Species Benefiting From Restoration:
Elkhorn coral (A. palmata)

Acres of Habitat To be Restored:
Approximately 215 acres

Project Summary:
While most Elkhorn coral (A. palmata) throughout the Caribbean is facing destruction largely because of human-related activities, healthy and well-developed Elkhorn coral can still be found off the coast of Rincón, Puerto Rico. However, because of ongoing environmental threats, Elkhorn was recently listed as a threatened species.
The coral near Rincón provides environmental and economic benefits to the small community: the Tres Palmas reefs protect the adjacent shoreline from erosion and Elkhorn colonies provide essential fish habitat. The reefs also provide world-class snorkeling and surfing opportunities for tourists.
This project seeks to protect and restore the health of these reefs by removing a large number of tires that may damage coral reefs. The Surfrider Foundation will also implement a community-based educational outreach campaign that will create and distribute solution-focused outreach materials addressing threats to coral reefs from sedimentation and marine debris. The Surfrider Foundation will work with local fishers, the municipality and local citizens to implement the restoration and education and outreach efforts.
Project effectiveness will be measured by tracking the number of tires removed and monitoring the site on a regular schedule for more tires that may be unearthed by shifting sediments. Outreach activities will be evaluated by tracking the amount of outreach materials distributed, number of presentations made, and the number of people involved in community activities.

Project Objectives:
The primary objective of this project is to minimize damage and begin to restore the health of the Elkhorn coral reefs and surrounding marine environment in the Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (RMTP) in Rincón, Puerto Rico, by collaborating with local fishers and the Municipality to remove submerged tires that threaten coral reef health. The project also seeks to educate the public about:

• The importance of protecting the reefs
• The link between land-based activities and the health of the reefs
• How their everyday actions can have a direct impact on reef health.

Community Involvement:
The Surfrider Foundation has had significant success in building community involvement in educational and volunteer efforts. Various community groups are volunteering their time and resources on the broader RMTP management plan effort, and over the past year, at least 200 volunteer hours have been spent on educational activities supporting reef protection. With the addition of CIEL and the Municipality volunteering their time to help with project activities, as well as the volunteer force of our local Rincón Surfrider Foundation chapter coordinating the outreach campaign, we anticipate this number to approach 500 hours.