Above image: Nicole Holman
Addressing Beach Loss in a New Era of Climate Change
American scientists estimate that about 50% to 70% of our U.S. coastlines are at high risk for beach loss due to sea level rise and coastal erosion, two of the main coastal impacts of climate change. Although the scale of this threat is daunting, we have the power to turn the tide and save our beaches for ourselves and future generations to enjoy. Surfrider’s solution? Harnessing the power of nature instead of fighting against it with our Climate Action Program.
Mangrove forests are a keystone species for restoring healthy coastal resilience. These salt-tolerant trees have amazing superpowers, including stabilizing the shoreline and reducing flooding. Additionally, they capture a remarkable amount of carbon — five times more per acre than forests on land — and shelter a countless number of aquatic and land-based species. There is no better place to see the mangroves’ positive impact than in Puerto Rico.
Surfrider has supported mangrove and dune restoration efforts in Puerto Rico for many years, but things really grew in 2022 when we hired local staff to lead this work full-time. Since officially launching the CAP in 2024, we’ve had an even stronger platform to scale up coastal restoration efforts. To date, we’ve planted more than 27,000 native plants and restored over 25 acres of coastal habitat!
One of Surfrider Puerto Rico’s most dedicated activists is Angely M. Rivera. Despite her complete fascination with the marine environment from a young age, she pursued an education, and ultimately a career, in engineering. However, always wanting to learn more about the waters surrounding her island home, she returned to academia and earned a master’s degree in environmental science. Not long after, she discovered Surfrider on Instagram, with the Puerto Rico office being only 15 minutes from her home. She decided to check out a mangrove planting event, and after that, she was hooked.
“I fell in love with the mangroves that day. Before that activity, I didn't really understand their importance. I knew that they were a local tree that acted as a filter for our coastline, but I didn't know much more than that. Now, I'm more aware that they are a nursery for many types of marine life, and a filter for the water as well. And they protect us from powerful storm swells,” Rivera said.
A Mangrove's Life Cycle
Found in regions such as Puerto Rico and Florida, mangroves are native and absolutely essential for protecting the coastline. Once a baby mangrove, or propagule, is planted, it begins making an impact almost immediately. Within the first year, their roots help stabilize soils and trap sediments, reducing erosion and improving water clarity. After about three to five years, young mangroves provide shelter for fish, crabs, and birds, and their root systems start to function as effective natural filters. After 10 years or more, a restored mangrove stand can act much like a mature forest — reducing storm surge, capturing and sequestering large amounts of carbon, and supporting a full range of coastal biodiversity.
Amplifying the Value of Mangrove Restoration
In a short time, Rivera has seen the positive impact that mangrove planting has had on waterfront communities in Puerto Rico. However, with a coastline of over 300 miles, there is still plenty more work to be done. Moving forward, the most important thing the Surfrider Puerto Rico team can do is to educate residents and tourists about why coastal ecosystems, nature-based solutions, and climate action are so important for everyone.
“Across Puerto Rico, we have our native Spanish speakers, and English speakers as well. I think we need to get on the news more, because there are a lot of people who watch TV, and use our social media in both languages,” Rivera said.
With Surfrider Puerto Rico’s mangrove work being recently featured in Teen Vogue this summer, Rivera believes she and her team are on the right path. Showing the world that her country is actively advocating for its coastlines, Puerto Rico can be an example for others.
“Being featured in Teen Vogue, Surfrider is doing environmental justice in some way. It's not because we do a good job — I know we do that — but the world needs to see what small islands do to protect the natural resources we have,” Rivera said.
Do you live in or plan to visit Puerto Rico and want to get involved? Check out Surfrider Puerto Rico and follow on Instagram to join us as we plant mangroves and maintain the nursery. Not in the area but still want to support? Become a Surfrider member today to support the Climate Action Program in Puerto Rico and across our network!