DNER begins patrolling Salinas Bay to enforce jet ski ban

Ranger Corps personnel assigned to the Salinas Maritime Unit have begun patrolling the area of Salinas Bay known as “Mar Negro” (Black Sea), a manatee habitat, to prevent the prohibited use of personal watercraft (jet skis).

By THE STAR STAFF

Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Ranger Corps members have begun patrolling the area known as “Mar Negro” (Black Sea) in Salinas Bay to ensure compliance with Administrative Order 2026-05, which prohibits the use of personal watercraft (jet skis) in the area to protect the habitat of the Antillean manatee, an endangered species.

Individuals who violate the order -- which took effect on July 13 -- face administrative fines of up to $5,000 per incident.

The announcement was made by Ranger Corps Commissioner Nelson Cruz, who noted that “we launched constant, preventive patrols in the region last week; these will continue on a weekly basis to ensure compliance.”

Since last Monday, Ranger Corps personnel assigned to the Salinas Maritime Unit have been conducting preventive patrols in the aforementioned area.

The operation of personal watercraft in sensitive areas -- such as a sector of Jobos Bay in Salinas -- has led to incidents directly impacting the well-being and survival of endangered species like the Antillean manatee. The situation compelled the DNER to implement preventive, emergency and corrective measures to guarantee their protection in accordance with current regulations. The Antillean manatee population in Puerto Rico is estimated to be between 400 and 500.

In 2025, 26 manatee deaths were reported -- equaling the annual average since 2014 -- the vast majority (more than 20) caused by collisions with watercraft. The DNER secretary has taken aggressive prevention measures, including designating manatee zones and stepping up preventive patrols.