AGP Executive Report

Water Access: Puerto Rico’s rationing exposed a crisis that predates drought: aging infrastructure and uneven service leave poorer, predominantly Black communities especially burdened. Community aqueducts help, but advocates say they cannot replace public investment and accountability. Wildlife: A biologist rescued a critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot chick from an invasive boa, a rare reprieve for a species facing ongoing threats. Reefs: A global reassessment found 44% of reef-building coral species at elevated risk of extinction; its findings predate the severe 2023–25 bleaching, putting Puerto Rico’s reefs among those facing a worsening outlook. Environmental Oversight: Companies told the Senate a DNER official misled lawmakers about a landfill expansion. The agency is also investigating a possible decline in Vieques Bay’s bioluminescence.

Water Access: Puerto Rico’s water rationing has exposed a crisis that goes beyond drought: aging infrastructure and unequal access leave many rural communities with unreliable or no running water, even after cloud-seeding efforts eased restrictions. Coral Reefs: A global reassessment finds 44% of reef-building coral species at elevated risk of extinction; Puerto Rico’s reefs are among those threatened, and the findings predate the severe 2023–25 bleaching event. Wildlife: A federal biologist rescued a critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot chick from an invasive boa, a rare win for the island’s vulnerable population. Environmental Oversight: Companies have accused a DNER official of misleading lawmakers over landfill expansion, while the agency is also investigating reports of declining bioluminescence in Vieques Bay. Coastal Protection: House leaders are pushing rehabilitation of Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach.

Climate Outlook: NOAA’s 2026–27 winter forecast favors above-average temperatures in Puerto Rico as a strong El Niño shapes conditions across the U.S. Endangered Wildlife: A federal biologist rescued a young Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest; the chick recovered and rejoined its flock. Agriculture: The Agriculture Department took action after bird flu cases were reported in Lajas and Cabo Rojo. Landfill Oversight: Firms have accused a DNER official of misleading lawmakers about a landfill expansion, according to allegations submitted to the Senate. Vieques Bay: DNER is investigating a possible decline in the bay’s bioluminescence. Water Research: A study of the Río Grande de Loíza watershed used satellite data to track surface-water conditions, including turbidity and sediment changes. Coral Reefs: A global assessment found 44% of reef-building coral species face elevated extinction risk, including species in Puerto Rico; its findings predate the 2023–25 global bleaching event.

Wildlife Rescue: In Maricao State Forest, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist freed a young critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa; the bird was monitored and returned to its flock. Winter Outlook: NOAA’s forecast favors warmer-than-average temperatures in Puerto Rico this winter. Landfill Oversight: Firms have told the Senate that a DNER official misled lawmakers about a proposed landfill expansion; the allegations remain contested. Wildlife Health: Agriculture officials are responding to bird flu cases in Lajas and Cabo Rojo. Vieques Bay: DNER is investigating a possible decline in the bay’s bioluminescence. Coastal Protection: House leaders are seeking to restart rehabilitation work at Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach.

Wildlife Rescue: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist freed a young critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest. The bird was monitored overnight and returned to its flock. Landfill Oversight: Companies opposing Carolina’s landfill expansion allege it encroaches on a 34-acre ecological buffer in Piñones State Forest and say a DNER official gave lawmakers conflicting information. The Senate committee is investigating the site. Vieques Bay: DNER is investigating a possible decline in the bay’s bioluminescence. Winter Outlook: NOAA expects warmer-than-average temperatures in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this winter as El Niño strengthens. Bird Flu: Puerto Rico’s Agriculture Department has taken action following bird flu cases in Lajas and Cabo Rojo.

Landfill Oversight: Companies opposing Carolina’s landfill expansion allege a DNER permits official gave senators misleading information. They say the project encroaches on a 34-acre buffer in the Piñones State Forest. Wildlife Health: After bird flu was confirmed in birds in Lajas and Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico’s Agriculture Department imposed 120-day quarantines and increased biosecurity and monitoring. Vieques Bay: DNER is investigating a possible decline in the bay’s bioluminescence, a prized natural attraction. Coastal Protection: House leaders are pushing rehabilitation of Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach. Endangered Species: Potter Park Zoo has sent more than 26,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to the island since 2009 to support recovery efforts.

Wildlife Protection: Puerto Rico has imposed 120-day quarantines and stepped up biosecurity after bird flu was confirmed in birds in Lajas and Cabo Rojo. In Maricao State Forest, a wildlife biologist rescued a young Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa; the bird recovered and rejoined its flock. Conservation: Potter Park Zoo has sent more than 26,000 endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to the island since 2009 for release into the wild. Coastal Health: DNER is investigating a possible decline in Vieques Bay’s bioluminescence, while the agency and mayors are exploring new approaches to sargassum and beach management. Lawmakers are also pushing rehabilitation of Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach. Extreme Weather: Puerto Rico faced another tropical wave after island-wide flash-flood warnings, underscoring the risks of heavy rain.

Avian Flu: Puerto Rico has imposed 120-day quarantines and stepped up biosecurity after bird flu was confirmed among birds in Lajas and Cabo Rojo. Vieques Bay: The DNER is investigating a possible decline in bioluminescence at Puerto Mosquito, a globally renowned natural treasure. Wildlife: A biologist rescued a young Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest; the bird recovered and rejoined its flock. Coastal Protection: Lawmakers are planning repairs to Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach, including measures to address erosion. Beach Management: The DNER and mayors are exploring new approaches to sargassum and beach management. Weather: A tropical wave brought heavy rain and flash-flood danger to Puerto Rico earlier this week.

