.png)
Our tiny Caribbean island, known for its rich biodiversity, faces significant challenges, particularly from increasingly severe hurricanes that threaten its unique ecosystems.
VCHT’s most important responsibility is the care and preservation of Mosquito Bay, celebrated as the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. This natural wonder, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually from around the globe, is crucial for both ecological balance and local tourism.
About
Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay is considered the brightest and most pristine in the world. Its conservation is part of our mission.
One of the primary goals is to preserve and study the bioluminescent bays found on the island.
Since its founding the VCHT has been involved in scientific and technical work that supports its conservation. We assist the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as co-managers of the reserve, in erosion and sedimentation control, water quality monitoring and dinoflagellate counts.
Hurricane Maria caused almost total mortality of the mangroves in these areas which give the mouth of the bay its characteristic meandering shape, which in turn, protects the Pyrodinium bahamense bloom from washing out into the sea.
Drs Elvira Cuevas and Ernesto Medina, the scientists who conducted the post-storm assessment of the mangrove forest in Puerto Mosquito and its potential for recovery recommended reforestation to begin as soon as possible in the areas of total mangrove mortality, since it could take between 15 – 30 years for the areas to recuperate naturally.
Help us save the Mangroves
Vieques is a Birdlife International Important Bird Area. Due to large tracts of intact habitat, Vieques is a critical stop over, a wintering area for North American shorebirds, other migrants, and resident birds of conservation concern.
Birding With The Trust contributes to public education via bird walks, talks, and student programs. We also contribute to science by conducting annual bird surveys, breeding bird, shorebird, waterbird surveys, and the Christmas Bird Count.
Learn more about bird conservation, education and community involvement.
.png){kind=logo}
_edited.png)
