Buck Island Reef National Monument
US Virgin Islands
Buck Island Reef National Monument is a protected natural area located about 1.5 miles north of Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Established initially in 1948 and designated a National Monument in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, it encompasses Buck Island and over 18,800 acres of surrounding submerged lands. The monument is renowned for its extensive elkhorn coral barrier reef, which supports a rich biodiversity including over 250 fish species, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and several shark species such as lemon, blacktip reef, and whitetip reef sharks. The island's Turtle Beach is a world-famous nesting site for endangered Leatherback turtles in spring and Green and Hawksbill turtles in summer, making it one of the most active turtle nesting beaches globally. Visitors can explore one of the United States' rare underwater trails marked with informative plaques about local marine flora and fauna. Managed by the National Park Service, the monument emphasizes conservation, requiring visitors to use authorized guides or permits and encouraging environmentally friendly practices like reef-safe sunscreen use. With its pristine beaches, vibrant underwater ecosystems, and significant wildlife habitats, Buck Island Reef National Monument offers a unique and inspiring natural experience in the Caribbean.
ヒント: The best time to visit Buck Island Reef National Monument is during the spring and summer months when sea turtles nest on Turtle Beach. Visitors should book guided tours through authorized concessioners or obtain permits if arriving on private vessels without paying customers. Using reef-safe sunscreen or wearing rash guards is strongly recommended to protect the delicate marine ecosystem. Snorkelers can enjoy the marked underwater trail on the eastern tip of the island, which provides educational insights into the marine life. Arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds and enhances wildlife viewing opportunities.
興味深い事実
- •Buck Island hosts one of only three underwater trails in the United States, marked with plaques describing marine flora and fauna.
- •The island's Turtle Beach has been voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
- •Buck Island is one of the few places in the Virgin Islands where brown pelicans and threatened least terns nest.
- •The National Park Service has been monitoring sea turtle nesting and marine life on Buck Island for over 40 years.
- •The coral reef around Buck Island supports over 250 species of fish and several shark species, including lemon, blacktip reef, and whitetip reef sharks.
歴史
Buck Island Reef National Monument was first protected by the U.S.
Government in 1948 to preserve its exceptional marine environment.
It was officially designated a National Monument in 1961 by President John F.
Kennedy.
In 2001, the monument's boundaries were significantly expanded by President Bill Clinton to include over 18,800 acres of submerged lands, despite opposition from local fishermen.
Over the decades, the National Park Service has conducted continuous research focusing on coral reefs, fish populations, and sea turtle nesting, establishing one of the longest-running marine conservation programs in the region.
場所ガイド
Underwater Trail
A marked snorkeling trail on the eastern tip of Buck Island featuring informative plaques about the local marine ecosystem, including coral species, fish, and other marine animals. It is one of only three such trails in the United States, offering an educational and immersive experience for snorkelers.
Turtle Beach
Located on the western edge of Buck Island, Turtle Beach is a pristine white sand beach renowned for being one of the most active turtle nesting sites globally. Endangered Leatherback turtles nest here in the spring, while Green and Hawksbill turtles nest during the summer. The beach is also celebrated for its natural beauty and has been recognized by National Geographic.
