Welcome to the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service!
As an extension to the University of Puerto Rico's Sea Grant College Program, the
Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) works to promote the education and
awareness of our natural resources in the Caribbean. Operating within the University
of the Virgin Island's (UVI) Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), our
team is able to leverage partnerships and collaborations with researchers at UVI and
the local Virgin Islands government to accomplish our goals. From annual beach cleanups,
marine science summer programs for youth, or the recycling of glass beverage bottles,
we use innovative outreach and research tools to tackle locally relevant issues within
our Virgin Islands workforce and economy.
Thank you for visiting us today! Be sure to check out our on-going activities
below to see how you can get involved in our many environmental-focused programs and
initiatives.
International Coastal Cleanup (Coastweeks)
September 16, 2023 - October 29, 2023
Learn More and Register
VIMAS PROGRAMS
- Junior Ocean Explorers (Grades 3-6): A two week marine science summer program that teaches youth the fundamentals of swimming, snorkeling, and Caribbean plant and animal identification.
- Youth Ocean Explorers (Grades 7-12): A four week marine science summer program that refines students' swimming and snorkeling skills while teaching them about ecology, highlighting STEM career pathways, providing scuba diving training / certification and much more.
- Coastweeks: Beach cleanup opportunities where we document and remove coastal trash. Students can earn community service hours for their involvement in these efforts.
- USVI Glass Recovery Program: This pilot program recycles glass beverage bottles by pulverizing them back into sand which can be used for a multitude of applications such as filling sandbags.
- Mangrove Restoration Project: Through this effort, we grow and plant red mangroves to help restore areas that once had mangroves.
- Water Heroes Program: This 3-day module uses hands on lessons to teach students about water conservation, water quality testing, and water filtration.
- Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom: Our team of environmental educators can host engaging field trips for school groups to teach them about our vital ecosystems, both on land and underwater.
Students enrolled in our Junior and Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Programs are introduced
to the world of marine and environmental science. Using a combinatation of engaging
classroom presentations and interactive hands-on activities, students learn about
the importance of our oceans. From animal and plant identification to understanding
how our actions on land affect the ocean, these programs are ideal for youth with
a passion for STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) and the ocean.
Starting on the third Saturday in September annually and continuing until the end
of October, our team coordinates the International Coastal Cleanup, also known locally
as Coastweeks. During these six weeks, volunteers participate in multiple beach cleanups
to document and remove coastal debris. Students can earn community service hours for
their involvement and the collected data helps to support legislation and future funding
opportunities that can prevent marine debris at its source.
With funding support from both The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and
The Ocean Conservancy, our team procured several glass pulverizers. These machines
are able to pulverize glass beverage bottles into sand which can be used to fill sandbags
and much more. The sand and cullets can be used in other applications such as sandblasting,
as an aggregate for non-structural concrete, and even in water filtration.
Our team collects red mangrove seedlings which are reared in sea water tables at the
University of the Virgin Islands. Once these seedlings have grown to a specified height,
they can be replanted to areas that previously had mangroves, but may have lost them
either due to human or natural causes. Red magroves in particular, when mature, can
provide shelter for various marine animals while they are still young, giving them
an opportunity to reach reproductive age. Mangroves are one of many coastal ecosystems
that help to support biodiversity.
These activities are permitted through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
These activities are permitted through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
With funding through the Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), our team developed
a three day module for educators and students that focuses on the topics of water
conservation, water quality testing, and water filtration. Students are able to utilize
virtual reality to explore regions of our planet where water scarcity is an everday
challenge as well as collect a water sample from home to analyze (pH and presence
/ absence of coliform bacteria). This use of hands-on activities help to connect students
better to the content being taught and makes it more relatable.
Office Phone: St. Thomas (340) 693-1672 / St. Croix (340) 692-4046
E-mail: St. Thomas (howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu)
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu 
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Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands