They seek to develop new reefs and corals in the Fajardo keys

Minority leader for the NPP delegation in the House of Representatives, Carlos “Johnny’” Méndez.

By The STAR STAFF

The minority leader for the New Progressive Party delegation in the House of Representatives, Carlos “Johnny’” Méndez, assured that the rehabilitation and development of reef infrastructure in the Cayo Largo area in Fajardo is vital for the preservation of the environment, particularly in the maritime area of ​​the Cayos de la Cordillera

The former House speaker also thanked the resident commissioner in Washington, Jennifer González, for achieving a federal budget allocation of $5 million, through the National Office of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aimed at renovation of reefs in the waters of Key Largo.

“The rehabilitation of the reefs in the Cordillera area of ​​Fajardo is vital for the conservation of the environment and to mitigate the effects of climate change, thus assisting in providing greater protections to the residents of the Fajardo area, among other municipalities. This comprehensive project will be based on expanding the elkhorn coral, which serves as a base for the creation of new habitats for many marine species such as lobsters , parrotfish and snappers , among others. It is an important step in the reconstruction of the reefs in the Cordillera,” commented the Representative for District #36 of Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques and Culebra.

“The million-dollar allocation for the reconstruction of these reefs, for which I thank the Resident Commissioner, also comes with a mechanism to involve our students, the future of Puerto Rico, in the process of rehabilitation of these coastal areas in Key Largo . Young students from elementary, intermediate and higher grades will be able to be part of this conservation effort. Likewise our university students. This is a project for future generations and its integration is essential for its success,” added the leader of the NPP in the Lower House.

One of Méndez’s efforts during his presidency (2017-2023) was the creation of the Special Commission for the Study of Climate Change and Global Warming.

Los Cayos de la Cordillera is a maritime reserve with a territorial area of ​​224 acres, about 18 nautical miles from the coast of Fajardo.