November 9, 2006 -– Surfrider Sets Up Sediment Control Demonstration
Rincón, PR – As a compliment to Surfrider’s ongoing outreach and education efforts about ways citizens can help protect coral reefs, Surfrider volunteer Steve Tamar installed hay bales at the parking lot at Maria’s Beach to demonstrate ways to reduce the amount of sediments reaching the ocean and its reefs. The project was undertaken after the hill adjacent to the parking area was graded and “cleaned” of vegetation resulting in a high-risk situation for sedimentation. The site was also selected for this demonstration given the high level of visitation to the area.
During the effort, many onlookers were given a brief lesson on the proper installation of the hay bales as well as other methods of controlling sediments.
Municipal employees were also provided with instruction as well as complimentary educational materials on the impacts of sedimentation on coral reefs and ways to mitigate the risks of negative impacts.
Reefs in Puerto Rico have shown marked loss of living coral during the last thirty years from natural and anthropogenic causes. Excessive sedimentation constitutes one of the largest sources of reef degradation from human activities. The increasing development pressure, coupled with lack of knowledge, often results in excessive sedimentation reaching our local reefs. Surfrider is working in Rincón to combat this problem.
Steve Tamar volunteered his time and neighbors Cindy Rice and Stu White sponsored the purchase of the hay bales.
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