The Jobos Bay Reserve, located in Aguirre along the southeast coast of the island, is the second largest estuarine area in Puerto Rico. It is a multiple component Reserve that includes vast mangrove forest, mangrove islets, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The Mar Negro area, most prominent for its dark waters, consists of mangrove forests and a complex system of lagoons and channels interspersed with salt and mud flats. The Cayos Caribe and Cayo Barca fringing mangrove islets are surrounded by coral reefs and seagrass beds, some of which have small beach deposits and upland areas. The Aguirre component, where its offices are located, maintains the charm of the historical sugarcane era. The Reserve is home to 8 species of mammals, 106 species of birds, 12 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibian, and numerous species of fish, marine invertebrates, and plants. The endangered brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill sea turtle, and West Indian manatee also reside in the Reserve. It is commercially important for marine recreation, commercial and recreational fishing, and ecotourism.
Camp Observer