This portion of Coral Bay on the southeastern edge of Virgin Islands National Park and the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is being proposed for a large marina/Save Coral Bay

Public comment is being taken by the Army Corps of Engineers on a proposed marina on Coral Bay in the Virgin Islands that could impact Virgin Islands National Park. If the marina is built, according to opponents, it would become one of the largest in the Caribbean and located in "one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of St John."

Some parts of the national park run up to the waters of Coral Bay, and roughly half of the bay is within the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. The bay, which touches Hurricane Hole and Round Bay, is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers drawn to its warm waters and brilliantly hued fisheries and corals. The bay also is popular with sharks, as lemon, black tip, and nurse sharks use it as a nursery, according to a study for the Coral Bay Community Council.

From the perspective of Joe Kessler, president of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, the proposed marina would pose a "significant threat" to waters protected by the national park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, would eliminate 8 acres of seagrass beds, impact water flows, and "add an unknown amount and number of contaminants to the bay waters from all the vessels and generally lead to severe degradation of water quality."

According to planning documents submitted by the Summer's End Group, no zoning changes would be necessary to develop the marina and its supporting infrastructure. The developers also propose an education program to lessen impacts from those using the marina. 

Summer's End also envisions a fish and farmer's market that would benefit local businesses and serve as "a gathering place for friends to share good times and the news of the day. In addition, The St. John Marina contribution to community kids is extended to the support of a myriad of youth organizations including KATS and Using Sport for Social Change."

The Army Corps of Engineers is taking comment on the project through the end of the month.

'œAll factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered including conservation, economics, esthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, historical properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, considerations of property ownership, and in general, the needs and welfare of the people.'

Letters should either be sent by postal mail or by email to the addresses below. They should include the permit application number in the subject line.

Email Subject: Application SAJ-2004-12518 (SP-JMS) '“ Coral Bay Marina
Email To Address: [email protected]
Email cc Address: [email protected]

Postal Address: Mr. Johann M. Sasso, Antilles Permits Section, 400 Fernández Juncos Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901-3299

Leaders of the Save Coral Bay group ask that you cc them on any correspondence so they can track public comment on the project. Their email address is [email protected]