Marine Protected Areas

St. Thomas East End Reserves

STEER is a multi-use marine protected area intended to protect natural resources for fish stock replenishment, recreation, shoreline protection, water filtration, and conservation of nature.

The St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER) is comprised of three main marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, Cas Cay /Mangrove Lagoon, Great St. James, and the Compass Point Salt Pond. These marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries(MRWS) encompass 9.6 km2 of ecologically, and culturally, significant coastal, marine, and fisheries resources, including mangrove forests, salt ponds, lagoons, reefs, and cays.

Collectively, these habitats within the Mangrove Lagoon / Benner Bay area were designated an Area of Particular Concern(APC) in 1979, as the south-eastern end of St. Thomas is understood to be one of the most valuable remaining nurseries for fish and wildlife on the island, with many commercial and recreational marine species spending a portion of their lives protected in the shallow mangrove and seagrass beds. However, there was no comprehensive management plan for these MRWS.

St. Croix East End Marine Park

The St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP) was established in 2003 protect territorially significant marine resources, and promote sustainability of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, wildlife habitats and other resources, and to conserve and preserve significant natural areas for the use and benefit of future generations. It is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ first territorially designated and managed marine protected area (MPA).

The mission of the STXEEMP is to promote the responsible use and management of significant coastal and marine resources through research and monitoring, education, restoration, and community engagement to protect, and preserve the ecological and cultural value for residents and visitors.

STXEEMP Rules and Regulation

The Marine park is compose of four distinct zones.

Recreation Zone
No Take Zone
Sea Turtle Preserve
Open Zone

Provides areas for snorkeling, diving, boating, and shoreline recreational fishing. Marine Park permits may also be issued for catch-and-release guide fishing and cast-net bait fishing. All other traditional fishing is prohibited (including spearfishing, fish traps/pots, gillnets, fishing from boat, and the harvest of conch, lobster and whelk – regardless of territorial seasonal closures/opening).

Designed to protect the near-shore environments and encompasses large bordering diverse habitats. These areas provide a safe haven for spawning, nursery and permanent residence marine life. Diving with a flag and snorkeling are permitted in this area; no fishing or extraction of any kind is permitted to include the following: spearfishing, fish traps/pots, gillnets, fishing from boat, and the harvest of conch, lobster and whelk – regardless of territorial seasonal closures/opening.

Designated for the offshore waters of East End, Isaac and Jack Bays, which experience high densities of sea turtle nesting activity. This area extends to 1.25 miles from the beach.

This area has no restrictions on fishing, boating, or diving activities. This area is governed by all the rules and regulations pertaining to commercial and recreational fishing in the Virgin Islands Code and Rules and Regulations established by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Trawling and general shipping are prohibited, as well as those activities inconsistent with STXEEMP’s long-term conservation (e.g., mining and oil drilling).

For a detailed description and interactive map of the park zones please visit the STXEEMP Storymap. Please visit the Fisherman’s Handbook for a the complete rules and regulations about fishing in the USVI.

Visitor Center

The Park boasts its new free interactive and educational Visitor Center. This new center equipped with touchscreen LCD displays, vibrant plaques, games and an ‘underwater walkthrough’ allows residents and visitors to learn more about the islands invaluable marine resources and the work being done within the Marine Park.

Hours

Demonstration Coral Nursery

Located in the waters just outside of Cramer’s Park on a patch reef called Sweeper’s Knoll, a demonstration coral nursery was installed in 2019 to showcase some of the coral restorations efforts taking place throughout the USVI. This project was made possible by collaborations with The Nature Conservancy and the Division of Coastal Zone Management. For more information please visit the Sweeper’s Knoll StoryMap

Outreach and Education

The park hosts a number of interactive activities for the community from clean ups, seagrass seines, nursery tours, bio-blitzes and more. For a full list of the Marine Parks education and outreach activities please see the STXEEMP Outreach Menu (see attached). To schedule school trips, community groups or summer camps please contact:
Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Kelcie Troutman
Kelcie.troutman@dpnr.vi.gov / 340-718-3367

For volunteer opportunities and upcoming events check out the Friends of the East End Marine Park.

Areas of Particular Concern

St. Thomas

St. Thomas Harbor
Botany Bay
Magens Bay & Watershed
Mandahl Bay
Vessup Bay - East End
St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER)

St. John

St. Croix

Christiansted Waterfront
Southgate Pond - Chenay Bay
St. Croix Coral Reef System
East End
Great Pond & Great Pond Bay
Southshore Industrial Area
Sandy Point
Frederiksted Waterfront
Salt River Bay & Watershed

St. Thomas East End Reserves

St. Croix East End Marine Park

STXEEMP Rules and Regulation

Visitor Center

Demonstration Coral Nursery

Outreach and Education

Areas of Particular Concern

St. Thomas

St. John

St. Croix

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