Ocean Week Celebrates The Waters Around Our Island
Press Release – 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 two free virtual seminars on polychaetes (marine worms) and the discovery of a new species of fanworm on St. John, and on work being done to save coral reefs in the Park, as well as a coastal clean up at Drunk Bay. Schools 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
- Drunk Bay Coast Cleanup | Saturday, October 18 | 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.
- Polychaetes of the Caribbean Virtual Seminar | Monday, October 20 | 12PM AST
Nancy Prentiss studied polychaetes (marine worms) on St. John for over 10 years. During that time, she discovered a new species of fanworm – Turbocavus secretus! Join us for this recorded virtual seminar to learn more about her work. Register on the Friends website for this free seminar to receive zoom information.
- Saving Endangered Coral in Virgin Islands National ParkVirtual Seminar | Tuesday, October 21 | 12PM AST
Dr. Rebecca Gibbel and the rest of the CORE team have been hard at work cleaning and maintaining the coral nursery dome in Leinster Bay! The coral nursery has seen rapid growth this year, so tune in to learn more exciting updates from CORE. Register on the Friends website for this free seminar to receive zoom information.
Visit the Friends website for more information and to register for Ocean Week seminars — https://friendsvinp.org/
