With this project HJR reefscaping will collaborate with the USFWS, the prdner and contractor to install at LEAST50 new manatee waterway signs (3X4 FT.) on single pilings within manatee high use…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $950,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Endangered Species Recovery Implementation program (CFDA 15.657) to HJR Reefscaping, a minority-owned, Hispanic American-owned business in Puerto Rico. The project aims to collaborate with federal and local agencies to install at least 50 new manatee waterway signs (3'x4') on single pilings within manatee high-use areas in Puerto Rico, similar to the signage used in Florida. This effort is intended to enhance manatee protection efforts in Puerto Rico by improving visibility and enforcement of speed zones, minimizing impacts to manatee habitat and watercraft, and increasing boater understanding of the marked areas. The project will run from October 2024 through September 2029.

With this project HJR reefscaping will collaborate with the USFWS, the prdner and contractor to install at LEAST50 new manatee waterway signs (3X4 FT.) on single pilings within manatee high use areas in puerto rico, similarto the ones used in florida. A larger can buoy marker may be considered as well depending on the site and incombination with the single pile marker. Installation sites will be in the same areas already used by the puertorico department of natural and environmental resources and authorized for the location of the small manateebuoys. These sites are generally located in waters no deeper than 20 FT. And benthic substrates of sand, shell, seagrass and or MUD. In manatee high use areas, new and improved signage are needed to help with manatee protection efforts in puertorico. In the past, puerto rico manatee in-water markers have only considered the use of small buoys. Due to theirsmall size, enforcement has also been a challenge. In addition, these buoys require maintenance and replacementwithin relatively short periods of time under normal environmental conditions and are less resistant to tropicalstorms. Thus, larger and stronger pilings with signs have been recommended, same as those used in florida. Thesemarkers provide better visibility to mark speed zones minimizing manatee, habitat and watercraft impacts, andincrease boater understanding and appropriate vessel use for marked areas.