06/05/2026
In the blue waters of Coral Bay, St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, a dedicated team is protecting more than just the bayβs namesake. By tackling nutrient and sediment runoff at its source on land, they are creating a healthier future for coral reefs, vital mangrove forests, and the local community. Itβs a powerful reminder that everything is connected, from the hillsides to the harbor. ππ
Coral Bay Community Council, who receives grant funding from Schmidt Marine, recently paddled us around Coral Harbor to show us some of their work. As we kayaked past mangrove restoration and places where they've removed debris from the water, we also encountered massive floats of golden sargassum, a seaweed that's explosion is plaguing many islands around the Caribbean, including St. John. And they explained how they're working with the community to reduce runoff flowing into the bay through projects like wastewater infrastructure and storm drainage on shore.
There's more work to do, but their efforts are truly inspirational. https://coralbaycommunitycouncil.org/
"Coral Bay is a magical place with beautiful flora and fauna and marine ecosystems that are home to shark, fish, and turtle nurseries," says Dr. Monica Miller-Smith, Executive Director of Coral Bay Community Council. "We remain focused on the organization's mission of serving the Coral Bay watershed and watersheds across the U.S. Virgin Islands by protecting the environment and people, improving infrastructure, supporting education, encouraging social progress, and planning for appropriate, low-impact development. CBCC has served the community for twenty-three years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon."
(Last image, courtesy of Coral Bay Community Council, shows past runoff problems after rains.)
