluntarios salieron a ayudar a limpiar Playa Marías y la quebrada ubicada al lado sur.

Gracias por ayudar en nuestro esfuerzo de limpieza de playa! Su ayuda es muy apreciada.

Luis buscando basura en el estacionamiento: concentrado y en una misión.

Nate trabajando con el rastrillo. Bueno trabajo!

Marissa busca refugio de la copiosa lluvia mientras mantiene firme la "base". Buen trabajo Marissa!

Capitán Pauco Font sonriendo mientras huía de la playa en busca de un refugio durante la peor lluvia.

Brian optó por quedarse a ver el surf, y contemplar donde su próximo ola iba a ser.

Manos llenas y satisfechas de haber hecho una buena acción del día. Gracias hermano!

Voluntarios en el quebrada buscando una manera para deshacerse de la yola en la quebrada. Que comience la diversión!

Con Pauco de lider, David a cargo de levantar objetos pesados, Brian cubriendo la logística, y un comité de supervisores encargados de mover la yola.

Por último, tierra! La multitud alegre.

Vinimos, vimos, movimos una Yola. La tripulación (no aparece en la foto pero fueron parte muy importante en el proceso ... Luis, Nicole, y Marissa).

El monton de escombros de los días en que los voluntarios recogieron gomas, partes metálicas de los automóviles, basura, plástico, un antiguo baño, botellas, y limpiaron la vegetación de la playa. La Fundación Surfrider de Rincón quiere dar las gracias a todos los voluntariospor ayudar en esta fantástica tarea y la ayuda de los trabajadores municipales que limpiaron los montones de basura el día lunes.

Marias Beach and Quebrada Cleanup

2009-02-07T19:08:00.007-04:00

February 7th, 2009

en español

Beach and Creek workday #2

Isn't it supposed to be the dry-season? The past few days have seen persistent rain squalls affecting the west coast of Puerto Rico and today was no different. Despite this wet weather pattern more than 20 volunteers came out to help clean Playa Marias and the creek to it's south.

Thanks girls for helping in our beach cleaning effort! Your help was very appreciated.

Luis surveying the parking lot for trash; focused and on a mission.

Nate at work with the rake. Att-a-boy!

Marissa seeking shelter during a passing rain shower while holding 'homebase' down. Great work today Marissa!

Captain Pauco Font smiling while fleeing the beach scene for some shelter during the mornings worst downpour. Your the man Pauco!

While Brian opted to stay put and watch the surf contemplating where his next barrel was going to be.

Hands full and amped to have done a good deed for the day. Thanks bro!

On to the creek and the infamous 'yola.' As she sits proud to the creek, our group of volunteers brainstorm removal methodology. Let the fun begin!

Led by Pauco, heavy lifting provided by David, Brian covering logistics, and a committee of supervisors handling the situation we positioned the yola for her exit.

Her bow clears the bank!

Finally, land-ho! The crowd cheers with joy.

We came, we saw, we kicked some yola stern. The crew (not pictured but important in the process...Luis, Nicole, and Marissa).

The debris pile. The days volunteers collected tires, metal parts of cars, plastic trash, an old toilet, bottles, and cleaned up random leaves, sticks, and branches from the beach. Surfrider Foundation Rincón would like to thank all of the volunteers for their fantastic help today and the municipality of Rincón for cleaning up the pile on Monday.

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-02-04T13:11:00.002-04:00

4 de Febrero, 2009

in english

Día de Trabajo #8

Hoy un grupo de voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la reserva. Disfrutamos de la hermosa mañana en el agua. Después de los voluntarios 'tow-boarded' empezamos a trabajar. Se encontraron 4 gomas más para un total de 108 desde agosto! Además de los gomas, hemos extraído de barras de metal del arrecife, botellas de plástico, madera, ropa, y la cañería de PVC. Una vez más, gracias por ayudar a la limpieza de los arrecifes de Rincón!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-02-04T12:43:00.006-04:00

February 4th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #8

Today a group of 3 volunteers helped clean the reserve; Marissa Feddema, Nate Clark, and Freyda Zell. We enjoyed the smooth glassy sea state, the warmth of the Caribbean sun, and the clear blue waters. After the volunteers 'tow-boarded' until their hearts were content we got to work. We found 4 more tires bringing the season to a total of 108! In addition to the tires, we extracted a mass of metal rebar from the reef, plastic bottles, 2X4's, clothing, and pvc pipe. Once again, thanks so much for volunteering your time to help beautify the reefs of Rincón!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Playas y Arrecifes de Rincón

