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. 

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.

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.