EFTA01119647.pdf

ST. THOMAS EAST END RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN May, 2011 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Drafted and edited by the STEER Core Team: Jeanne Brown, VI Coastal Program Director, The Nature Conservancy Alexandra Holecek, Area of Particular Concern Coordinator, Division of Coastal Zone Management January Murray, Fisheries Biologist 3, Division of Fish and Wildlife Lihla Noori, Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, University of the Virgin Islands Jean-Pierre Oriol, Acting Assistant Director, Division of Coastal Zone Management Judy Pierce, Wildlife Chief, Division of Fish and Wildlife Renata Platenberg, Wildlife Biologist 3, Division of Fish and Wildlife Sandra Romano, Masters of Marine and Environmental Science program, University of the Virgin Islands Drew Russo, Friends of Christmas Cove Christine Settar, Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, University of the Virgin Islands With valuable input from St. Thomas residents, STEER user groups, business owners, and researchers (collectively known as STEER Stakeholders) Contributors: Tyler Smith, University of the Virgin Islands Anthony D'Andrea, Oregon State University Agathe Sector, Conservation Finance Consultant Elena Kobrinski, Coastal Policy Intern, University of the Virgin Islands, Nova Southeastern University Anne Marie Hoffman, The Nature Conservancy, University of Maryland Stephen Hale, Fisheries Biologist II, Division of Fish and Wildlife Melanie L. Feltmate, The Nature Conservancy Photographs: Jeanne Brown; Alex Holecek; Shaun Kadison, MMES 2007; Renata Platenberg; Sybille Sorrentino, Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) Main cover: Judy Pierce, Sybille Sorrentino Citation: STEER (2011) St. Thomas East End Reserves Management Plan. St. Thomas, USVI. EFTA01119647 The drafting of this management plan was partially funded by award NA09NMF4630112 to The Nature Conservancy, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department ofPlanning and Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife participation was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act grants Vl-F-19-MHTBM-M and VI-W-25-P. <4850. tit c.r) St0ROV TheNature Conservancy Protecting nature. Preserving lifer EFTA01119648  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 I. Introduction 3 1.1Purpose and Scope 3 1.2 Legislative Authority 6 1.3 Background of STEER Designation and the 2011 Management Plan 6 1.4 Rules and Regulations of STEER 8 1.5 Location, Access and Facilities 11 1.6 Current Socio-economic Uses of STEER 13 II. Conservation Action Plan 16 2.1Plan Development process 16 2.2 Vision 18 2.3 Goals 19 2.4 Conservation Resources 19 Mangroves 21 Seagrass Beds 23 Compass Point Salt Pond 24 Sea and Shore Birds 24 Coral Reef Communities 25 Nursery and Fisheries Resources 26 Compatible and Sustainable Use and Enjoyment 27 2.5 Threats 28 2.6 Conservation Objectives and Strategies 31 2.7 Monitoring and Evaluation of Effectiveness 62 2.8 Zone and Mooring Plan 82 III. Sustainable Financial Plan 84 3.1Summary of the STEER Sustainable Finance Plan 84 3.2 Management Structure and Implementation 90 Establishment of a Park, Board, Capacity staffing, training, facilities, equipment IV. References 92 EFTA01119649  Figures FIGURE 1 Marine Reserve Wildlife Sanctuaries and natural resources of STEER 4 FIGURE 2 Areas of Particular Concern in STEER 5 FIGURE 3 Watershed Map of STEER 11 FIGURE 4 Facilities Adjacent to STEER 12 FIGURE 5 STEER Habitats 21 FIGURE 6 Conceptual diagram showing the ecosystem services provided by mangrove ecosystems of STEER 22 FIGURE 7 Conceptual diagram showing the ecosystem services provided by seagrass ecosystems of STEER 23 FIGURE 8 Proposed STEER Use Zones 83 FIGURE 9 STEER Needs Assessment by Functional Area 87 Tables TABLE 1 Summary of MRWS Rules and Regulations applicable to STEER 8 TABLE 2 STEER Threat Ranking Matrix 30 TABLE 3 STEER Objectives listed by major threat group (1-9) or management area (10, 11) 32 TABLE 4 Summary of Strategies for STEER ranked by priority, impact and feasibility 34 TABLE 5 STEER Action Steps 36 TABLE 6 STEER Monitoring Plan 64 TABLE 7 STEER Initial Research Needs 79 TABLE 8 STEER Activities Guide 83 TABLE 9 Financial Strategy Ranking for STEER 88 TABLE 10 Potential Revenue, Critical and Optimal Funding for STEER 89 Appendices (see supplement document "STEER Management Plon: Appendices") APPENDIX