2009-01-31T16:54:00.003-04:00

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-01-30T13:02:00.002-04:00

30 de enero, 2009

in english

Día de Trabajo #7

Hoy dos voluntarios, Dave Wrubel y Roger Wagner, estaban contentos de entrar en el agua y ayudar a limpiar el arrecife. Durante 'tow-boarding' se encontraron algunos de metal y cable y extrajeron desde el arrecife. Después de eso, siguió a 'tow-board' alrededor de la reserva. Entonces, buscamos a los desechos de Marías hasta Dogmans y encontraron 3 gomas en Dogmans y eliminado ellos. Terminamos el día en busca de los desechos en el arrecife al norte de Steps y eliminado una gran pieza de fibra de vidrio de una lancha Dominicana, dos gomas, y más basura. Gracias por su ayuda!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-01-30T12:39:00.007-04:00

January 30th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #7

Today after departing the marina, the two volunteers Dave Wrubel and Roger Wagner were eager to get into the water. Their eagerness was apparent because of the days perfect conditions; great visibility, light trade winds, and plentiful sunshine. Immediately into tow-boarding we ran across some cable and metal that we previously marked. After removing that debris we continued to tow-board around the reserve admiring it's beauty. Then, we monitored the reef from Marias south and extracted 3 tires off of Dogman's reef. We ended the day scanning the northern nearshore tier of the reserve and extracted a large fiberglass hull from a Dominican boat, a couple more tires, and additional trash. Thanks for your help!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-01-29T13:15:00.005-04:00

29 de enero, 2009

in english

Día de Trabajo #6

Hoy fue un hermoso día en la reserva de agua. Dos voluntarios vinieron a ayudarnos en este proyectol; Lisa Murdock, y Angel "Doctor" Rodríguez, de Arecibo. Después de 'tow-boarding' a través de la reserva marina comenzamos a trabajar. Nos llena una bolsa de plástico, piezas pequeñas de las lanchas, y las latas, y remover los cuatro gomas. Un goma se se eliminó cerca de Playa Escaleras, y los otros tres fueron eliminado cerca de Dogmans. El proyecto se está extendiendo a zonas alrededor de la reserva (i.e. norte hasta el faro, y sur hasta el balneario). Hoy los voluntarios, Captian Pauco, y yo, limpiado los arrecifes cerca de Casa China a Dogmans. Gracias por su ayuda!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-01-29T12:22:00.006-04:00

January 29th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #6

Today was another beautiful day to be in the water helping to clean the reserve. Two volunteers came out to help us in this community coral reef restortation effort; Lisa Murdock, and Angel 'Doctor' Rodriguez of Arecibo. After tow-boarding around the marine reserve we got to work. We filled a bag full of plastic debris, small parts of boats, and cans, then extracted four tires. One tire was removed just off steps, and the remaining three were removed near dogmans. Our cleaning efforts our being expanded to neighboring areas of the reserve (i.e. north to El faro, and south to the balneario). Today the volunteers and I monitored the reef from Casa China to Dogmans. Thanks for your help!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-01-27T13:17:00.004-04:00

27 de enero, 2009

in english

Día de Trabajo #5

Las condiciones eran perfectas en el agua hoy. Dos voluntarios locales, Kevin Grady y Sally Fleming, vinieron a ayudarnos. Que nos acompañó durante algún 'tow-boarding' y snorkeling, y ayudó a localizar y remover 12 neumáticos. Los gomas se encontró en el arrecife. Ver las fotos de abajo de nuestro día en el agua. Gracias por su ayuda!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón
y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-01-27T12:53:00.005-04:00

January 27th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #5

Perfect conditions on the water gave way to a productive outing with two local volunteers; Kevin Grady and Sally Fleming. They accompanied us for some tow-boarding and snorkeling, and along the way managed to locate and remove 12 tires. The debris was found along the northern linear nearshore tract of reef running parallel to the shoreline north of the 'Steps'. Below are photos from our enjoyable coral reef restoration excursion. Thanks for your help!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-01-26T13:39:00.003-04:00

26 de enero, 2009

in english

Día de Trabajo #4

Hoy día 2 personas limpiaron la reserva marina. En esta actividad se extrajeron 9 neumáticos, 10 bloques, ropa, y más. El clima y la visibilidad del agua ayudaron a nuestros esfuerzos. Estas son las fotos de los voluntariado que trabajaron hoy.

