Pelagic sargassum is a brown alga, or seaweed that floats free in the ocean and never attaches to the ocean floor. These free-floating forms are only found in the Atlantic Ocean. Sargassum provides refuge for migratory species and essential habitat for some 120 species of fish and more than 120 species of invertebrates. It’s an important nursery habitat that provides shelter and food for endangered species such as sea turtles and for commercially important species of fish such as tunas. There are two species of sargassum involved in the sargassum influx: Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans.
The environmental and agricultural benefits of the Sargassum seaweed will be highlighted in a public education campaign to be launched by the Conservation and Fisheries Department.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department is inviting the public to participate in the 2015 International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19. Persons can also participate in the clean-up from Thursday, September 17 to Monday, October 5 in the Virgin Islands.
The 2015 Conservation and Fisheries Environmental Summer Programme has begun and it is placing special emphasis on natural marine and terrestrial habitat education and appreciation.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is seeking the cooperation of persons within the Red Bay, East End community in the removal of pieces of property at the Red Bay Re-development Project site.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering led a delegation to Jost Van Dyke last week to discuss ways the team could continue to collaborate in preserving the island’s natural environment and further strengthen the tourism product.
Local elementary and secondary students won several prizes from the popular radio show on ZBVI 780 AM, "Morning Devotion" Quiz competition as part of activities to observe Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.
The Re-Expansion of the Red Bay site is visible as plans to expand the Territory’s fisheries sector unfold. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Ronald Smith-Berkeley said that the ongoing works will greatly improve the mooring capacity of the previous dock and soon fishermen will be able to experience a safer, sustainable and improved docking area at Red Bay.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is inviting the community of Anegada to attend a public meeting on the proposed Protected Areas at the Anegada Community Centre on Friday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m.
