The Puerto Rico Senate’s Tourism, Natural and Environmental Resources Committee, chaired by Senator Marissa Jiménez Santoni, held a public hearing on four bills dealing with marine species protection, coastal conservation and new alternatives for the disposition of human remains. Senate Bill 1438, by Jiménez Santoni, would ban intentionally feeding or attracting sharks, dolphins and other marine species for tourism or commercial purposes.
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) endorsed the intent but asked for specific restrictions rather than a general prohibition. Senate Bill 1325, by Roxanna Soto Aguilú, would create a law authorizing facilities offering alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as disposition alternatives. The Department of Health did not favor the measure in its current wording and estimated the initial investment at $613,600, while the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) asked for controls on the wastewater discharges the process would generate.
Senate Bill 1217, by María de Lourdes Santiago Negrón and Adrián González Costa, would create the Mabodamaca Nature Reserve in a coastal zone of Isabela. DRNA acknowledged the area’s ecological value but did not favor it, citing a lack of studies and resources, with an estimated cost of $2.1 million over five years; the Planning Board also did not back it at this stage.
Senate Bill 1236, by the same legislators, seeks to protect seagrass meadows; DRNA endorsed the environmental purpose but did not recommend approval for lack of personnel and funds, with a projected cost of $2.47 million over five years.