Leave
Paradise In It's Place |
| Over
2.25 million people visit the US Virgin Islands every year. Visitors come
here to see the beauty of our natural resources, the crystal blue waters,
the colorful fish and corals, not to mention the wonderful climate. |
Many
of us do not realize that shells, sand and corals that look like great gifts
and treasures to take home have purpose in sustaining the many eco-systems
in the marine environment. You can contribute to the conservation of our
natural resources by following the simple rule of "look but don't touch
or take". Think about it! If each person were to take one shell or one piece
of coral, we would quickly have nothing left. Many small creatures that
depend on abandoned shells to hide and protect themselves would become defenseless.
|
Old Conch shells are
hideouts for octopus and other sea creatures. Leave them as a shelter
or haven for sea life. |
Pieces of coral and
other marine life that wash up on the shore today, break down and help
form the sandy white beaches of tomorrow. Please, do not remove anything
other than trash from the beach. |
The numbers
of fish and live has decreased over the years for many reasons. Please do
not contribute to the demise of our marine life, coral reefs and beaches
by taking coral, shells, and beach sand. |
Please
respect the Virgin Islands natural resources. We want you and your friends
to continue to enjoy the Virgin Islands that we know and love. |
Sea Star and sand dollars are living animals.
They find food in shallow sea grass beds. Enjoy them by observing them
in their natural habitats. |
Endangered sea turtles
use our beaches by making nests
and laying eggs under the sand. Be careful where you place umbrellas and
other beach items.
|
Make sure your trip is an enjoyable one, you may take as many pictures
as you want, but please "Leave Paradise In It's Place". |
Did you know
that?
All native plants
and animals of the USVI are protected under the Indigenous Species Act.
It is illegal to take, catch, possess, injure, harass, or kill any native
animal, or plant. All fish (unless harvested for food), coral, shells,
and other marine life are protected. You will not be permitted to leave
the territory with shells, corals or any other marine life in your possession.
|
Hermit crabs change their sea shell houses as they grow.
Assure these creatures a home by leaving empty shells on beaches and
in the waters. |
For more information about VINE and its activities and resources please visit www.usvircd.org/VINE
Funding for this page is provided by a grant from the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. |
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