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-01-26T13:09:00.007-04:00

January 26th, 2009

en español

Offshore work day #4

Today conditions in the Reserve were beautiful. Two volunteers came out to help clean the reef; a local Rincóeño Ivan Soto, and Emily Fisher a dive master working with Taino Divers. After tow-boarding for a while we decided play time was over and got to work. We pulled up 10 cinderblocks, 8 tires, an old piece of a boat (metal), and two bags full of clothing, stuffed animals, lost dive gear (mask, snorkel, fin), plastic bottles, and more. Primary methods used to extract the debris were free diving and scuba. Below are photos from the day on the water.

Contact Wess Merten at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this community coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Playa y Quebrada Escaleras

2009-01-24T22:46:00.001-04:00

24 de enero 2009

in english

Limpieza de Playa y Quebrada

Día de Trabajo # 1

Más de 20 voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la playa Escaleras. A lo largo de la costa encontramos botellas, latas, papeles, neumáticos, y más. Después de 3 horas de trabajo, un gran montón de desperdicios fue acumulado los cuales fueron más tarde recogidos por la municipalidad local. Estas son las fotos de los voluntariado que trabajaron este sábado. Gracias a todos!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo
comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón
y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo
(Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Steps Beach and Creek Cleanup

2009-01-24T21:17:00.002-04:00

January 24th, 2009

en español

Beach and Quebrada Work Day 1

Today over 25 volunteers helped clean the beach and mangrove areas of Steps Beach. Along the shore and around the mangrove areas bottles, cans, paper, tires, car doors, blocks, leaf litter, dead branches, and more were bagged up and put in the pile. After 3 hours of working, a large pile of debris had accumulated and was picked up by the local municipality. Below are some photos of the volunteers who came out to help in the community effort. Thanks for your time!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2009-01-21T23:12:00.006-04:00

21 de enero de 2009

(in english)

Día deTrabajo #3

Hoy día un grupo de 3 personas (John Rosselio, Ryan Adams, and Nate Clark) limpiaron la reserva marina. Cada vez que encontramos una goma, algún bloque, o basura, paramos y buceamos para extraerlos. Encontramos 9 bloques de cemento, y dos bolsas llenas de plástico, latas, ropa, botellas, 8 gomas, y una silla.

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo (Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2009-01-21T22:37:00.005-04:00

January 21st, 2009

(en español)

Offshore work day #3

This past Wednesday was a rainy but fun morning on the water in the reserve. Three volunteers came out to help clean the reef; John Rosselio, Ryan Adams, and Nate Clark. After tow-boarding around some the outer reefs of the reserve we got to work. We pulled up 9 cinderblocks, 8 tires, a chair, and two bags full of clothing and plastic bottles. Primary methods used to extract the debris were free diving and scuba. Below are photos from the day on the water.

Contact (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Dia de Domes

2008-12-06T21:18:00.007-04:00

6 de diciembre de 2008

(in english)

Surfrider Foundation en colaboración con el Municipio de Rincón, Surf 787, la Escuela de Surf Rincón, Mar Azul, The Boarding House, y una multitud de voluntarios locales se reunieron a limpiar y a embellecer la Playa Domes. El principal objetivo era limpiar y evitar el sobrecrecimiento de la malesa para dar cabida al crecimiento de los hermosos árboles y así ayudarlos a crecer y prosperar. Más de 30 voluntarios ayudaron en el esfuerzo! Gracias a todos por su ardua labor.

A continuación podras ver las fotos de antes y después de la actividad.

Abajo podras ver las fotos de los patrocinadores del evento. Estas son las empresas locales que trabajan junto con la Fundación Surfrider Rincón para ayudar a mantener la belleza de las playas de Rincón, los hábitats, y las olas.

Aquí está el montón de basura recogida por los voluntarios en toda el área de playa. Se recogieron llantas, motores, botellas llenas de petróleo, y una gran cantidad de botellas de plástico, latas, botellas de cerveza, productos de higiene personal, envoltorios de alimentos, la lista podría seguir ... Gracias al esfuerzo de todos estos elementos fueron colocados en un contenedor de basura provisto por el Municipio de Rincón los cuales seran depositados en un lugar destinado especialmente para la basura en vez de tenerlos a lo largo de las hermosas playas de Rincón.

