Puerto Rico’s New Marine Reserve Will Protect More Than 14 Endangered Species [Video]

After 16 years of efforts by grassroots organizations, local Puerto Rico communities are celebrating the establishment of the country’s new marine protected area (MPA), Jardines Submarinos de Vega Baja y Manatí.

The new marine reserve on Puerto Rico’s north coast will protect 77 square miles of marine biodiversity, a press release from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said. The project was a collaboration between local communities and authorities and environmental organizations.

A map of Puerto Rico’s new marine reserve protected area. Wildlife Conservation Society

More than 14 endangered species live amongst the reserve’s mangroves and seagrass beds, including the Greater Caribbean Manatee. Beneath its blue-green waters is one of the largest Elkhorn coral colonies in the Caribbean, as well as a variety of other coral species and endangered and threatened marine life, a press release from the Surfrider Foundation said.

An endangered manatee in Puerto Rico. Darryl Stansbury / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

“This is a victory for the people,” said Ricardo Laureano, leading member …