ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced this afternoon that all the territory’s beaches that it tested for enterococci bacteria and turbidity — a measure of water clarity, according to the department — have proven to be safe for swimming and fishing this weekend, bar Gentle Winds Beach here, which DPNR warns did not meet accepted water quality.
The safe beaches on St. Croix include the following: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Grapetree Bay, Halfpenny, Shoy’s, Rainbow, Cane Bay, Princess (Condo Row) and Chenay Bay.
On St. Thomas, these are the safe beaches: Magen’s Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Lindquist, Coki Point, Sapphire, Vessup Bay, Hull Bay Water Bay Bluebeards Secret Harbor Bolongo Bay and Frenchman’s Bay.
And on St. John: Cruz Bay, Oppenhiemer, Johnson Bay, Great Cruz Bay and Frank Bay are safe.
The release also made known that high levels of enterococci bacteria and turbidity may be caused by runoff due to heavy rains, heavy marine vessel traffic, high wave activity near the shoreline, irresponsible recreational use, etc. Runoff can consist of sediment, pesticides, animal feces and oil & grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory.
And the department, led by Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. DPNR also recommends that residents use their discretion when swimming or fishing at the designated beaches. If the waters appear muddy or murky or have foul odors, do not swim or fish.
For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix.
Feature Image: Coki Pint Beach, St. Thomas.
Tags: beaches, dpnr
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