Taino Reef Deployment and Habitat Enhancement
Isla de Ratones, located near Cabo Rojo, is a small island surrounded by diverse coastal habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. This restoration project deployed Taino reef structures to create artificial reef habitat and enhance fish populations in areas adjacent to natural mangrove and seagrass ecosystems.
The Taino reefs serve multiple functions: providing hard substrate for coral colonization, creating refuge for fish and invertebrates, and breaking wave energy to protect shorelines. The strategic placement next to mangrove and seagrass habitats creates an integrated ecosystem that maximizes ecological connectivity and supports diverse marine life including lane snapper and other reef-associated species.
Location: Isla de Ratones, Cabo Rojo
Type: Coral Restoration, Artificial Reef Deployment
Features: Taino Reef Structures, Integrated Coastal Habitats