Goals and Objectives

Sea Grant is a leader in developing innovative technologies for all sectors of the seafood industry, including fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing and consumer safety. VIMAS works closely with local restaurants and fishermen to ensure that sustainable seafood practices are utilized within the Virgin Islands. 

The United States manages millions of square miles of coastal ecosystems that support a variety of recreational, commercial and subsistence activities. In the Virgin Islands, our coastal habitats provide numerous ecosystem services and benefits. VIMAS agents work within communities, local businesses and other stakeholders to ensure that these habitats remain functional for our economy.  Below are some of  our current programs/efforts that address this focus area:

• Coastweeks - Our team coordinates the annual International Coastal Cleanup efforts within the USVI; through these beach cleanup efforts, coastal debris is not only removed but also recorded. This data can help to support environmental-based legislation aimed at reducing the harmful effects of marine debris.
• Mangrove Restoration Project - With a permit issued from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, our team collects and rears red mangrove seedlings. These saplings are then planted in areas that once had mangroves but may have lost them either due to human or natural disturbances.

Sea Grant works to create a diverse workforce trained in marine science, technology, engineering, mathematics, law and policy. VIMAS agents employ research and outreach tools to engage and educate our youth about environmental issues within the Virgin Islands. Much of this hands-on training helps to motivate and inspire the next generation of scientists. Below are some of  our current programs/efforts that address this focus area:

• Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program - This 2 week ocean-based summer program targets youth in grades 3-6 and focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program while infusing STEAM and marine science concepts into our daily lessons. 

• Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program - This 4 week ocean-based summer program targets youth in grades 7-12 and builds upon what participants learned in the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program. Here, they connect with diverse STEAM professionals, can get scuba certified, and can gain insight to what a career in the marine sciences actually looks like.

• Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom - VIMAS extension agents host fieldtrip experiences for both educators and students that employ the use of best practices in informal STEAM education and youth engagement.
• Water Heroes - Funded through the Water Resources Research Institute at UVI, VIMAS extension agents and community partners host a combination of classroom presentations, hands-on demonstrations and experiments, and fieldtrip experiences to educate students about water conservation, water quality testing, and the process of water filtration.

Sea Grant researchers and outreach specialists support cutting-edge research in the areas of coastal processes, hazards, energy sources, climate change, storm water management and tourism. Coastal communities such as those within the Virgin Islands which are prone to the impacts of hurricanes can utilize resources provided by VIMAS to better prepare and adapt to a changing climate.  Below are some of  our current programs/efforts that address this focus area:

• USVI Glass Recovery Program - This program recycles glass beverage bottles by pulverizing them back into sand which is then used to fill sandbags. These sandbags are distributed throughout the community prior to and during hurricane season as a means to mitigate flood damage.