Friends of the VINP celebrates Ocean Week
Daily News Staff | October 10, 2025 | Marking the annual Ocean Week, the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is encouraging residents to get involved, learn about the marine world that surrounds the Virgin Islands, and help keep local beaches and the coastline clean.
“Inspired by International Coastal Cleanup Day, we join millions around the world to make a difference because every bottle, every straw, every piece of trash we clean up can lead to a cleaner, healthier ocean,” said Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “Let’s protect our ocean, marine life, and coral reefs together.”
This year, Ocean Week activities include three virtual seminars on sea turtles, marine life rehabilitation, and coral reef ecosystems, and a marine debris clean up of Drunk Bay. Schools, in particular, are urged to register for the seminars, and high schoolers who help with the Drunk Bay cleanup are eligible for community service hours.
The Ocean Week Event Schedule:
USVI Wildlife Rehab Virtual Seminar
At 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Samuel Eliades, director of Research and Conservation at Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative, will discuss the rescue and rehabilitation process at Coral World with extra focus on sea turtles.
Sea Turtles 101 Virtual Seminar
At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Friends Education Specialist Kaitlyn Cummings will discuss the general life cycle of a sea turtle, the three turtles found in the USVI, and the things you can do to protect them.
Coral Ecosystems Threats Virtual Seminar
At 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jeff Miller, a retired fisheries biologist formerly stationed at VINP, will present on the spectacular animals of the coral reefs and suggests ways you can help.
Drunk Bay Coast Cleanup
Friends Of Virgin Islands National Park will host a marine debris and trash cleanup at Drunk Bay. Meeting point is the Salt Pond parking lot at 9 a.m. Saturday. Wear comfortable shoes as Drunk Bay is rocky and bring sun protection and water. Friends will provide gloves and bags. High schoolers will be credited with five community service hours.
Visit the Friends website to register for Ocean Week seminars.
