History

Founded in 2013, the Marine Awareness, Research and Education Society (MARES) is a non-profit dedicated to the protection, conservation, and restoration of Puerto Rico’s coastal and marine environments. MARES was incorporated on September 18, 2013, by Pedro M. González and Victor Gregory, joined by Lic. Ariel Hernández-Santana and a team of members, associates, and advisors.

MARES works to safeguard coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, monitoring, restoration projects, and community empowerment. We promote collaboration between citizens, academia, and government to build resilient coastal communities.

 

Our Beginnings

MARES began in 2013 aboard the Inter-American University’s "Barco Escuela" Program, when students and their professor envisioned a marine environmental group that would unite science, education, and action. Since then, our mission has been to protect Puerto Rico’s marine heritage by fostering awareness, collaboration, and hands-on conservation.

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Our Work

 

2013

• 🌊 Foundation of MARES – Incorporated as a non-profit on September 18 by Pedro M. González and Victor Gregory.

• 🚤 School Boat Program – Hands-on education combining sailing, oceanography, and marine biology research expeditions.

• 🌴 Coastal Forest of Carolina Initiative – Partnered with Beaches for the People Coalition to draft proposals for a Coastal Forest Reserve as an ecological and recreational alternative to illegal development.

• 🌳 Tree Inventory & Restoration Plan – Conducted surveys and prepared plans to recreate a typical coastal forest in Isla Verde.

• ✍️ Memorandum of Understanding with United Confederation of Taíno People – Collaboration on watershed and soil conservation to protect marine ecosystems.

• 💧 Wastewater Discharge Study – Isla Verde Reef Marine Reserve – Partnered with AAA to inspect, resolve illegal wastewater connections, and raise awareness on sewer system misuse.

 

2014

• 📢 Coastal Forest Proposal Public Forums – Presented ecological, social, and economic benefits in community and legislative forums.

• 📰 Press & Media Outreach – Interviews in Presencia and television appearances to promote the Coastal Forest Reserve.

• 💧 Clean Waters Alliance Formed – Coalition to address wastewater management and protect reefs and public health.

• 👩‍🏫 School Workshops – Taught coastal conservation, marine ecosystems, and environmental health to students in Río Piedras.

• 🌐 Educational Outreach – Created the Bosque Costero blog and social media platforms to share conservation knowledge.

• 👀 Reef Guardians Program – Organized volunteers to monitor and report threats to the Isla Verde Reef Marine Reserve.

 

2015

• 🏛️ Proposal to Municipality of Carolina – Presented the Coastal Forest plan to municipal legislators and officials.

• 📚 Advisor & Educator Role – Provided free guidance and training to environmental groups and citizens across Puerto Rico.

 

2016

• 🏖️ Dune Conservation Action Team (Dune-CAT) – Formed under CLCC to restore beaches and dunes with vegetation.

• 🌱 Guidelines & Training – Developed criteria for beach stabilization projects, planting guides, and training for communities, schools, and universities.

• 🌍 Community-Based Climate Change Adaptation Plan (Loíza) – Sponsored by NOAA and DNER, evaluating risks and engaging the community in adaptation strategies.

 

2017

• 🌿 Dune Creation Demonstration Project – Funded by CLCC to showcase green infrastructure, restore dunes, and educate communities on beach resilience.

• 👩‍🏫 Educational Alliances – Partnered with schools in Cabo Rojo and NGOs like El Huerto Para Mi Escuela in Santurce for marine science education, urban agriculture, and nursery propagation.

 

2018

• 🌍 Implementation of Loíza Adaptation Plan – Launched action groups, created the digital platform loiza.accionclima.net, and integrated tools like interactive maps, forums, and action agendas.

• 💪 Loíza Climate Action Team (LCAT) – Continued work with communities and collaborators to secure funding and train residents for climate resilience.

 

2018–2019

• 💧 Coastal Groundwater Inundation Group – Conceived by MARES, bringing together USGS scientists, oceanographers, engineers, and community leaders to study hidden groundwater flooding from sea level rise.

• ⚠️ Awareness Campaigns – Educated on risks of saline intrusion damaging underground infrastructure like drainage pipes, parking garages, and building foundations.

 

2020–Present

• 💧 Sea Grant Groundwater Monitoring Wells Project – Installation of telemetric wells in San Juan’s coastal zone to study sea level rise, saline intrusion, and flood risks.

• 📊 Modeling & Research – Correlating groundwater data with weather and oceanographic conditions to design adaptation measures.

• 🌱 Ongoing Education & Community Empowerment – Continuously offering training, monitoring, and awareness programs to schools, municipalities, and conservation groups.

• 🤝 Collaborative Partnerships – Strengthening alliances with NGOs, educators, and global initiatives to scale up conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and beyond.

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​From education at sea to climate adaptation planning, from dune restoration to groundwater research, MARES has built over a decade of impactful projects that combine science, community, and action to protect Puerto Rico’s coasts.