Look what turned up! A coral tree that was swept away by Hurricane Irma or Maria from the Flat Cay coral nursery USVI, was found by a fisherman off shore of Farmers Cay in the Bahamas. Amazingly, the corals are still alive after experiencing such extreme conditions. This is important information and a testament to the resiliency of this genotype.

Researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands have been challenged to devise innovative solutions to post-hurricane conditions. With the loss of CMES, most UVI marine researchers were left without offices, lab space or a classroom. Conducting the level of world-class research that we are accustomed to from our scientists became difficult, but not impossible thanks to the RV Walton Smith, a research vessel from the University of Miami.

It's a fight to the death in USVI waters as some corals and sponges battle for survival. Dr. Andia Chaves Fonnegra's research shines a light on this dramatic battle and how coral bleaching events play a role.

It is with great pride that we announce the University of the Virgin Islands’ Masters of Marine and Environmental Studies 2015 cohort has had their capstone manuscript published in PLOS ONE, a prestigious research journal greatly respected in the scientific community.