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VICTORY!! THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY DECLARED MOSQUITO PIER A PROTECTED MARINE RESERVE!! OUR PRECIOUS ECOSYSTEM IS FINALLY SAFE AND I AM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED THAT WE SECURED THIS FUTURE FOR THE REEF DWELLERS!! WE MUST STAY VIGILANT TO ENSURE THESE NEW PROTECTIONS REMAIN ENFORCED FOREVER!!

November 3, 2014

Create a Marine Reserve in Vieques, PR

Create a Marine Reserve in Vieques, PR

🏆 Won — 171 supporters Verified

Final supporters

O
Olivia W.
A
Alberto G.
J
Julie N.
Y
Yasmin
N
Nadia e.
Y
Yoav P.
S
Someone
A
Alana T.
S
Someone
S
Sara R.
+161 more
CS
Started by Cristina Salvesen 11 years, 11 months ago
The island of Vieques has had a very turbulent history. Today it is slowly becoming a place to escape the every day. Most of the island remains undeveloped, but developmental pressure on the local government could potentially usurp the "untouched enchantment" the island currently holds. With proper environmental planning and working together with developers, clients, government and agencies, Vieques can move into the future and still maintain the "untouched" feel that so many travelers seek.


Mosquito Pier is located on the north of the island of Vieques, connected to land by a mile long wave breaker. Because it has been out of use for so long, and also because of its gifted location, Mosquito Pier and the Rompeolas have turned into a very unique marine habitat where schools of reef dwellers as well as endangered and protected species gather. As a safe-haven for sea dwellers, the Pier is a valuable resource for the local economy in general. As a coral and fish nursery it provides all adjoining reefs with a steady supply of young fish. At the same time it attracts larger, older species like Sea Turtles, Goliath Groupers, Manatees, Dolphins, Rays and Sharks. As this self containing ecosystem runs, it is important protect it as it has one of the largest concentrations of different marine species in Puerto Rico.

By signing this petition you are supporting the efforts in creating a Marine Sanctuary where humans and sea life can enjoy each other without the risks of development. Please help us in spreading the word on the value of this place and the need to protect it. Thank you!

Updates

October 15, 2014

THE MOMENTUM BEHIND SAVING OUR PRECIOUS MARINE LIFE IS ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC RIGHT NOW!! SEEING THIS GROUNDSWELL OF PASSION PROVES THAT WE ARE READY TO PROTECT THE WATERS OF VIEQUES FOREVER!! ONTO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THIS MISSION TO SECURE OUR SANCTUARY!!

Reached 100 supporters

October 15, 2014

16 Comments

A
Andrea Bartlett
11 years ago Featured

Divemaster hard to free a sea turtle from dragging a fishing line. Fishing from the pier has dwindled the marine life significantly.

K
Kelly Welker
11 years ago Featured

You can already see the negative effects the fishermen are having on the pier. Stop it before its too late.

M
Maria Cristina Benitez
11 years ago Featured

It was sad to see so many fishing lines caught on to the corals and hear about another caught and tangled on a sea turtle. It's a beautiful haven and it should be saved.

D
Dave Rosno
11 years ago Featured

Having just been to Vieques and enjoyed the diving, although not as spectacular as some destinations, I would hate to see the pristine nature of the beaches spoiled but a glut of tourists such as a cruise ship would bring. Also, the recent opening of the pier to local fishing on the end of the pier makes diving and snorkrling a hazard.

C
Cristina Salvesen · petition starter
11 years ago Featured

Hi Ivette. The idea of the reserve is to conserve the area that is not accessible by the general public at the moment. In other words it's the end of the Rompeolas where the pier is located. All in all creating a marine sanctuary will not impact the recreational activities that are carried out there today. Viequenses will still be able to launch their boats and have water related activities, people will still be able to fish from the shore in the same areas they do now, the possibility of the short ferry is still viable, and snorkelers, divers and swimmers will have the opportunity to enjoy a protected area designated just for swimmers.

I
ivette perez
11 years ago Featured

I have a question. Many viequense ' s families gather in the RompeOlas to fish. Will this petition allow for fishing? Or will only halt any further development?

N
Nadia elgaouzi
11 years ago

Please protect Vieques from developers

J
Jaime
11 years ago

Breathtaking place