Funds under this award will be used to study the reproductive biology of recreationally important fish species, manage the artificial reef program, and collect data on recreational fishing activities

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $1,743,602 to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This formula grant supports three primary objectives: conducting reproductive biology research on recreationally important fish species (including graysby, dog snapper, and deep water snappers), managing an artificial reef program, and collecting data on recreational fishing activities throughout Puerto Rico.

The grant funds conservation and fisheries management initiatives designed to address critical gaps in understanding the reproductive ecology of key sport fish species, with findings intended to inform sustainable fishing policies such as size limits and seasonal closures. Additionally, the award supports coral reef protection efforts including mooring buoy deployment, coral restoration, and artificial reef installation to reduce habitat damage and enhance fish populations. These integrated research, monitoring, and habitat enhancement activities align with the Sport Fish Restoration program's focus on conserving and managing sport fish resources while promoting responsible recreational fishing access and marine biodiversity in Puerto Rico's coastal ecosystems.

The puerto rico department of natural and environmental resources dner is committed to conserving marine resources and improving fisheries management. This project addresses key gaps in the reproductive biology and ecology of important recreational fish species such as graysby DOG snapper and deep water snappers providing data to guide size limits and seasonal closures for sustainable fishing.coral reef protection is also a priority given their role as critical habitats. The project supports conservation efforts like mooring buoys coral restoration and artificial reef deployment to reduce reef damage and enhance fish habitats. These actions are crucial for sustaining marine biodiversity and promoting responsible recreational fishing in puerto rico.