Island Conservation and Habitat Restoration
Maria Langa is a small island cay off the coast of Ponce that serves as critical habitat for sea turtles, nurse sharks, and coastal bird species. The Guardianes de Maria Langa project focuses on island conservation through invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and protection of nesting sea turtles.
Conservation efforts include removal of invasive rats that prey on sea turtle eggs, cleanup of marine debris and garbage, mangrove habitat protection, and community outreach. The island's surrounding waters support nurse shark aggregations and diverse marine life documented through benthic mapping and surveys. Active monitoring of sea turtle nests and eclosion (hatching) events helps ensure successful reproduction.
Location: Maria Langa Cay, Ponce
Type: Island Conservation, Sea Turtle Protection, Habitat Restoration
Activities: Invasive Species Control, Nest Monitoring, Marine Surveys, Community Engagement