NOAA aids Puerto Rico coral reef restoration through support of the Biden Administration

The Biden administration awarded USD 34.4 million (EUR 32.5 million) in April toward projects to combat climate change in Puerto Rico, including ocean restoration.

Eight projects have been selected for grants to boost both economic and environmental outcomes for Puerto Rico’s coastal communities. The selected projects, the administration said, will benefit the community across Puerto Rico.

Administred by NOAA, the awards were selected under the Biden Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts initiative, and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – with funds also suorced from the Inflation Reduction Act. 

The projects selected were focused on high-impact areas in need for climate solutions, according to NOAA. Grants were allocated towards resilience against coastal hazards, pollution and resoration to benefit wildlife as wella s humans. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to recommend funding for projects to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events that threaten Puerto Rico’s rich ecological diversity and maritime economy,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a release. “These critical investments in coral reef restoration, removing derelict vessels, and restoring coastal habitats will promote long-term sustainability while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Puerto Ricans.”

The projects include:

• USD 10.5 million (EUR 9.9 million) to the Institute for Socio-Ecological Research for Multi-strategic approaches to scale up ecosystem-based restoration to improve coral reef recovery and resilience around Puerto Rico.
• USD 7.4 million (EUR 6.9 million) to the Protectors of the Basins [Protectores de Cuencas] for Restoration of the Historic Guánica Lagoon to Reduce Land-based Sources of Pollution in a Priority Watershed in Puerto Rico.
• USD 6.9 million (6.5 million) to the Coral Restoration Foundation for its project: Multi-Site Coral Reef Restoration to Build Resilient Communities in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• USD 4 million (EUR 3.8 million) to Isla Mar Research Expeditions for the Setting the Baseline for a Marine Debris-free Puerto Rico project.
• USD 2.9 million (2.7 million) to the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust for the Mangrove, Seagrass, and Coral Restoration in the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay Natural Reserve project.
• USD 1 million (EUR 945,000) to the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla, for the Ecological Restoration to Improve Coastal Community and Habitat Resilience in Loiza project.
• USD 1.3 million (EUR 1.2 million) to Franklin’s Promise Coalition for the BoriCorps: Strengthening Puerto Rico’s Underserved Communities project.
• USD 450,000 (EUR 422,000) to The Ocean Foundation for the Large-Scale Mangrove Restoration and Rehabilitation in the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to Enhance Protection from Coastal Hazards for Underserved Communities.

“The recommended projects will help protect some of Puerto Rico’s most treasured natural resources,” NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad said in a release. “They will also unlock economic opportunities and bring new partners to the table, as we work toward a climate resilient Puerto Rico.”

Photo courtesy of Daniel Majak/Shutterstock