Already stressed coral reefs in the USVI have suffered through another coral bleaching event, surpassed only by the catastrophic 2005 bleaching event.

Growing up on the beaches of St. Croix, Kyle’s interest turned from sand to sea at an early age. Now, Kyle has made hundreds of scientific dives, has grown into an experienced field researcher, and is about to earn his Masters of Marine and Environmental Studies degree from the University of the Virgin Islands.

The Magens Bay Arboretum suffered extensive damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Magens Bay Authority, who manages the Arboretum, has approached UVI for help to determine the best course of action for cleanup and restoration.

“We are really concerned about sea grasses declining  all over the globe, actually disappearing,” says Edwin Cruz-Rivera, associate professor of biology at the University of the Virgin Islands and recipient of a NSF Track 4 grant.