Marine Protected Area Research and Monitoring
Mona Island is a remote island located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, designated as a Natural Reserve with extensive Marine Protected Areas. The island's isolation has allowed its reefs and marine ecosystems to remain relatively pristine, providing important baseline data for Caribbean reef health.
Research at Mona documents exceptional marine biodiversity including healthy populations of groupers, Caribbean reef sharks, sea turtles, spiny lobsters, and southern stingrays. The waters around Mona feature dramatic underwater topography including the famous "Sardinera" dive site. Monitoring efforts track fish populations, reef health, and protected species to inform management of this critical marine reserve.
Location: Mona Island Natural Reserve
Type: Marine Protected Area Research, Biodiversity Assessment
Focus: Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, Ecosystem Monitoring