St Thomas Community News

\n\n Community leaders worry expanded protected waters could threaten livelihoods without adequate transition plan STT News Staff A groundswell of concern is emerging among St. Thomas fishing families over a proposed expansion of marine sanctuary protections that could restrict access to traditional fishing grounds, with community members questioning whether federal planners have adequately considered the economic impact on an already fragile local industry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last month that it is considering an expansion of the Virgin Islands Marine Protected Area, potentially adding nearly 15,000 additional acres of restricted waters around St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island. While the proposal aims to enhance coral reef protection and marine biodiversity, local fishermen say they were not meaningfully consulted before the federal agency moved forward with the plan. Captain Marcus Williams, who has fished waters off St.… Continued on Page 2 →