Executive Summary The Socioeconomic Monitoring for Marine Protected Areas (SocMon), completed at the Punta Cuchara Natural Reserve (RNPC, by its abbreviations in Spanish), in Ponce, permitted the gathering of historical and recreational uses within this Marine Protected Area. The Census data, a literary review, interviews, a focus group and field observations at the RNPC enhanced the information available about the reserve, the community and how they relate. RNPC has a long history that extends from the sugar cane plantations period to its recent designation as a Natural Reserve. Over a hundred years ago this land was part of the Matilde Sugar Cane Plantation. Currently, members from the Punta Cucharas community are engaged in diverse jobs, yet their preserve their fishing community identity.
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