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As stated, the coral reefs such as fringing reefs, deep reefs, patch reefs and spur and groove formation are distributed over three islands in the Virgin Islands which are St. Croix (Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Buck Island Reef National Monument), St. Thomas, and St. John (Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument).
The St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP) was established to "protect territorially significant marine resources, and promote sustainability of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, wildlife habitats and other resources, and to conserve and preserve significant natural areas for the use and benefit of future generations."
The Virgin Islands Patch Reefs are numerous, small subtropical coral reef ecoregions. These reefs are located on all three islands: St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Of the three islands, St. Croix has an established barrier reef. It is approximately 20 meters deep and covers 485 sq km ( 187.26 sq mi). [1]
The coral reefs of the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered severely from coral bleaching in 2005, which led to a 60% decline in coral activity. The USGS began extensive research in the area and scientists discovered previously unknown coral ecosystems at the submerged stems of mangrove trees in the Hurricane Hole area of the
Oil Nut Bay is a coral reef bay, which is described as "headland attached linear reef". [2] The beach at Oil Nut Bay stretches for about 0.5 miles (0.80 km). [3] The coastline extends to Leverick Bay, along a stretch which is characterised by its mangroves. [1]
Waterlemon Cay is a small cay surrounded by a fringing reef located in Leinster Bay on Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands.It is named after the water lemon.. The cay is surrounded by a fringing reef, and is considered to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. [1]
Much of the island's waters, coral reefs, and shoreline have been protected by being included in the national park. This protection was expanded in 2001, when the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument was created.
The U.S. Navy transferred some lands in 1969 and the remainder was received from the Coast Guard in 1981. The surrounding waters contain reefs and a shipwreck that attract large numbers of snorkelers, divers, and boaters. The islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reef habitats and an artificial reef – a shipwreck. [5] The marine area is ...