Operation: Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico
An ambitious operation by Island Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partners to rid Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge of invasive rodents has been confirmed a success! This project can enable the island to return to its former and rightful status: the most important seabird colony in the region.
DRNA:
Island Conservation:
USDA:
USFWS:
National Refuge System:
USFWS Coastal Program:
Desecheo Island
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Desecheo is a small uninhabited island of the archipelago of Puerto Rico located in the northeast of the Mona Passage; 21 km from the west coast of the main island of Puerto Rico and 50 km northeast of Mona Island.It has a land area of 1.5 km2 .Politically, the island is administered by the U.S.Department of the Interior, U.S.
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Sunset in crashboat over Desecheo Island
Puesta del sol Aguadillana
Heading out to Desecheo Island
Desecheo Island
Rincon's best-kept diving and snorkeling secret
Best known as a mecca for local and visiting surfers, Rincon is also a hotspot for all varieties of water sports. In addition to more than a dozen local beaches, divers and snorkelers can also explore the waters surrounding several neighboring islands, one of the most popular of which is Desecheo Island.
A small, remote island near the western coast of Puerto Rico, Desecheo Island was originally discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World. Unoccupied except for a herd of wild goats, it serves as a scenic destination for Rincon tourists looking to get off the beaten path and experience the remoteness of an isolated tropical islet. Although not a part of the banks of Puerto Rico today, historic geologists believe the island may have been connected to the U.S. territory at one time.
With crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and visibility of up to 150 feet, Desecheo Island is a prime destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The waters around the island's banks are open for diving, but Federal law prohibits unauthorized access to the island itself due to undetonated military artillery. Desecheo provides diving opportunities for experienced divers and beginners alike. A diverse, colorful array of marine life can be spotted in the easily navigable waters around the island. In addition to fish, sponges, and caverns, divers may also spot the occasional unexploded artillery that has sunk to the ocean floor. On the island's southwest corner, a protected cove provides divers and snorkelers with a prime spot for indulging in their preferred water sport. More than 20 dive sites can be accessed in the waters surrounding Desecheo.
Located approximately 12 miles from the surfer town of Rincon, Desecheo Island can be accessed using one of the local touring companies. One of the most popular diving companies is Taino Divers, who was voted the island's finest scuba charter service in 2007.
Diving Desecheo Island Waters
Restoring Wildlife Habitat on Desecheo Island
CABO ROJO, Puerto Rico - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Island Conservation today announced that operations in March and April to restore Desecheo Island's native species and their habitat by removing non-native, invasive black rats from Desecheo Island have been completed safely and successfully. The removal of invasive rats will allow the native forest to recover and will promote the recolonization of the island by several seabird species that historically nested there.
I would like to thank all of the dedicated and hardworking professionals involved in each aspect of the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) restoration project said Susan Silander, Project Leader of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Logistically, this project was no easy task. However, with the expertise and dedication of each of these individuals the operations were carried out safely and efficiently. In collaboration with Island Conservation and Puerto Rican government agencies, we have begun saving our extraordinary species, and we are anxiously waiting to document and monitor the positive changes that we anticipate will occur
on the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge.
Beginning March 13, 2012, the Service and Island Conservation successfully carried out the first aerial application of rodent bait in the Caribbean to remove destructive rats from the island and surrounding islets, while minimizing threats from the bait to other animals. Intensive monitoring took place prior to and after the bait application, from February to April to assess the effectiveness of the operations. Two years of additional monitoring will take place before the island can be officially declared free of destructive invasive rats.
According to Brad Keitt, Island Conservation's Director of Conservation, Desecheo is an
absolute jewel of an island, but its birds have been missing for many years. That is about to change -- using techniques that have been successful in removing rats from hundreds of islands around the world, we have begun the process of recovery. Desecheo Island's future is now one of native species thriving and abundant seabirds.
The Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is a small, uninhabited island located approximately 13 miles west of Puerto Rico. The refuge was established in 1976 to protect seabird colonies. Historically, Desecheo Island was a seabird rookery and it may have had the largest brown booby colony in the world.
Operation: Desecheo, Puerto Rico - Higo Chumbo
An ambitious operation by Island Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partners to rid Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge of invasive rodents has been confirmed a success! This project can enable the island to return to its former and rightful status: the most important seabird colony in the region.
DRNA:
Island Conservation:
USDA:
USFWS:
National Refuge System:
USFWS Coastal Program:
Scuba Desecheo Island Puerto Rico
Scuba Desecheo Island Puerto Rico Rob & Ana Conlin
New dwarf gecko species discovered in Puerto Rico
Part 1. Showing the well known species of Sphaerodactylus macrolepis, one of the species in the study,
Part 2. Showing students performing genetic analysis at the Caribbean Genome Center, UPRM
Part 3. Showing the newly discovered species of Sphaerodactylus from Rincon, Puerto Rico
Recently, a team of researchers from the Caribbean Genome Center at UPR Mayaguez ( was studying the distribution of dwarf geckoes in Puerto Rico. They were looking at genetics of dwarf geckos. This study was published last week in Ecology and Evolution ( Their major finding was that species of geckos in Puerto Rico develop from east to west, with the sea currents. This is how they colonized Mona and Desecheo islands, floating on logs and branches of trees. Population diversity of these animals was described for the first time using molecular genetic methods.
Yellow Reef - Desecheo
Scuba diving in Yellow Reef - Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Large Swim Thru / Cave at 80 feet deep.
