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Reef Jam Slated for Dec. 6 at Smith Bay Park

Oct. 3, 2008 — Save the date to save the corals. The St. Thomas Reef Jam is scheduled for noon to sunset Dec. 6 at Lindqvist Beach, now called Smith Bay Park.
"It will be family fun and educational at the same time," said Lihla Noori, marine stewardship coordinator at the V.I. Marine Advisory Service, which sponsors the jam. It also commemorates the Year of the Reef, celebrated around the world this year to bring attention to the plight of the reefs.
Part of the University of the Virgin Islands' Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), the V.I. Marine Advisory Service helps with coastal planning and decision-making to better balance development and natural resources and raises the visibility of the marine environment.
With the jam, the goals are to increase awareness of coral reef values, promote coral reef stewardship and strengthen coral reef management and conservation.
Over the last decade, CMES and federal agencies have documented losses of more than half of the live coral reef habitat around the territory. This unprecedented decline could adversely affect the invaluable ecological services corals provide in shoreline stability, water quality, nutrient recycling, and habitat for fish and related organisms.
According to Noori, the territory's tourism industry depends on the health of the marine environment, clarity of the ocean waters, and gorgeous beaches.
"Protecting the reef is protecting their livelihood," Noori said.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Status of the Reef Report 2008, without significant improvement in reducing land-based sources of pollution and increasing awareness of the fragility of these ecosystems, coral reefs will continue to be impacted by disease, bleaching and climate change.
Educating the community about the value of marine resources and the relationship between land activities and the sea is one way to help reverse coral reef decline while preserving the territory's marine-based tourism economy.
Following in the footsteps of St. Croix’s Reef Jam in May, the St. Thomas Reef Jam will encourage community participation and promote the importance of marine resources.
Reef Jam activities include live performances by local and student artists, snorkeling clinics, guided tours over the underwater trail and marine education games.
The Reef Jam also features presentations by local scientists and community leaders on coral reef and fisheries, and an underwater photography contest.
Government and community organizations will have displays. Food and retail items will be for sale.
The Marine Advisory Service is holding the event with help from V.I. Ecotours, the Environmental Association of St. Thomas/St. John, the Planning and Natural Resource Department's Division of Fish and Wildlife, and V.I. Network of Environmental Educators.
All donations and proceeds raised at the event will go to Marine Advisory Service coral reef outreach and education programs on St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. The programs will include a program about land based sources of called “The Reef is Closer Than You Think…Every Act Counts!”, a volunteer community network aimed at improving planning, monitoring, enforcement and education of several sites around St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and a high school mini grant program helps students conduct marine education related outreach activities in their communities and schools.
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