"I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore the health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us." - Dr. Sylvia Earle
OCEAN WEEK on St. John is October 14 to 20, 2024 and includes a beach cleanup, school activities, and seminars on the wonderful marine world around us.
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. Let's protect our ocean, marine life, and coral reefs together!
Thank you for getting involved, learning about the marine world, and helping keep our beaches and coastline clean!
Wildlife Rehab
Virtual Seminar | Wednesday October 16 | 12:30PM AST
Dr. Samuel Eliades, Director of Research & Conservation at Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI) will present on the rescue and rehabilitation process at Coral World with extra focus on sea turtles.
Sea Turtles 101
Virtual Seminar | Thursday October 17 | 12:30PM AST
Join Friends Education Specialist, Kaitlyn Cummings and learn about the Virgin Islands National Park Sea Turtle Program, the general life cycle of a sea turtle, the three turtles found in the US Virgin Islands, and the things you can do to protect our turtles!
Coral Ecosystem Threats
Virtual Seminar | Recorded on Friday October 18, 2024
Jeff Miller is a retired fisheries biologist formerly stationed at Virgin Islands National Park. It’s a tough time to be a coral. Jeff shares his passion for the spectacular animals of the coral reefs and suggests ways you can help.
Drunk Bay Coastal Cleanup
Saturday, October 19 | 9AM
Join us in clearing Drunk Bay of marine debris and trash on Saturday, October 19! Meeting point is the Salt Pond parking lot at 9AM. We should be done by noon!
Please 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 5 community service hours.
40% Off Sunscreen
To help protect our beautiful, fragile coral reefs and marine ecology, the mineral-based sunscreen in our store is 40% off until Sunday October 20!
School Opportunities
Educators interested in marine education and coastal cleanup classes or trips to the park should please contact Taylor White at twhite@friendsvinp.org.
High schoolers participating in the Drunk Bay Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, October 19 will be credited with 5 community service hours.
OCEAN WEEK 2023 VIRTUAL SEMINAR RECORDINGS
Sedimentation Impacts on Yellowtail Parrotfish
Recorded October 17, 2023 | Virtual Seminar
Parrotfishes function as important regulators of marine algae in Caribbean coral reef systems through their feeding activity. This presentation examines the influence of sedimentation on the feeding and spawning behavior of Yellowtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) in the Virgin Islands National Park. Presented by Dr. Rick Nemeth, PhD, UVI.
Rescue to Reef
Recorded October 19, 2023 | Virtual Seminar
Rescue to Reef: A Novel Partnership for Coral Restoration in the U.S. Virgin Island. Presented by Dr. Marilyn Brandt, Research Associate Professor Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, this presentation will discuss the current state of U.S. Virgin Islands reefs, and how a novel partnership between Reef Response and Lovango Resort and Beach Club is working to protect and restore local coral reef resources.
Mangroves Matter
Recorded October 20, 2023 | Virtual Seminar
Mangroves Matter: A Spotlight on Mangrove Initiatives in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This talk covers what mangroves are, their global and local ecosystem services to us, what we are doing for our USVI mangroves, and why you should think mangroves are AMAZING (if you don't already). Presented by Lila Uzzell, Masters of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) program, UVI
Sea Turtle Research in the USVI
Recorded October 16, 2023 | Virtual Seminar
Learn about the sea turtle species and research being conducted in the USVI including the importance of monitoring nest populations, sand temperature, and genetic sampling. Presented by Katie Ayres, former Friends Sea Turtle Program Co-Coordinator.