Led by the University of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, a dedicated force of 208 community volunteers from across the U.S. Virgin Islands united for the 2025 Great Mangrove Cleanup events that occurred from February to April of this year. Together, these community volunteers removed an astounding 14,556 pounds of trash and stubborn hurricane debris from mangrove shorelines in Altona Lagoon, St. Croix; Coral Bay, St. John and Vessup Bay, St. Thomas, making a significant impact on the health of these vital coastal habitats.
The 2025 cleanups build on a legacy of success. From 2018 to present, the Great Mangrove Cleanups have removed over 23 tons (46,800 lbs.) of debris from our shorelines, the vast majority of which are plastics, including an overwhelming amount of single-use plastic beverage bottles – close to 13,000 and counting. More than 1,000 volunteers have made this work possible. With every year, the collective efforts grow, and so too does the hope for a cleaner, healthier environment.
“Participating in the Great Mangrove Cleanups puts into perspective how important this work is. Being with the community during these cleanups makes me believe all hope is truly not lost, and they believe it as well,” said Aaliya Warner Rawlins, an undergraduate student at the University of the Virgin Islands.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, most marine debris is plastic and originates from land-based sources. The encouraging news is that we all have the power to make a difference. By reducing our reliance on single-use items, reusing materials, and ensuring waste is properly disposed of, we can significantly curb the flow of plastic debris into our beautiful waters and protect these fragile ecosystems.
For more information about ongoing marine debris cleanup efforts in the territory, please reach out to the USVI Marine Debris Coordinator, Zola Roper, at zola.roper@dpnr.vi.gov.
