Friends Ocean Week Celebrates The Waters Around Our Islands
PRESS RELEASE | October 9, 2024 – Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s annual Ocean Week encourages everyone to get involved, learn about the marine world that surrounds these Virgin Islands, and help keep our beaches and coastline clean.
In the words of renowned oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, “Health to our oceans, means health to us.” 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 welcome to register for the seminars and high schoolers who help with the Drunk Bay cleanup are eligible for community service hours.
“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!”
Ocean Week Event Schedule
- USVI 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. Register on the Friends website for this free seminar to receive zoom information.
- Sea Turtles 101 Virtual Seminar | Thursday, October 17 | 12:30PM AST
Join Friends Education Specialist, Kaitlyn Cummings and learn about 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! Register on the Friends website for this free seminar to receive zoom information.
- Coral Ecosystems Threats Virtual Seminar | Friday, October 18 | 12:30PM AST
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. Register on the Friends website for this free seminar to receive zoom information.
- Drunk Bay Coast Cleanup | Saturday, October 19 | 9AM
Join Friends Of Virgin Islands National Park at Drunk Bay and help clean up marine debris and trash. Meeting point is the Salt Pond parking lot at 9AM. 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.
Visit the Friends website for more information and to register for Ocean Week seminars — https://friendsvinp.org/