A continuación se muestran algunas fotos de los voluntarios quienes sonrien y trabajan duro. La comunidad de Rincón aprecia todo el trabajo que todos y cada uno de ustedes hizo. Trabajando juntos como comunidad, grandes cosas pueden lograrse. La actividad de hoy así lo comprobo.

La Fundación Surfrider Rincón agradece la donación del Municipio de Rincón de los contenedores para colocar los desechos recogidos y la prontitud para disponer de ellos adecuadamente. La Fundación Surfrider de Rincón también quisiera dar las gracias a todos los patrocinadores del evento, entre ellos a Carlos y a la gente de el Boarding House, Bobby de Mar Azul, Roger de Surf 787, a la Escuela de Surf de Rincón y a todos los demás voluntarios locales!

En enero y febrero vamos a estar haciendo una serie de limpiezas de playas; el sábado 24 de enero, Marías el sábado 7 de febrero, y la Marina y la playa Black Eagle el 21 de febrero. Los posters pronto serán publicados en varios puntos del pueblo, asi es que mantengan los ojos bien abiertos. Si alguien está interesado en patrocinar el evento o en ser voluntariado por favor envíanos un mensaje a salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org, o llama a la oficina de SF 787-823-2784.

Domes Day

2008-12-06T21:17:00.008-04:00

December 6th 2008

(en español)

Surfrider Foundation in collaboration with the Municipio de Rincón, Surf 787, Rincón Surf School, Mar Azul, the Boarding House, and a host of local volunteers came out to landscape, clean, and beautify Playa Domes. The major focus was to clear the overgrowth on the bluff to give room for the beautiful trees to grow and flourish. More than 30 volunteers helped in the effort! Thank you all for your hard work. Playa Domes was shining.

Below are before and after photos.

Below were the sponsers of the event. These are local businesses that work together with Surfrider Foundation Rincón to help maintain the beauty of local Rincón beaches, habitats, and waves.

Here is the pile of trash the volunteers collected around the beach area. We collected tires, engine blocks, bottles full of oil, a copious amount of plastic bottles and straws, cans, beer bottles, personal hygiene products, food wrappers, the list could go on…Thanks to everyone’s effort all of these items were placed in a trash container provided for by the Municipio de Rincón and will be taken to the land fill – a place were debris is meant to be accumulated, not along the beautiful beaches of Rincón.

Below are some photos of volunteers working hard and smiling as they do it. The community of Rincón appreciates all the hard work each and every one of you did. Working together as a community, great things can be accomplished. Today was the perfect example.

Surfrider Foundation Rincón appreciates the Municipality of Rincón for providing the container to place the debris collected in, and for promptly picking it up and disposing of it properly. Surfrider Foundation Rincón would also like to thank all of the sponsors of the event including Carlos and his crew from Boarding House, Bobby from Mar Azul, Roger from Surf 787, the crew from Rincón Surf School and all of the other local volunteers!

Looking forward in January and February we will be doing a series of cleanups at Steps on Saturday January 24th, Marias on Saturday February 7th, and the Black Eagle Marina on February 21st. Posters will soon be posted around town so keep your eyes peeled. If anyone is interested in sponsoring the event or volunteering their time, please email us at salvatrespalmas@surfrider.org, or call the SF office at 787-823-2784.

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

A Night to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the World Surfing Championship in Rincón

2008-11-20T14:11:00.000-04:00

Limpieza de la Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2008-11-15T19:33:00.001-04:00

15 de noviembre de 2008

(in english)

Offshore work day #2

Hoy día un grupo de 5 personas limpiaron la reserva marina. En esta
actividad se extrajeron neumáticos, se cortaron lineas de pesca que estaban
atascadas en los arrecifes, se extrajo un motor antiguo, y se recogio
basura. El clima y la visibilidad del agua ayudaron a nuestros esfuerzos.
Al comienzo del día, los voluntarios fueron remolcados por una embarcacion
para así facilitar la busqueda de desechos en la reserva.  Aquí está 
una photo de Tsunami.

Cada vez que encontramos un neumático, algún cable, o basura, paramos y
buceamos para extraerlos.  El motor fue el elemento más importante que encontramos ese día.
A continuación se muestra una foto de una bolsa de basura que fue retiradamientras haciamos buceo.

