One woman's research into the macroalgae Dictyota spp. may help save coral reefs in the Territory.

One of VI-EPSCoR’s primary goals is to grow a USVI community that is scientifically and mathematically literate and engaged in issues that are scientific and environmental in nature. Our goal is realized when local scientists are able to stay in the USVI and work in their field because the employment opportunities exist.

Dr. Sennai Habtes, Research Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography at The University of the Virgin Islands is an accidental role model and success story of VI-EPSCoR’s efforts. 

In the US Virgin Islands, large species parrotfish have been removed from the ecosystem and indeed the marine food chain. The consequence of this loss is unknown.

With vigilance, education and regulations, Nassau grouper stocks may once again be plentiful.