October 16th, 2024 -- On Saturday October 12th over 50 individuals representing the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN), the St. Mary’s Biosphere National Committee and surrounding communities within the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve (SMBR); Blue Conscience; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) – including the RUSVM Zoo Exotics and Wildlife Medicine Club, the Student National Association for Black Veterinarians, the RUSVM Scuba Club, and the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA); the St. Christopher Nevis Conservation Foundation; and the Taiwanese Embassy worked for over three hours and removed 1,270 pounds of marine debris from the Keys Beach area.
Keys Beach is a key nesting area found within the SMBR for sea turtles, seabirds, and shorebirds and removal of marine debris facilitates their safe nesting and hatching within the area and makes the area much more inviting for recreational activities. As nesting seabirds and shorebirds are easily disturbed by beach activity, April through September are times during which the ability to conduct large scale clean ups like these are not possible.
So, as soon as the opportunity presented itself these groups made their move to clean the beach environment in that area and there are plans to continue every three months within the area until the nesting season for seabirds and shorebirds begins in April 2025. The collected debris was removed by Admiral’s through their collaboration with Blue Conscience and any recyclable debris will be processed as such.
In addition to the flurry of debris removal there was the opportunity for participants to learn more about the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve and to treat themselves with offerings from KJB’s Fruits, Herbs, and Juices and I Queen’s Ice Cream and all participants were entered into a raffle which offered the opportunity to win vouchers from Coconut Grove, St. Kitts Watersports, a dive from RUSVM Scuba Club, and an ecotour with the SKSTMN.
The collective efforts of all participants and sponsors truly made a difference for the environment and the flora and fauna inhabiting these areas and sincere appreciation is extended to all who made it possible. Stay tuned for upcoming events by checking out the SKSTMN, SMBR, and Blue Conscience social media outlets.
Disclaimer
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
