Puerto Rico Critical Wildlife Areas - Puerto DRNA - Gobierno de ...

Fish
Some species reported in the Cocal River and in the coast are the Grunt, Snook and
Tarpon fish (F. López, pers. comm.).
Invertebrates
Blue land crab Cardisoma guanhumi are abundant in the San Pedro Swamp and are
recreationally harvested from it (Naval Security Group Activity, 2004). These land crabs live
along the banks of the Cocal River and in the marsh area. Also, freshwater shrimp migrate
through the Cocal River to spawn in the Atlantic Ocean. This shrimps are collected both in the
river and on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean (F. López pers. comm.).
Threats:
From the early 1950s through 1970, the U.S. Public Work Department deposited all
waste generated at the station at various areas on the south tract. Materials included paints,
solvents, waste oil and battery acid. There where also a pest control shop where spills of DDT,
lindane, chlordane, 2-4-D and sevin were reported in and around the building
(Greenleaf/Telesca and E&E, 1984). In 1984, soil samples showed elevated levels of arsenic,
lead, and chlordane (Naval Security Group, 2004). Rain could wash soil contaminants through a
drainage ditch to the marsh.
Industrial, commercial and residential development along the wetland impacts fish and
wildlife populations and habitats largely through direct losses of habitat and degradations in
habitat quality, particularly water quality. Contamination, sewage, storm water and waste
discharges, and dredging are all of concern in the San Pedro Swamp aquatic environment. The
wetland is reported to have significant water quality problems, particularly in certain areas close
to the Naval Facilities.
Conservation Recommendations:
In 1992, an Interagency Agreement was signed by the EPA, the NAVY, and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to identify, investigate, and control the migration of hazardous
contaminants at military and other Department of Defense facilities. In 1998, the EPA deleted
NSGA Sabana Seca from the National Priorities List.
Particular attention needs to be focused on restoring and protecting the water quality of
the San Pedro Swamp and its high value to fish and wildlife populations. Protective measures
should include stringent regulatory overview and enforcement of existing Federal, State and
local environmental regulations, as well as developing and implementing environmentally
planning policies and restoration programs.
References:
Greenleaf/Telesca & Ecology and Environment. 1984. Initial Assessment Study of Naval
Security Group Activity, Sabana Seca and Naval Communications Station, Puerto Rico.
Miami: NAVY Assessment and Control of Installation Pollutants (NACIP) Department.
Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity (NAVENENSA).
Naval Security Group. 1995. Cultural Resources Investigations. Naval Security Group
Activity, Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico.
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