Isla Magueyes

Isla Magueyes (Isle of Maguey) is a 7.2 hectares (0.028 sq mi; 0.072 km²) island 50 metres (160 ft) from the southwest coast of the island of Puerto Rico. It is encircled with mangrove and has an interior of dry scrub habitat, where it gets its name from. It is named for the presence of many century plants or maguey (Agave americana). The surrounding shelf of the island is mostly coral reef. There are buildings on the western end of the island associated with the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. UPR- Mayagüez is an important center in the Atlantic region for the study of tropical marine science due to its location, facilities, and researchers. The research facilities includes the Caribbean Coral Reef Institute (CCRI), ISER Caribe CIROM station and collaborations with Sea Grant Puerto Rico. Additionally, it includes the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) that functions as the regional association responsible for coastal and ocean monitoring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.