The San José Lagoon (Spanish: Laguna de San José) is a shallow saline lake or lagoon located between the municipalities of San Juan and Carolina in northern Puerto Rico. Despite being located in a highly urbanized area this body of water is important for its mangrove forests.[1][2] The lagoon is located between San Juan and the island's main airport and a bridge that connects the two was opened in 1994.
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Ecology
editThe lagoon is of ecological importance due to the mangrove forests that grow on its shores which are home to numerous benthic species of flora and fauna.[3] This ecosystem has been threatened due to the fast urbanization of San Juan and its urban area. Some of the fish species found in the lagoon are tarpon, ladyfish, and the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis).[4] Green iguanas and caiman, which are invasive species in the region, are also common in the area.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ U.S. Geological Survey. "History of Dredging and Filling of Lagoons in the San Juan Area, Puerto Rico" (PDF). USGS. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
- ^ "Urge mejorar ecología de la laguna San José". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2011-03-21. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
- ^ "La Laguna San José no está muerta" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2021-09-21.
- ^ "Fishing in Laguna San José Carolina, Puerto Rico". fishbrain.com. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
- ^ Octubre, 14 De; 2010 - 00h00 (2010-10-14). "Caimanes amenazan al ecosistema de Puerto Rico, según estudio". El Universo (in Spanish). Retrieved 2021-09-21.
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