Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico and members of the coastal community urged the country’s mayors this Thursday to take immediate action to identify and remove the debris that remains on numerous beaches, putting the safety of visitors at risk and limiting the enjoyment of these public spaces.
Last Tuesday, the Municipality of Isabela and its mayor, Miguel “Ricky” Mendezmobilized a brigade with excavators, trucks and personnel to respond to the claim of local surfers, residents and the Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico on Jobos beach, one of the most emblematic in the country and internationally recognized in the world of surfing. surfing.
The intervention initially arose as a claim on social networks and then became direct communication with the mayor. A video released by the community questioned the “progress” while showing a beach occupied by remains of structures, rods, rocks and other dangerous materials.
During the intervention, more than six trucks full of debris were removed from Jobos Beach. Although no official weighing was carried out, it is estimated that between 120,000 and 180,000 pounds of materials were removed, equivalent to about 60 to 90 tons.. Because more than six trucks were used, the total weight could even exceed that amount.
The Municipality of Isabela was in charge of removing the largest debris, while members of the community collected the stones and small fragments that remained on the shore in buckets. This collaboration allowed us to recover an extensive area of Jobos beach, which can now be used more safely by families, bathers, surfers and other visitors.
“This action establishes an important precedent for Puerto Rico. The municipalities have the machinery, the communities have identified the affected beaches and the claims have been made for years. What is needed is the will to act, manage the corresponding permits and address a problem that represents a real risk to public safety.”expressed Héctor “Tito” Varela VélezProgram Director of Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico, in a press release.
Since the passing of Hurricane Maria (2017), communities from different municipalities have reported the presence of collapsed structures and large amounts of debris on their beaches. One of these claims comes from Vega Bajawhere residents have documented the conditions of the beach known locally as the Dead Sea. In videos shared publicly, a large accumulation of materials is observed that appear to come from one or several structures destroyed by the coastal erosion, hurricanes and swells.
This situation is repeated in other parts of the archipelago. In addition to impeding access to and enjoyment of beaches, cement blocks, exposed rebar, and fragments of structures pose a danger to families, fishermen, athletes, and coastal communities.
Given this, Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico reiterated its willingness to collaborate with municipalities and communities in identifying affected areas, documenting risks and coordinating efforts for the proper collection and disposal of materials.
“What happened at Jobos Beach shows that it is possible to recover our beaches when there is communication, collaboration and will. We urge the other mayors of Puerto Rico to listen to the claims of their communities and follow the example of Isabela. Our beaches are public goods, they are part of our identity and must be kept accessible and safe for everyone,” added Varela Vélez.