Official Government of the Virgin Islands Website

Coral Reef Initiative

Coral reefs are critically important to the United States Virgin Islands. Coral reefs support our economy through the provision of food, livelihoods and recreation. Coral reefs are integral to our culture. Reef products can be seen in the walls of our historic buildings and streets. Reef fish are staples of island cuisine, and our reefs create the calm, clear bays that soothe the body and soul as we lime and bathe on weekends and holidays. Coral reefs are responsible for our beautiful beaches and colorful dive sites which lure tourists to our islands. Coral reefs are also a strong natural defense that prtect our shorelines, homes, businesses and lives from natural hazards such as flooding caused by hurricanes. In fact, the protective ecosystem services provided by our coral reefs are sizeable. Intact coral reefs provide the USVI with $47 million in annual flood protection benefits in the form of averted damages to property and economic activities alone. 

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, as trustee for the Territory’s coastal and marine resources, recognizes the incredible economic and cultural value that coral reefs provide, and works in collaboration with our partners to manage these important habitats.

 

 

Check out our newly released US Virgin Islands Coral Reef Restoration Plan here ->

VI-CRAG

Virgin Islands Coral Reef Advisory Group is made up of various local government, non-profit, and private entities to collaborate on best management practices for our natural coral resources throughout the territory by coordinating resources and implementing priority activities. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources works with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), National Park Service (NPS), Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and other coral practitioners to protect and conserve USVI reefs in the present and plan for future generations to come. 

This Coral Reef Initiative group currently oversees the VI Coral Disease Advisory Committee (VI-CDAC) and the VI Restoration of Corals Squad (VI-RoCS).

Check out VI-CRAG social media pages coming soon!