June 21, 2008 – Buck Island Reef National Monument is a critical nesting and foraging habitat for four species of endangered and/or threatened sea turtles including the leatherback, green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtle. Their designation under the Endangered Species Act protects them, their eggs, and hatchlings from all forms of harassment or poaching, both on the beach and in the water. The nesting season for these turtles begins in March and continues through December of each year.
This year, the National Park Service celebrates its 21st year of research on the nesting population of hawksbill sea turtles found at Buck Island. Research begins in late July and continues through October, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The beaches are patrolled nightly to observe nesting, record the number of nesting female turtles, tag new nesting turtles, and continue the long-term research on hawksbill turtles at the Monument.
The National Park Service would like to remind all visitors to Buck Island Reef to observe the following rules:
1) During the sea turtle nesting season (June to December), the island is closed to visitors from sunset to sunrise.
2) No poles, stakes, or anchors may be inserted into beach sand above the high water line at any time, as they can damage sea turtle nests. Any digging, including sandcastle building, must be confined to the waters edge.
3) Domestic pets (dogs, cats, etc.) are absolutely prohibited ashore.
4) The anchorage at West Beach remains available to overnight boaters. However, bright lights other than masthead lights on anchored vessels are not permitted and noise/music must be kept to a minimum, including onboard generators.
5) Do not remove or touch project equipment including colored flagging tape, numbered white marker stakes, white survey stakes or "knock-downs." They are marking on-going experiments related to sea turtle nesting and beach temperature.
6) Boaters are also reminded to proceed cautiously through park waters. Sea turtles rise slowly to the surface to breathe, and it takes them time to dive to safety when they hear an approaching motorboat. Sea turtles have the right-of-way in our near shore waters. Go slow near shore!
Those who notice violations of any of these regulations or find injured or dead sea turtles in the park, please notify NPS Chief Harris at 773-1460 or 277-6782. Outside the park, report to V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources Enforcement (773-5774) or U. S. Fish and Wildlife (773-4554) or Sea Turtle Assistance and Recovery Network (WIMARCS) at 877-388-7853.