Wildlife Rescue: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist freed a young Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest. After overnight monitoring, the bird rejoined its flock. Vieques Bay: DNER is assessing a possible decline in bioluminescence at Puerto Mosquito Bay, measuring light levels in the internationally renowned ecosystem. Dorado Coast: House leaders are moving toward rehabilitating Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach, with plans for facility repairs and attention to coastal erosion. Biodiversity: Citizen photos from St. John and St. Thomas helped researchers document spider types not previously recorded in the region, including findings relevant to Puerto Rico. Storm Readiness: A tropical wave brought heavy-rain and flash-flood concerns to Puerto Rico; separately, DNER and mayors explored new approaches to sargassum and beach management.

Vieques Bioluminescence: Puerto Rico’s DNER is measuring light levels in Mosquito Bay after concerns that its famed glow may be fading. The agency has not identified a cause. Coastal Restoration: House leaders say they will pursue repairs at Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach, including upgrades to facilities and work to address coastal erosion. Weather and Flood Risk: Recent reports warned of a tropical wave bringing heavy rain and flash-flood danger to Puerto Rico. Wildlife: A young Puerto Rican parrot survived an attack by an invasive red-tailed boa in Maricao State Forest; the bird returned to its flock the next day. The snakes, introduced through the illegal pet trade, threaten native wildlife.

Flood Risk: Puerto Rico faced another tropical wave after island-wide flash-flood warnings, with a separate alert warning of two days of heavy rain and flash-flood danger. Beach Management: The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and mayors are exploring ways to manage sargassum and protect beaches. Wildlife: A young Puerto Rican parrot escaped an invasive red-tailed boa in Maricao State Forest; the snakes threaten native wildlife, including the endangered parrot. Local Innovation: A Puerto Rican seventh-grader developed biodegradable mulch from plantain peels that cut weed growth by up to 53%. Land Use: The governor approved updates to territorial plans for Aguas Buenas, Guayama and Morovis.

Wildlife: A young Puerto Rican parrot survived an attack by an invasive red-tailed boa in Maricao State Forest. The snakes, introduced through the exotic-pet trade, threaten native wildlife. Marine Discovery: Researchers identified a new giant isopod species from a specimen collected in Puerto Rico in the 1980s, naming it Bathynomus tuebingoborikensis after the island’s Taíno name, Boríken. Water Affordability: A national study found Puerto Rico among the places with the least affordable water systems, highlighting how rising bills burden households. Beaches and Sargassum: Puerto Rico’s environmental agency and mayors are exploring new approaches to sargassum and beach management. Flood Preparedness: Another tropical wave brought heavy-rain and flash-flood concerns to the island; separately, the governor created an earthquake preparedness committee.

Wildlife: A young Puerto Rican parrot escaped an invasive red-tailed boa in Maricao State Forest and was back flying with its flock the next day. The snake is among the threats to the critically endangered species. Beaches: Puerto Rico’s environmental agency and mayors are exploring new ways to manage sargassum and beaches. Marine Discovery: Scientists identified a new giant isopod species from a specimen collected off Puerto Rico in the 1980s, naming it for Boríken, the island’s Taíno name. Flood Risk: A tropical wave brought another round of heavy rain and flash-flood danger to Puerto Rico days after island-wide flood warnings. Water Affordability: A U.S. report on rising water bills also flagged Puerto Rico among the places with the least affordable water systems.

Heavy Rain: Puerto Rico was hit by another tropical wave days after island-wide flash-flood warnings, renewing concern about severe rain and flooding. Beaches and Sargassum: DNER and mayors are exploring new approaches to sargassum and beach management. Water Affordability: A national study found Puerto Rico among the places with the least affordable water systems, highlighting pressure on household budgets. Drought and Agriculture: Island poinsettia growers expect a smaller crop after months of drought and rising heat made production harder. Marine Biodiversity: Scientists identified a new giant isopod species from a specimen collected off Puerto Rico in the 1980s, adding to knowledge of the Caribbean’s deep-sea life. Mosquito-borne Disease: Florida’s largest U.S. dengue outbreak since the 1940s is a warning for warmer regions; the report says climate change can expand mosquito-friendly conditions, but it’s too soon to link warming to this outbreak.

Extreme Weather: Puerto Rico faced another tropical wave days after island-wide flash-flood warnings, renewing concerns about heavy rain and flooding. Coastal Management: The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and mayors are exploring new ways to manage sargassum and protect beaches. Drought Pressure: Persistent dry conditions and heat are challenging poinsettia growers, who expect a smaller crop this year. Marine Discovery: Researchers identified a new giant isopod species from a specimen collected off Puerto Rico in the 1980s, adding to knowledge of the island’s deep-sea biodiversity. Local Innovation: Puerto Rican seventh-grader Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera turned plantain peels into biodegradable mulch that reduced weed growth by up to 53%.

Marine Biodiversity: Scientists identified a new giant isopod species from a specimen collected off Puerto Rico in the 1980s, naming it Bathynomus tuebingoborikensis after the island’s Taíno name, Boríken. Flood Risk: A tropical wave brought heavy rain and flash-flood threats days after island-wide warnings, renewing concerns for low-lying and poorly drained areas. Coastal Management: Puerto Rico’s DNER and mayors are discussing new ways to manage sargassum and protect beaches as seaweed continues to challenge the coastline. Sustainable Aquaculture: A queen-conch hatchery project in Puerto Rico is part of a wider effort to support sustainable seafood and fisheries. Drought Pressure: Local poinsettia growers expect lower production after months of drought and heat strained farms; more than half the island was under moderate-to-extreme drought at the end of September.