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Invasive Lionfish Threaten USVI Coral Reefs

Invasive Lionfish Threaten USVI Coral Reefs 1

If you’re planning a visit to St. John soon, you’re likely looking forward to days spent at the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the famous, electric blue Caribbean water. If you’re looking forward to venturing beneath the surface to admire St. John’s colorful reefs, make sure to keep an eye out for the invasive red lionfish. A growing threat in the Virgin Islands, lionfish are causing significant damage to coral reefs and native reef fish. By learning how to identify and report sightings, you can contribute to CORE (Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education) Foundation’s conservation efforts. 

The well-known phrase, “looks can be deceiving” comes to mind when I think of the lionfish, a beautiful yet venomous fish that is wreaking havoc on coral reefs and fragile marine ecosystems around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. With eye-catching red, brown and white stripes and 18 venomous spines, lionfish have an unusual and distinct appearance.

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2024 Hurricane Season Update

2024 Hurricane Season Update 2

Watching the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfold and with more cyclone formations developing in the Atlantic, staying informed and prepared throughout the remaining hurricane season is vital to those along the US East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean. 

Forecasters predicted this year’s hurricane season to be more active than usual because of the lower temperatures in the South Pacific (a transition to a La Nina season), causing low wind activity in the Atlantic. With lower wind activity and record high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, favorable hurricane conditions have been created and will last until the end of November. 

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A Helpful Guide to Visiting St. John this Holiday Season

A Helpful Guide to Visiting St. John this Holiday Season 6

Good morning!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it, we bid farewell to hurricane season. As the temperatures cool down, St. John is gearing up for its bustling high season, which kicks off in just a couple of months.

A good friend of mine, who’s the maid of honor in a wedding, is organizing a destination bachelorette party here on St. John. She had tons of questions about accommodations, rental cars, and restaurant reservations, so I figured I’d put together a little guide. Whether you’re planning a celebration of your own or just visiting to escape the cold, here are some tips and tricks to help plan your holiday vacation on St. John!

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A Different Kind of Getaway: Work Exchange Program in St. John’s National Park

A Different Kind of Getaway: Work Exchange Program in St. John's National Park 7

Good morning!

With October right around the corner, I am beginning to experience my first fall (temperatures below 60?!) in nearly three years. Excited as I am, the gradual temperature change has me feeling rather nostalgic about my time living on St. John, where the weather stays mostly sunny and warm year-round. 

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Sustainable Tourism: Enjoy St. John Responsibly

Sustainable Tourism: Enjoy St. John Responsibly 8

Good Morning! St. John is one of the Caribbean’s most ecologically diverse islands, so it’s not surprising that visitors come from all over the world. The popularity comes with a responsibility to preserve the area’s environment.

Sustainable tourism is all about making conscious choices that minimize your impact on the environment and support the local community. Before you travel to St. John, learn ways to make your vacation more sustainable.

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Virgin Islands National Park Proposes New Fees for 2025

Virgin Islands National Park Proposes New Fees for 2025 9
Good Morning! There are some important updates coming our way for the Virgin Islands National Park that you’ll want to know about. The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing adjustments to the park’s fee structure, which could take effect as early as January 1, 2025, so let’s dive into what these proposed fees might mean for you.

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