Puerto Rico House Speaker Carlos 'Johnny' Méndez, Representative Omayra Martínez, Maricao Mayor Wilfredo 'Juny' Ruiz, and Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Deputy Secretary Nelson Cruz visited the Maricao Fish Hatchery, which has $13,195,957.41 assigned and obligated for its reconstruction. Officials said Hurricane María, in September 2017, caused severe damage to the hatchery, particularly to its gabions, dikes, electrical systems, and tanks, as well as bridges, roads, and support structures.
The hatchery, established in 1938, is the only facility in Puerto Rico that produced freshwater fish. According to available data, between 2004 and 2015 the hatchery produced around 125,000 fish annually, which were released into various reservoirs across the island.