Puerto Rico Sea Grant

Beach monitoring data are presented and show an average beach erosion trend of 0.5 m yr −1 in eight Caribbean islands over the period 1985–2000, with elevated rates in those islands impacted by a higher number of hurricanes. The data are based on 5 to 15 years of continuous monitoring, conducted at three-month intervals, at 113 beaches (200 profile sites) on eight islands, using standard methodology. The causes of the erosion are discussed and include anthropogenic factors, climate variability and projected climate change. Based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections for the Caribbean region, and the likely increase of anthropogenic stresses such as coastal development, it is likely that the beach erosion trend will continue and increase. Nonexclusive approaches to help beaches adapt to climate change include structural, planning or ecological measures. Two case studies illustrating climate change adaptation measures are discussed, one focuses on coastal planning measures in Anguilla and Nevis, and the second focuses on ecological measures, specifically the rehabilitation of a coastal forest in Puerto Rico. These case studies have not reached a stage where their effectiveness can be evaluated, however preliminary outcomes show that community-based climate change adaptation measures require careful planning such that the entire community is involved in a participatory manner and sufficient time is allocated for awareness-raising, information-sharing and discussion.

A crucial factor limiting the implementation of effective mitigation actions for dealing with massive sargassum influxes is the lack of clarity of the sargassum legal framework. This article aims to clarify the sargassum legal framework in Puerto Rico focusing on sargassum removal from the beach and water, and the placement of sargassum contention barriers. A combination of a literature review, semi-structured interviews and a workshop were conducted to identify U.S. federal and Puerto Rico Commonwealth laws and regulations that apply. Furthermore, obstacles for implementing effective mitigation strategies were identified, and recommendations made to improve the permitting process. A flow chart of the permitting process was co-developed with agencies and academic representatives. Existing legal barriers were identified including lack of information and clarity in the permitting process and the extensive time required for permitting and for government policies to adjust to relevant groups’ needs. Recommendations provided by agencies and other social actors include the development of a territory-wide response plan and localized plans for priority areas, and the continuation of meetings with agencies to clarify legal aspects of sargassum mitigation actions including its disposal on land. This study contributes essential information for the improvement of the governmental, private, and civil responses to sargassum events in Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions.