ST. CROIX — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said in a press release on Friday that six of the territory’s beaches — three in St. Croix and three in St. John — are not safe for swimming and fishing this weekend, as they failed to meet water quality standards considered safe because they exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold.
In St. Croix, the unsafe beaches are Cane Bay, above, Chenay Bay and Princess (Condo Row) A — Mill Harbour. And in St. John, Cruz Bay, Great Cruz Bay and Frank Bay registered as unsafe.
All St. Thomas beaches have been given the green light this weekend. They include: Lindquist, Coki Point, Vessup Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Sapphire, Water Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Hull Bay, Lindbergh Bay and Magen’s Bay.
The safe beaches in St. Croix include: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Rainbow, Grapetree Bay, Dorsch, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Halfpenny, and Princess (Condo Row) B – Breezez.
In St. John, Johnson Bay and Oppenhiemer were cleared for swimming and fishing.
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, says DPNR.
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 in St. Croix.
Feature Image: Cane Bay
Image Credit: VIC.
Tags: beach advisory, dpnr, us virgin islands
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