Desecheo Neptunes Divers Puerto Rico 787 602 7000
Desecheo:
National Wildlife Refuge
The island of Desecheo is located 14 miles west of Puerto Rico and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south. The refuge encompasses the entire rugged island. From 1940 to 1952 the island was used as a practice target for aerial bombardment by the US War Department and from 1952 to 1960 Desecheo was used as a survival training area for the U.S. Air Force. Although formerly containing a colony of 15,000 brown boobies and 10,000 red-footed boobies, currently no successful booby breeding is known to occur on the island.
Other seabird species also use the island. There are three endemic species of lizards. An endangered cactus is found on the island and hawksbillturtles sometimes nest on the refuge. Feral goats became established on the island in the 1700's. Nopublic use is allowed on the island because of safety considerations associated with unexploded ordnance that remain on the refuge. The refuge has had a colorful past. In 1966, the National Institutes of Health introduced 56 rhesus monkeys to be later culled for medical research. Desecheo is often used as a drop off point for illegal aliens and drugs.
Vieques Archaeological Site
Archaeological site - Puerto Ferro in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Reserva Marina Isla de Desecheo
Desecheo o Sikeo, la tierra alta y montañosa que conocieron los taínos, posee una gran riqueza natural. La zona terrestre de Desecheo es considerada como Refugio de Vida Silvestre y su manejo está en manos de USFWS. En las aguas alrededor de la isla, habita una amplia diversidad de peces, tortugas marinas, mamíferos marinos y corales, entre otros organismos. Por tal razón, las aguas que se encuentran a media milla náutica de la isla fueron declaradas como reserva marina en el año 2000 y, por ende, son manejadas por el DRNA. Esta designación permite que las especies tengan un lugar seguro en el que puedan vivir y reproducirse, al tiempo en que se genera un espacio para fomentar actividades económicas, científicas y recreativas como el buceo, por ejemplo. En el video, encontrarán una explicación completa sobre Desecheo, su historia, sus recursos y los esfuerzos de conservación.
Desecheo, or Sikeo, that high and mountainous land the taínos knew, possesses great natural wealth. The land portion of Desecheo is considered a Wildlife Refuge, and its management corresponds to USFWS. The waters surrounding the island support a wide diversity of fishes, sea turtles, marine mammals and corals, among other organisms. For this reason, the waters comprising half a mile from the island’s coastline were declared as a marine reserve in 2000, and are managed by DNER. This designation allows for the species to have a safe place in which to live and breed, while at the same time, generates a space in which economic, scientific and recreational activities, like diving, can take place. In this video, you will find a complete overview on Desecheo, its history, resources and the conservation efforts underway.
Whale spotting from microlight in Puerto Rico
via YouTube Capture
Puerto Rican Ground Lizard Eating
Puerto Rican Ground Lizards are a relatively large lizard found in coastal habitats of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Isla Culebra, Isla Mona, Isla Desecheo, and most satellite islands.
Working on a 100,000+plus Years old Coral Reef in Mona Island West of Puerto Rico
Doing some measurements on a 90ft deep reef while investigating for the University of Puerto Rico Marine Biology in a Program sponsored by C.A.T.E.C. (Central Applied Tropical Ecoloy Conservation). Trying to find a way to deal with the global warming problem that is currently affecting us.
Vieques mountain biking Jan 2016
This video is about Vieques mountain biking Jan 2016
El Faro Los Morrillos ~ CABO ROJO Lighthouse ~ Best UAV Drone Caribbean ~ WeBeYachting.com
Faro de Los Morrillos is the most beloved landmark in the municipality of Cabo Rojo. Commonly known as “El Faro”, it is located at Los Morrillos Peninsula perched on commanding limestone cliffs that drop 200 feet into the Caribbean Sea. Los Morrillos Lighthouse was the second lighthouse built by the Spanish in Puerto Rico, construction began in 1887 and completed 1882. The lantern room was constructed out of cast iron, copper and glass. The interior served as a home for the keeper and the family. All the walls were built with brick and mortar. Los Morrillos Lighthouse is one of the 27 sites.
Lighthouse lovers will enjoy the simplicity and elegance of the structure. In 2002 a three million dollar restoration was initiated, and in 2007 it was re-opened to the public. The lighthouse got a brand new coat of paint in the original colors of gray with white trim; a punch of color was added to the windows and doors in lime green. The lighthouse is fully automated, still shines brightly helping ships navigate safely through the Mona Passage.
We are always glad to hear your comments and cheers from Annie & Eric,
* Filmed by Annie & Captain Eric Bergeron
* Edited on Final Cut Pro X on Mac
After Effects, was used for the intro.
* Camera gear: DJI Osmo, Nikon S9900, DJI MAVIC PRO, DJI Phantom 3 Pro, GoPro 4 Blk & DJI Inspire 1
* Dive Lights DF70F by Jaunt Outdoor Products
* Dive Gear: Scuba Pro MK25 EVO S600 Regulator, Mares Hybrid Pro MRS bcd, Suunto Zoop Dive computer,
*Music By: World of Dreams-Future World Music
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Diving with a spotted eagle ray near Cayo Diablo Island Puerto Rico-June 28, 2015
Went diving with Casa Del Mar – Scuba Diving located at the El Conquistador in Fajardo, Puerto Rico - diving along the Reef and got to swim with a spotted eagle ray towards the end of VIdeo near Cayo Diablo Island -June 28, 2015 Video with my GoPro
Coral Reef Conservation in Puerto Rico
On an island like Puerto Rico, life is shaped by close connections. Culture and language, nature and people, land and sea – all are knitted tightly together into the fabric of the island life.
The same can be said about the health of the island’s coral reefs, which is closely connected to the health of habitats and quality of water throughout the island.
Over the past 10 years, NFWF has invested about $6 million in conservation that benefits Puerto Rico. Almost half of those investments have focused on coral reef conservation. Perhaps surprisingly, most of those projects are on land. Often, they start in the mountains.