Mosquito Pier, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico (2007-2008)

In partnership with Geo-Marine, Inc., our MRU team conducted an assessment of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Under U.S. federal regulations, EFH includes the waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. EFH-designated waters and substrate are protected from adverse effects which may include direct or indirect physical, chemical, or biological alterations of the waters or substrate and loss of, or injury to, benthic organisms, prey species, and their habitat, as well as other ecosystem components.

Prior to the commencement of cargo and passenger ferry activities at Mosquito Pier on Vieques, we supported and conducted an ecological survey to characterize the EFH (seagrass beds) at four sites near the pier. Our team collected extensive underwater data on seagrass percent cover and diversity, fish biomass and abundance, and threatened and endangered species presence. This assessment provided baseline information on the marine resources at the site. These data will be used to document the future potential environmental effects of ferry operations.