Stronger Protections for Elkhorn Coral

NOAA’s Fisheries Service has increased its protection of threatened elkhorn and staghorn corals in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through a new rule to prohibit activities that result in death or harm to either species. The new regulations took effect on Nov. 21, 2008.

The rule prohibits the import, export, take, and all commercial activities involving elkhorn and staghorn corals, including:

* discharging any pollutant or contaminant that harms the species
* damaging the species’ habitat
* collection or any activities that result in the corals’ mortality or injury
* anchoring, grounding a vessel, or dragging any other gear on the species

The Tres Palmas Marine Reserve was established in 2004 to help protect to protect some of Puerto Rico's healthiest elkhorn communities for future generations.

Like Sand in the Hourglass

These are the days of our lives...

Get involved! Surfrider is a volunteer based organization and we take pride in having local grassroots support. Volunteer at a beach cleanup to make a direct impact or stop by a chapter meeting to get more informed and find more ways to get involved.

Volunteering is Fun

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Tres Palmas Has A Management Plan

Did you know that the Management Plan for the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve was recently completed? The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) approved the plan in 2008 and the document is now being evaluated by the P.R. Planning Board.

Do you know What Is A Management Plan? Learn about the multi-year process to create the plan. Or download the entire plan (in Spanish)...

Memorial Paddle for Duke Michael

Puerto Rico has lost a surfing legend. Duke Michael, one of the first truly hardcore surfers to call Puerto Rico home, died December 23rd after several months of failing health related to lung cancer. A native of Malibu, California, Duke immigrated to Puerto Rico in 1965.

Beyond shaping surfboards under the “Uku” label first in San Juan and then in Rincón, Duke is credited with being the first surfer to tackle the waves of Tres Palmas along with friend Dan Herlihy. He later made the first successful attempt at riding Gas Chambers, naming it as well as having named Tres Palmas, Hole In The Wall, Wilderness, and Middles.

A memorial paddle out will be held at Tres Palmas in Rincón, Puerto Rico on Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 pm, to celebrate Duke’s life and bid him farewell in the waters where many of his most significant surfing exploits took place.

More about Duke at www.surfcaribe.com