Dozens of educators, students, government representatives and residents attended a public forum on environmental issues Thursday at the University of the Virgin Islands' MacLean Marine Science Center in St. Thomas.
The objective of the forum, held by the University's Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), was to get input on how the Center might better focus its efforts over the next few years.
Attendees stressed that more environmental education was needed, with an emphasis on adults and government policymakers. They also proposed that CMES act as advisor to the government on issues that affect the environment. Others recommended holding a similar forum for government agencies to familiarize them with the Center's work.
William Rohring, Non-Point Source Pollution coordinator for the Coastal Zone Management commission, said that research data provided by CMES would be very useful because the government does not have a lot of manpower to conduct studies on its own. Janice Hodge, CZM Director, described CMES as "a great resource."
Prior to the conference more than 100 questionnaires were sent to individuals and organizations directly or indirectly involved with marine issues throughout the Virgin Islands. The questionnaire sought to find out what marine and environmental issues were of greatest concern and what role CMES should play in addressing them.
The results, presented by CMES Director Richard Nemeth, revealed that the majority of respondents were most concerned about conservation and Marine Protected Areas. Habitat loss, land management, sedimentation, sewage and non-point source pollution were also of major concern. Respondents included those involved primarily with conservation and environmental management as well as researchers and educators. Commercial and recreational marine users and those in the tourism field made up a small percentage.
CMES conducts marine education and outreach programs as well as research projects throughout the Virgin Islands, including a study of the impacts of sedimentation on coral reefs at 22 sites on St. Thomas and St. John, an assessment of the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas as a fisheries management tool, and insect biodiversity. CMES also manages a mangrove reforestation project on St. Croix, a coral reef video monitoring program, a program to install boat moorings and recreational fishing surveys. Their educational and outreach programs encompass diver training, teacher workshops, coordination of beach clean-ups, participation in awareness activities such as Earth Day and agricultural fairs, and youth camps.
For more information on their programs or to provide your input, contact Dr. Richard Nemeth at [email protected], Mayra Suarez-Velez at [email protected] or Marcia Taylor (St. Croix) at [email protected].