Katie quedó abrumada con toda la basura y se pregunta cuántas bolsas más
podría llenar.

Aquí está Fernando haciendo 'tow-boarding.'

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2008-11-15T19:32:00.002-04:00

November 15, 2008

(en español)

Offshore work day #2

Today a crew of 5 cleaned the marine reserve. We extracted tires, cut cable off of reef, removed an old engine block, and picked up trash. The weather and visibility of the water cooperated with our efforts. Below is a photo of Tsunami.

We started off the day by tow-boarding through the reserve looking for debris.
Once we found a tire, some cable, or trash we free-dove, or used scuba, to extract it.
An engine block was the find of the day. Below is a photo of one bag of trash removed in just a few moments while diving.

Katie was overwhelmed with all the trash and was wondering how many more bags we could fill.

Here is Fernando ‘tow-boarding.’

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza en el Balneario

2008-10-25T20:15:00.012-04:00

25 de Octobre, 2008

in english

Día de trabajo # 6

Hoy un grupo de 10 voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la playa desde restaurante Harbor hasta sur de el Balneario. Fue una limpieza exitosa en la cual recopilamos todo lo que se be en la fotografía.

foto: O.Bencosme

Los siguientes voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la playa: Oliver Bencosme, Jacqueline Halbrendt, Ruby Prothers, Kirby Lantz, Ciara Lantz, James Monty Smith, Gabriel A Canals, Paul Hoelter, Shannon Hoelter, Pauco Font.

Estas son las fotos de los voluntariado que trabajaron este sábado. Gracias a todos!

Beach Cleanup at the Balneario

2008-10-25T20:13:00.019-04:00

10/25/2008

en espanol

Nearshore Work Day # 6

Today we cleaned the balneario park area, and along the beach from the Harbor restaurant south passed the end of the beach area at the balneario. Below is a photo of the trash we collected.

Photo: O.Bencosme

The following were the volunteers helping out in the effort: Oliver Bencosme, Jacqueline Halbrendt, Ruby Prothers, Kirby Lantz, Ciara Lantz, James Monty Smith, Gabriel A Canals, Paul Hoelter, Shannon Hoelter, Pauco Font.

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza la Playa desde Marias hasta Indicators

2008-10-12T12:12:00.000-04:00

12th de Octobre 2008

(in english)

Dia de Trabajo #5

Hoy día tuvimos a un grupo de voluntarios locales y
surfistas que nos ayudaron a limpiar la playa desde Marias
hasta Indicators.

Fue una limpieza exitosa en la cual recopilamos todo lo que
se be en la fotografía.

The volunteers that helped in this effort are listed below:

Jacqueline Halbrendt, Nora Falvey, Miguel Mulero,
Bobby Dozier, James Monty Smith, Robert Haithcock,
Carlos Valera and his family, Rob Watts, Steve Tamar,
and Pauco Font.

Gracias a todos por su trabajo!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo
comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de
Rincón y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo
(Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Beach Cleanup from Marias to Indicators

2008-10-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

October 12th 2008

(en español)

Nearshore Work Day 5

Today, we had a handful of local volunteers, and surfers,
help clean the beach from Marias to Indicators.

It was a successful cleanup and amounted in the pile you
see below.

The volunteers that helped in this effort are listed below:

Jacqueline Halbrendt, Nora Falvey, Miguel Mulero,
Bobby Dozier, James Monty Smith, Robert Haithcock,
Carlos Valera and his family, Rob Watts, Steve Tamar,
and Pauco Font.

Thanks everyone for you hardwork!

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627 or siestasyolas6@aol.com
for more information on helping out in this coral reef restoration
and marine debris removal effort.

Limpieza desde la Black Eagle Marina hasta el restaurante Harbor

2008-10-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

11 de Octobre 2008

(in english)

Día de trabajo # 4

Hoy día tuvimos una gran participación, vino gente de la
escuela intermedia, secundaria y otros voluntarios locales.





Fue una hermosa mañana en la cual limpiamos desde la
Marina hasta el Restaurante Harbor.



El grupo de 20 voluntarios recolectaron este montón de
escombros después de una hora y media de trabajo.



Estas son las fotos de los voluntariado que trabajaron este sábado.
Gracias a todos!





Después de una ardua labor a lo largo de la costa, nos dirigimos
al agua.  La precaria visibilidad no nos permitio trabajar en el
agua por lo cual sol nos dedicamos a nadar  un rato disfrutando
de la calidez del agua y del sol.





