ENP: 5.4 Virgin Islands National Park: Coral Reef and Snorkeling in the Post-Hurricane Environment

Description:

In today’s episode 5.4 Danielle speaks with Jeff Miller, fisheries biologist for the National Park Service about the coral reef and snorkeling around Virgin Island’s National Park following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Even though the island has changed due to the storms, the water is still blue and there are beautiful things to see.

Discussion:

· Jeff’s experience waiting out the hurricanes at home on St. John (2:08)

· Jeff describes what he does as a fisheries biologist for the National Park Service (6:13)

· What happened to the coral as a result of the hurricanes (8:07)

· Change in seascape from storms and time to recover (13:58)

· Where to snorkel and dive (19:26)

· Tips and precautions (21:16)

· Snorkeling with small children (24:04)

· Changes in water visibility (25:24)

· What to see and marine identification guides (26:50)

· What is coral (29:06)

· Different types of coral in the park (30:04)

· What to see (30:38)

· Be aware of your surroundings and nothing will hurt you (34:25)

· How deep is coral found in Virgin Islands National Park? (34:15)

· What gives coral its color? (36:05)

· Hurricane Hole (37:03)

· Preparations for snorkeling to minimize damage to coral and guidance on how to protect the coral when snorkeling (38:57)

· Sunscreens with oxybenzone are harmful to coral (42:30)

· National park protection minimizes harm to coral reef from preventable threats (43:32)

· Jeff’s best memories and love for water around the park (46:00)

Resources:

Virgin Islands National Park Marine Map

Hawaii considers banning certain sunscreens to protect coral reefs