Fourth in the world for publications on mesophotic coral ecosystems, scientists at The University of the Virgin Islands were invited Discussion Leaders at the prestigious Gordon Research Conference Mesophotic Coral Reef Ecosystems. This invitation is a tremendous honor, recognizing these scientists as leaders in their field.

The 2015 Masters of Marine & Environmental Studies cohort at the University of the Virgin Islands has received notice that their video “Spread the word, not Halophila” is one of only ten submissions to make it to the final round of the Ocean 180 Video Challenge.

Since Hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through the Caribbean in September 2017, marine researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands noticed a dramatic decrease in the number of green sea turtles in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, and, a possible decrease in hawksbill sea turtles as well.  Both of these species are protected as their populations have been greatly impacted by over-harvesting of eggs and adults over the past centuries. What does this mean for local populations of these fascinating creatures?

The Grammanik Bank, located just south of St. Thomas, is also the only known spawning location in the region for critically endangered Nassau grouper. The Nassau grouper spawning aggregation at the Grammanik Bank is a very special place. The US Virgin Islands are very fortunate because this is the only location in the entire Caribbean where Nassau grouper have shown signs of recovering