Repeating Islands

Every year, since 2007 (but officially organized since 2008), Rainbow Beach (north of Frederiksted on the west end of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) is home to Reef Jam, “a beach party together with a fundraising effort while educating beach goers and entertaining music lovers.” Reef Jam began when the Kurt and Janelle Schindler, its founders, reached out to various people, including Karlyn Langjahr (Department of Planning and Natural Resources, St. Croix East End Marine Park), Emily Tyner (UVI-Marine Advisory Service), and Melanie Feltmate (St. Georges Botanical Gardens). This year, Langjahr was pleased to report a turnout of about 1,000 people and more than 60 volunteers. Funds generated at Reef Jam 2009 ($10,000) were made available on a competitive basis through a mini-grant program whereby St. Croix community groups, school or student organizations, civic groups, government or non-government agencies/organizations, and individuals were encouraged to apply for small ($500-$2,500) grants to fund marine-related education and conservation projects.

Reef Jam activities include an underwater photography, local food kiosks, raffles, SCUBA dives, Jet Ski rentals, tours, hand-blown art glass, cruising guides, mooring-rope demonstration, music, and more. People from around the islands pitch in to make this an effective educational fundraiser that is rewarding on many levels. The St. Croix East End Marine Park sponsors an activities tent with educational games and a kids’ snorkel clinic for children interested in learning how to see what is underwater just off the beach. The Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators (VINE) and the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) offer information on reef conservation, safe snorkeling clinics, and sponsor the “Leave Paradise in its Place” campaign as part of their reach-out to preserve coral reefs.

Reef Jam and the organizations mentioned above underline that “the importance of coral reefs extends beyond the interests of boaters, divers, and snorkel enthusiasts. Healthy coral reefs enable healthy fisheries; they protect the beaches that draw tourists and mitigate windstorm damage to the coastline— all of which have a tremendous financial impact on the Caribbean and its people. Human impact is destroying this valuable asset, and education is the first step in reversing that trend.” Therefore, the Reef Jam mission is to improve St. Croix coral reef conservation efforts through community education, stewardship, and conservation programs that promote positive behavior changes toward the marine environment.

Reef Jam 2010 preparations are underway. For more on Reef Jam, see http://www.reefjam.com/

See full article by Ellen Sanpere at http://www.allatsea.net/article/November_2009/Reef_Jam_Raises_10K_Towards_Preserving_Coral_Reefs

[Ellen Sanpere has lived aboard Cayenne III, a refurbished Idylle 15.5, since 1998. She and her husband Tony have cruised from Maine to Venezuela. St. Croix is their home port.]

Photo of healthy Caribbean reefs, courtesy of the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, see http://www.noaa.gov/features/protecting_1208/coastlines.html