El grupo de voluntarios que ayudaron en este esfuerzo son
los siguientes:

Lisa Annibell, Freyda Zell, Nicole Steinborn, Ibett Rosario,
Angelina Figueroa, Angel Figueroa, Christian Figueroa Rosario,
Alexis Velez, Fernando Ortiz,Tsunami Ortiz, Yolando Candelaria,
Luis Echevarria, Rafael Soto, Maria Soto, Cyd Echevarria,
Paulette Intreglai, Ruby Prothers, Kirby Lantz, Ciara Lantz,
Carol Ritch, and Pauco Font.

Si alguien está interesado en ayudar en este esfuerzo
comunitario para limpiar la playa, los arrecifes de Rincón
y sus entornos, póngase en contacto conmigo
(Wess) 401-258-4627 o siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Black Eagle Marina to Harbor Restaurant Beach Cleanup

2008-10-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

October 11th 2008

(en español)

Nearshore Work Day 4

Today, we had a great turnout of local middle school, high school,
and other local volunteers.





It was a beautiful morning spent cleaning Black Eagle Marina to
the Harbor Restaurant.  



The group of 20 volunteers generated this pile of debris after an
hour and a half.



These are photos of the Saturday volunteering crew.   Thanks
everyone!  






After the hard work along the shore, we headed into the water.
The visibility didn't allow us to work in the water so we just swam
around for a little while enjoying the warmth of the water and
the sun. 







The group of volunteers that helped in this effort are as
follows:

Contact me (Wess Merten) at 401-258-4627
or siestasyolas6@aol.com for more information on
helping out in this coral reef restoration and marine
debris removal effort.

Limpieza de Playa y Coral en la Playa Marías

2008-09-20T14:08:00.000-04:00

20 de septiembre, 2008

Día de trabajo # 3

Hoy fue el Día Internacional de Limpieza de las zonas costeras, patrocinado por Scuba Dogs. Se realizaron limpiezas en toda la isla y dos de ellas fueron en Rincón: una en Corcega y la otra en playa Marías, la cual fue organizada por la Fundación Surfrider en Rincón. Llegamos a Marías a las 8 am, armamos un stand, pusimos música, y trajimos todo nuestro equipo para la recollección de desechos (kayaks, tablas de surf, etc.) Afortunadamante hubo una gran participación. La gente ayudó a limpiar la playa, tanto al norte como al sur de Marías. En una hora de limpieza se recogió lo siguiente: 3 bolsas de papel, 100 bolsas de plástico, 71 botellas de plástico, 74 botellas de vidrio, 50 latas, 40 botellas de cerveza, 6 zapatos, 60 cucharas de plástico / tenedores, 14 anillo de plástico para latas, 6 jarras de plástico, 50 pies de la línea de pesca, 3 botellas de aceite, 6 pies de cuerda, 4 paquetes de cigarrillos, 2 bloques de cemento, un motor de 140 libras, 3 jeringas, y, por último, 5 productos de higiene personal incluidos preservativos, tampones, toallas femeninas.

Los siguientes voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar la playa: Stacey Williams, Katie Flynn, Dennis Ritch, Carol Ritch, Tyler Ritch, Freyda Zell, Annette Blasini, Braulio Quintero, Oliver Bencosme, Roberto Ortiz, Fernando Ortiz, Steve Tamar, y Pauco Font.

photos by: O.Bencosme

Después de la limpieza de la playa los voluntarios ayudaron en la eliminación de desechos en 6 de colonias de corales de Cuerno de Alce, marcarón los puntos de referencia de 4 de neumáticos que serán removidos más adelante. Gracias!

Marias Beach and Reef Cleanup

2008-09-20T14:07:00.000-04:00

September 20th 2008

(en spanish)

Nearshore Work Day 3

Today was International Coastal Cleanup Day sponsored by Scuba Dogs. There were coastal cleanups held all around the island and two cleanups in Rincon; one was at Corcega, and another at Marias hosted by the Surfrider Foundation Rincon. We setup at Marias at 8 am with a booth, music, and all of our debris removal equipment (Kayaks, surfboards, etc). We had a great turnout. People helped clean the beach both north and south from Marias. In an hour cleaning the beach we collected the following; 3 paper bags, 100 plastic bags, 71 plastic bottles, 74 glass bottles, 50 cans, 40 beer bottles, 6 shoes, 60 plastic spoons/forks, 14 plastic ring holders for cans, 6 plastic jugs, 50 feet of fishing line, 3 oil bottles, 6 feet of rope, 4 cigarette packs, 2 cement blocks, 140 lb engine, 3 syringes, and lastly 5 personal hygiene products including condoms, tampons, and maxi pads.

