ST. CROIX — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources made known Friday that eight of the territory’s beaches are not safe for swimming and fishing this weekend, because they exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold.
In St. Croix, the unsafe beaches are: Rainbow, Cramer Park, Grapetree Bay, Halfpenny and Cane Bay. In St. Thomas, they are: Water Bay and Lindquist, and in St. John, the unsafe beach is Great Cruz Bay.
Beaches considered safe for swimming and fishing are as follows:
St. Croix: Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Chenay Bay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch, Stoney Ground and Frederiksted Public Beach.
St. Thomas: Coki Point, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Sapphire, Hull Bay, Magen’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Brewer’s Bay and Vessup Bay.
St. John: Johnson Bay, Cruz Bay and Oppenhiemer.
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.
Tags: beach advisory, us virgin islands
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