Marine conservation in the British Virgin Isles will be the focus of a two year-long project for the UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) which kicked off this week.
The project will undertake high resolution hydrographic surveys to map the sea bed to support the management of marine protected areas and the data gleaned should provide a more accurate and detailed knowledge of the marine landscape.
Cefas project leader, Koen Vanstaen, said: "This project is an excellent opportunity for Cefas to bring our leading-edge expertise in seabed mapping and monitoring to provide the best and most accurate data our partners need to understand how to manage and safeguard the marine environment of the British Virgin Islands."
At present, very little is known about the species and habitats in the waters beyond 20 metres, where it is believed the internationally endangered species, black coral exists.
The RMS Rhone Marine Park and Sir Francis Drake Channel will be the focus of the work. The RMS Rhone Marine Park was the first designated National Marine Park in the British Virgin Islands and includes fringing reef and seagrass beds, as well as the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer RMS Rhone which sunk in 1867. It was chosen for the survey because in addition to important conservation commitments, it combines navigational safety, fisheries, tourism and educational interests.
Cefas is working in partnership with UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands during the project.
