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| Members of the GRROE USVI Mangroves lab represent the University of the Virgin Islands at the 7th Mangroves, Macrobenthos and Management Conference in Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan. |
Eight UVI students, faculty and staff shared Virgin Islands research on mangrove restoration, hurricane impacts, marine debris and environmental education with scientists from around the world.
Mangrove research rooted in the U.S. Virgin Islands reached a global audience when a team from the University of the Virgin Islands traveled to Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan, for the 7th Mangroves, Macrobenthos and Management Conference (MMM7).
Representing UVI’s Growing Research, Restoration, Outreach and Education (GRROE) USVI Mangroves lab, three graduate students and five faculty and staff members delivered seven presentations—two oral and five poster presentations—showcasing research and outreach initiatives designed to better understand, protect and restore the Territory’s coastal ecosystems.
The international conference brought together many of the world’s leading mangrove researchers, creating an opportunity for UVI participants to contribute Virgin Islands perspectives to global scientific discussions while learning about emerging conservation and restoration practices.
“It was truly an inspiring experience to learn how mangrove conservation is being addressed around the world, and even more inspiring that GRROE USVI Mangroves is a part of the conversation,” said Myra Knowles, a research assistant technician with the GRROE USVI Mangroves lab.
Virgin Islands Research with Global Relevance
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| Adam Krogmann, left, and Isabella Symington-St. John discuss their research with a participant during the MMM7 Conference in Japan. |
Dr. Kristin Grimes and graduate student Kaitlin Rommelfanger presented findings from mangrove restoration experiments conducted on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus. Other members of the delegation explored critical environmental issues affecting the Territory and coastal communities worldwide.
Allie Durdall presented research examining hurricane impacts on mangroves in the U.S. Virgin Islands, while Knowles focused on marine debris found within mangrove ecosystems. Michael Neimeyer and Margo Boucetta shared research on habitats where mangroves and coral reefs coexist.
Adam Krogmann and graduate student Isabella Symington-St. John highlighted place-based mangrove education strategies, including work designed to connect students and community members with the ecosystems found in their own backyards.
“Attending my first-ever international conference with the MMM7 group was an incredible opportunity,” said Symington-St. John, a Professional Science Master’s student at UVI. “Discussing the Mangroves in the Classroom program with people from around the world who are as passionate about community outreach as I am was immensely rewarding. I cannot wait to see the future projects and collaborations that come out of this conference!”
Bringing New Knowledge Home
Beyond presenting their research, members of the UVI delegation gained insight into advances in mangrove monitoring, forest-structure mapping and restoration practices being used in other parts of the world.
The five-day conference gave UVI students and early-career researchers valuable experience communicating their findings to international audiences, engaging with established scientists and expanding their professional networks. It also opened the door to potential research collaborations that could strengthen UVI’s work in the Virgin Islands.
The GRROE USVI Mangroves lab will explore how relevant approaches presented at the conference can be adapted to deepen understanding of local mangrove ecosystems and advance restoration efforts throughout the Territory.
UVI’s participation at MMM7 demonstrated that research conducted in the Virgin Islands can contribute meaningfully to global environmental science. It also ensured that the Territory’s experiences with hurricanes, coastal development, marine debris, restoration and community education were represented in international conversations about the future of mangrove conservation.
Most importantly, the UVI team returned home with new knowledge, connections and ideas that can strengthen efforts to protect the natural resources that sustain Virgin Islands communities.
UVI’s participation was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Schmidt Ocean Coalition, the National Science Foundation and the Lana Vento Charitable Trust.
