Caribbean Water Science Center Science Plan 1999

Ecological Health of Streams

Because of the highly urbanized and industrialized nature of the islands, ecological problems abound.  The rivers, lakes, wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, and coastal environments have all suffered from a variety of problems, among which sedimentation and eutrophication are major concerns.  Major riverine and estuarine systems in Puerto Rico have been under urban development and have been affected by channelization, dredging and filling operations, oil spills, and untreated sewer discharges.  Instances of poisoned fish and fowl have been observed in the region.   The deteriorating ecologic health of streams and rivers contributes to the poor ecological health of the coastal environment.  In the Caribbean the destruction of coral reefs has adversely impacted the tourism industry.  Along the coasts, coral reefs serve as a rampart against strong surf erosion, especially during the winter months. Loss of the reefs will result in widespread erosion over tens of kilometers of coastline.

The Caribbean District has conducted major studies to determine the water and sediment quality in streams, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal lagoons and other coastal environments.  In cooperation with the Geologic Division and the Biological Resources Division, state-of-the-art techniques, including radiometric dating with Cs-137, have been used to determine the history of contamination composition and assess the health of corals.

Sand and gravel mining within river channels and along flood plains has resulted in the destruction and alteration of natural habitats.  As a result indigenous populations of species have been declining at an alarming rate.

Information Needs and Deficiencies

1. There is a lack of understanding of the quantity and quality of water needed to maintain a healthy environment in rivers from the headwaters to the coast.
   
   
2. No scientifically-based geographic assessment exists of the waterborne microbiologic threats to human health.
   
   
3. The effects of sand and gravel mining on the ecologic health of streams is not well understood.
   
   
4. There is a lack of data on the long-term effects of sedimentation, wastewater discharges, and other sources of pollution on marine ecosystems.
   
   
5. There is a pattern of coral bleaching and coral deterioration throughout the Caribbean that merits further study since the generalized nature of the problem creates cause for concern.

Program Opportunities

1. Propose to study, in cooperation with the Biological Resources Division, the minimum flows for sustainability of ecosystems and the effects of withdrawals on ecosystems health throughout the island.
   
   
2. Propose to conduct a scientifically-based geographic assessment of the waterborne microbiologic threats to human health. Possible threats include schistosomiasis, giardia, cryptosporidium, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and potentially toxic algae.
   
   
3. Propose to conduct studies of the effects of sand and gravel mining on the ecologic health of streams.
   
   
4. Study, in cooperation with the Geologic Division, the effects of sedimentation, discharge of primary- and secondary-treated wastewater through ocean outfalls, and other sources of pollution on the marine ecosystems.
   
   
5. Monitor, in cooperation with the Geologic Division, coral health throughout the Caribbean.

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