Virgin Islands National Park - Environmental Factors

The Virgin Islands National Park originally consisted of 5,000 acres. It now contains more than 7,000 acres plus more that 20,000 acres of submerged lands within the National Park and Coral Reef National Monument boundaries. A volcanic island surrounded by an extensive reef system makes one of the most diverse tropical, Western Atlantic terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. To date documented species include: 140 birds, 302 fish, 7 amphibians, 22 mammals and 740 plants. In addition there are about 50 corals species and numerous gorgonians, and sponges. The elevation ranges from 0 to 1300 feet within less than 4 miles.

Human influence has greatly changed the composition of the island. Much of the island was cleared for agricultural use and many exotic and invasive where species imported. The invasive species are rapidly smothering the native species. Construction has caused considerable devastation to the near shore reefs. Over fishing has reduced and changed the local fish resource. Several are now on the endangered or threatened list. The once abundant Goliath Fish is now only rarely seen while diving. Nassau groupers large enough to feed an entire family for several days are now only 10-12 inches long.

Because The National Park owns about 2/3 of St. John we still have pristine beach areas and small cays (islands). The Coral Reef National Monument is a no take zone. This has reduced the stress of fishing and is hoped with help to stabilize or increase the fish population.