National Estuarine
Research Reserves

About This Reserve

This Puerto Rico reserve encompasses parts of Mar Negro and Cayos Caribe, a linear formation of 15 tear-shaped, reef fringed, mangrove islands extending westward from the southern tip of the mouth of Jobos Bay. Jobos Bay supports extensive healthy sea grass beds comprised of Thalassia and Halodule, interspersed with macroalgae and coral rubble. This reserve also includes extensive upland dry forests, lagoons, seagrass beds, and is commercially important for marine recreation, commercial and recreational fishing, and ecotourism.

The Jobos Bay Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System that is protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. Daily oversight is led by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources along with other local partners. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.