Did you know that sandy beaches are primarily made of material created by living marine organisms? Coral, shelled organisms and calcareous algae are a few of those that produce calcium carbonate, used for skeletal structure and protection and when these organisms die, their skeletal remains and shells erode into sand particles. Intact shells are particularly important on beaches because hermit crabs, which do not produce their own shells, use them as "homes." Since January 2008, there has been more than 1 ton of coral, shells, and sand, from beaches on St. Croix, confiscated, by cooperative agreement with US Customs Agents, at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. By NOT removing sand, coral, or shells from the beach, you are doing your part to ensure that the beaches on St. Croix be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many years.

Nesting female sea turtles love beaches just as much as people do. Throughout the year, green leatherback, and hawksbill sea turtles lay their eggs on most St. Croix beaches and all three are listed on the United States Endangered Species List. Population levels, as with levels around the world, has dramatically decreased due to over-harvesting, accidental captures, and a loss of nesting habitats. Thanks to positive human intervention in recent years, nesting populations on St. Croix has started to increase. By being careful where you place your beach items and where you walk and drive you can help prevent nest disturbance or hatchlings from being trapped or injured as they hustle to the sea.

Some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth live in the ocean and many are yet to be discovered. On a snorkel or dive trip around St. Croix, you may see coral reefs, whales, and everything in between. Coral reefs are living and provide food and shelter for many marine fishes, invertebrates, and reptiles. Because they are extremely fragile, they can be stressed by a number of factors including rising sea temperature, changing ocean chemistry, degrading water quality, and the slightest touch, or slap of a fin. Reefs are also damaged by recreational ocean users that are not careful about where they anchor or mindful of the water depth when operating vessels. Pieces of coral are often detached when they are stood upon or struck, often ending hundreds of years of growth! Like corals, star fish and sand dollars are commonly removed from the water and kept as souvenirs. Because all living organisms play a role in maintaining the stability of the habitat to which they live, it is important to observe them and take memories or pictures, but to leave them in their place.

The Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators (VINE) has created a very simple and catchy reminder for everyone who enjoys the beaches and waters around St. Croix; "Leave Paradise in its Place". Coral, shells, and other marine life are protected under the USVI Indigenous and Endangered Species Act and are not allowed to leave the territory. For more information about VINE and the Leave Paradise in its Place campaign visit http://www.usvircd.org/VINE.

Posters of the August cover art "The Sea Around Our Islands," by Maria Henle, are available at the Maria Henle Gallery on Company Street. Call 773-0372 for more information.