The Marine Debris Action Plan (MDAP) team has been hosting annual Great Mangrove Cleanups since 2018 at sites across the US Virgin Islands. The most recent cleanup on St. Thomas took place on April 24th, 2021 along the National Park Road in Red Hook. The event was a success, bringing together 54 members of the community and resulted in the removal of 1,707 lbs of marine debris!

Dr. Nastassia Jones is the Assistant Professor of Science Education at the University of the Virgin Islands and Managing Director of the Virgin Islands Institute of Stem Education Research and Practice funded by VI-EPSCoR. With few role models, and fewer resources, how did an African American girl from the south grow up to be a doctor, a scientist, and a college professor?

Our Annual Conference is VI-EPSCoR's premier event where we showcase to the community recent strides made toward accomplishing our Mare Nostrum Caribbean goals. We hope you can join us! There is no cost to attend, please RSVP today.

All sea turtles species found in the US Virgin Islands are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to touch or harass them at any time. This encounter was possible under an exclusive research NMFS permit. What a wonderful and unique opportunity for the community to get up close and personal.