The volunteers who helped clean the beach are as follows: Stacey Williams, Katie Flynn, Dennis Ritch, Carol Ritch, Tyler Ritch, Freyda Zell, Annette Blasini, Braulio Quintero, Oliver Bencosme, Roberto Ortiz, Fernando Ortiz, Steve Tamar, and Pauco Font.

photos by: O.Bencosme

After the beach cleanup these volunteers helped the reef by removing debris from 6 Elkhorn coral colonies, marking waypoints on 4 tires that will be removed with the boat, and collecting more miscellaneous debris. Thank you!

If anyone is interested in helping out in our community effort to purify the beach and reef environments of Rincon, please contact me (Wess) at 401-258-4627 or at siestasyolas6@aol.com.

Limpieza de La Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

2008-09-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

18 de septiembre, 2008

Día de trabajo de lancha #1

Hoy en día, el Doctor Brian Irish, un horticultor del Departamento de Agricultura de la Estación de Investigación de Agricultura Tropical en Mayagüez, nos acompañó durante un día en el agua. Después de un tour por el perímetro de la reserva, lo llevamos a hacer tow-boarding. Durante esa actividad, el Dr. Irish nos ayudó a sacar una ancla que encontramos depositada sobre un coral.

Además de el ancla, encontramos 13 bloques de cemento, y dos bolsas llenas de plástico, latas, cuerdas, botellas y otros desechos.

Gracias Brian por su ayuda!

Si alguien está interesado en ayudarnos en este esfuerzo, no dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo (Wess) en (401) 258 4627 o (787) 831 3929 o por correo electrónico a siestasyolas6@aol.com. Necesitamos voluntarios en el bote y cerca del bote.

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas Cleanup

2008-09-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

September 18, 2008

(en español)

Offshore Work Day 1

Today, Dr. Brian Irish, a horticulturist with the United States Department of Agriculture from the Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Mayaguez, accompanied us for a day on the water. After a tour of the reserve's perimeter, we went tow-boarding. During tow-boarding, we came across a lost anchor lying on the reef of which Dr. Irish helped to remove.

Along with the anchor, we managed to collect 13 blocks, and two huge bag fulls of plastic, cans, ropes, bottles, and other debris by scuba diving.

Thanks Brian for your help! If anyone is interested in helping us out in this effort feel free to contact me (Wess) at (401) 258 4627 or (787) 831 3929 or by email at siestasyolas6@aol.com. We need volunteers for both the boat and nearshore work.

Limpieza de Coral en la Playa Escaleras (Steps)

2008-09-14T13:56:00.001-04:00

14 de septiembre, 2008

Día de Trabajo # 2

Hoy un grupo de 8 voluntarios ayudaron a limpiar el arrecife de Steps, en el extremo sur de la Reserva Marina. Un total de 10 colonias fueron limpiadas, y documentadas. De estas, 5 fueron marcadas con puntos de referencia para monitorear sus mejoras en los próximos meses.

El grupo de voluntarios que ayudaron en este esfuerzo son los siguientes: Suhey Ortiz-Rosa, Luciano Huriberto, Diana Beltrán, Oliver Bencosme, Katie Flynn, Kat Tzadik, y Pauco Font.

Steps Beach Reef Cleanup

2008-09-14T13:55:00.000-04:00

September 14^th, 2008

(en español)

Nearshore Work Day 2

Today a group of 8 volunteers helped clean the reef from Steps to the southern end of the Marine Reserve. A total of 10 colonies were cleaned, and documented. Of these 5 were marked with waypoints to monitor their improvements of the next several months.

The group of volunteers that helped out in this effort are as follows: Suhey Ortiz-Rosa, Luciano Huriberto, Diana Beltran, Oliver Bencosme, Katie Flynn, Kat Tzadik, and Pauco Font.

Escaleras (Steps), Limpieza de playa y de los arrecifes

2008-09-13T13:48:00.000-04:00

13 de septiembre, 2008