Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS)

Logo for the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service VIMAS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

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. 
Howard Forbes Jr. - Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service Director
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.
Howard Forbes Jr. - Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service Director

UPCOMING VIMAS OPPORTUNITIES  

 

                                                             

2025 Coastweeks Logo

Annual Coastweeks Cleanups

Join us for the annual Coastweeks Cleanups on September 20, 2025!
Click HERE for more information about Coastweeks or use the button below to register for a cleanup near you. 
REGISTER FOR A CLEANUP

MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 

Learn more about our programs and outreach initiatives below. 

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.   
  • Professional Development Opportunities: Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to join a NOAA Ocean Exploration full-day, in-person professional development workshop focusing on seafloor mapping. Spaces are limited and selected educators will receive a $100 stipend for their participation.

 

 
Students snorkeling and recording data
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.
Students cleaning a beach
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. 
Pulverized glass (green sand)
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. 
Project Team members assessing red mangrove health
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. 
Students testing water quality
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.

CONTACT US!

Our team is happy to assist you!

 

Phone  Email Social Media 
340-693-1674 howard.forbes@uvi.edu

Facebook 

Instagram 

YouTube
Business Hours Monday - Friday (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

 
Offices St. Thomas - UVI's Center for Marine and Environmental Studies

St. Croix - Albert A Sheen Campus