WEDNESDAY, june 4

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR TODAY BELOW

Tropical Rainforest tour (Fully booked)

El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Immerse yourself in lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems as you enjoy a gentle nature walk with stops at the Yokahú Tower, La Coca Falls, and Mameyes River. Along the way, encounter breathtaking waterfalls, exotic flora, and fascinating wildlife, offering photo-worthy moments at every turn.

  • Transportation Included
  • $77 pp before taxes
  • Minimum of 8 people, max 20 individuals
  • Pick-up time 7:45 am at Hotel Verdanza
  • Return time 1:00 pm
  • Deadline to confirm 05/30/25

contact: alex mercado

alexmercado@sampr.org

SCUBA Diving experience

AMLC 2025 Dive Field Day – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

As part of the AMLC 2025 conference, participants are invited to join a special dive field day exploring coral restoration sites off the coast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. This guided trip will showcase active restoration efforts led by Sea Ventures MRU and partners, including outplanted Acropora palmata colonies and nursery areas supporting reef recovery. Divers will have the opportunity to observe outplanting areas, learn about restoration methodologies, and engage with local scientists involved in long-term monitoring and conservation. The dive trip highlights Puerto Rico’s ongoing commitment to reef resilience in the face of climate change and other stressors.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Diving Price: $60 per person; two dives, dive gear, weight, air tanks , sodas and water.
  • Transportation price: The price ranges from $25 per person, depending on the number of registrants.
  • Maximum people: 20
  • POC: Miguel Figuerola email: mfiguerolahernandez@gmail.com
  • Deadline: Monday June 2, 2025

Miguel Figuerola

787.377.0080

Walking Tour of Historic Old San Juan:

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm and history of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! Join us on a guided morning walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this 500-year-old colonial city. You’ll explore colorful Spanish architecture, historic plazas, centuries-old churches, and stunning ocean views from the city walls. Highlights include a visit to a walkable area of Castillo San Cristobal, stories of pirates and governors, and insight into Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for history lovers, first-time visitors, and anyone who enjoys a scenic and educational stroll. Bring your camera, curiosity, and comfortable shoes!

  • $25 pp
  • Minimum of 4 people
  • Morning Tour: 9:30 am to 11:30 pm
    • Guide: Christian Santiago
    • Contact (Text/WhatsApp): 787.459.4661 or Alex E. Mercado-Molina (alezmercado@sampr.org)
    • Meeting Point: Plaza Colón
    • Trasportation: UBER-~10-15 minutes. Pick-up/Drop-off possible depending on the number of participants.
    • Minimun number of people: 4
  • Afternoon Tour 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
    • Guide: Sarah Rodríguez
    • Contact (Text/WhastApp): 787.308.4371
    • Meeting Point: Pier One
    • Trasportation: UBER-~10-15 minutes. Pick-up/Drop-off possible depending on the number of participants.
    • Minimun number of people: 4
  • Deadline to confirm 06/02/25

 

Queen Conch Aquaculture in Action – Visit to the Naguabo Aquaculture Center (Fully booked)

  • Dive into the future of sustainable seafood in Puerto Rico with a guided visit to the Naguabo Aquaculture Center—home to the island’s first community-based queen conch hatchery. This partner project led by Conservación ConCiencia, the Naguabo Fishing Association, and FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, is advancing aquaculture innovation while supporting coastal livelihoods, reducing pressure on wild fisheries, and restoring iconic marine species.
  • Tour the Center’s state-of-the-art systems, including a temperature-controlled queen conch hatchery, conch nursery tanks, and integrated aquaponics growing local sea vegetables. Hear from the collaborative team driving this effort—from fishers to scientists—and see how aquaculture is creating jobs, fostering research, and offering scalable solutions for island food security and marine conservation. The Naguabo Aquaculture Center is supported through grants from Saltonstall-Kennedy NOAA Fisheries, USDA Agricultural Research Services, and Puerto Rico Sea Grant.
  • Itinerary
  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Travel to the Naguabo Aquaculture Center, Naguabo
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Tour
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch along the Malecón de Naguabo
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Return to San Juan
  • What to bring: Water bottle, snack, and sun protection.
  • The price ranges from $27 per person, depending on the number of registrants  
  • Limited spots available (20 pp. max)—reserve early!

alex e. mercado molina

alexmercado@sampr.org

SPONSORS OF THE 2025 AMLC 41ST MEETING