A Relevant STEER Rules and Regulations APPENDIX B STEER Boundary Coordinates APPENDIX C Adjacent Commercial Entities APPENDIX D STEER Documents, Studies, and Papers Environmental Sensitivity Index Map Bathymetry in STEER APPENDIX E Bridge to Nowhere Survey Results APPENDIX F Full Sustainable Finance Plan APPENDIX G Core Drafting Team and Stakeholders APPENDIX H CAP Process, Timeline, Meetings and Workshops APPENDIX I STEER Targets: Long Versions EFTA01119650  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) List of Acronyms • AGRRA: Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment • APC: Area of Particular Concern • BMPs: Best Management Practices • CAP (process): Conservation Action Planning • CRCP: Coral Reef Conservation Program • CWA: Clean Water Act • CWP: Center for Watershed Protection • CZM: Coastal Zone Management • DCCA: Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs • DEE: Division of Environmental Enforcement • DEP: Division of Environmental Protection • DFW: Division of Fish & Wildlife • DPNR: Department of Planning and Natural Resources • EIS: Environmental Impact Statement • EPA: Environmental Protection Agency • FOCC: Friends of Christmas Cove • FTE: Full-time employee • GIS: Geographic Information System • IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature • LiDAR: light Detection and Ranging • MLBB: Mangrove Lagoon Benner Bay • MMES: Masters of Marine and Environmental Science • MPAs: Marine Protected Areas • MRWS: Marine Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries • MSA: Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 • MSDs: Marine Sanitation Device • NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration • NMFS: National Marine Fisheries Service • NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • NP: Non-point source pollution • NPS: National Park Service • PA: Protected Area • PS: point source pollution • SLR: Sea level rise • STEER: St. Thomas East End Reserves • STT: St. Thomas, VI • STXEEMP: St. Croix East End Marine Park • TNC: The Nature Conservancy • USFWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • USGS: U.S. Geological Survey • USVI: U.S. Virgin Islands • UVI: University of the Virgin Islands • VIMAS: Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service • VINE: Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators • VIRR: Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations • VIWMA: Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority EFTA01119651 EFTA01119652 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Management Plan contains the roadmap for effectively conserving the coastal and marine natural and cultural resources of the southeast end of St. Thomas. It does not contain any new rule or regulation that does not already exist in Virgin Islands Code. By creating a new territorial marine protected area, collectively deemed the St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER), several existing protected areas (Cas Cay / Mangrove Lagoon, St James, and Compass Point Marine Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries) will be protected as one comprehensive management unit. In recognition of the importance of adjacent natural and cultural resources as well as the imminent threats to them, a collaborative planning process between the STEER community and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) was initiated in May 2008 to develop this management plan to provide the long term vision for the area and guide near-term (3-5 years) objectives and activities. The intent of the STEER Management Plan is to outline the steps needed to restore and maintain a functional coastal ecosystem that promotes sustainable recreational opportunities and compatible commercial uses with community engagement through effective management. The TARGETED RESOURCES in STEER that this plan aims to protect, enhance and restore are: • MANGROVES • SEAGRASS BEDS • COMPASS POINT SALT POND • SEA AND SHORE BIRDS • CORAL REEF COMMUNITIES • NURSERY AND FISHERIES RESOURCES • COMPATIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AND ENJOYMENT The THREATS to these targets fall into nine general themes: 1. Land-based Sources of Pollution 2. Climate Change 3. Habitat Loss 4. Unsustainable or Illegal Fish Harvest 5. Predators of Sea and Shore Birds 6. Incompatible Use Issues 7. Trash and Debris 8. Physical Damage from Boats 9. Marine-based Sources of Pollution 1 EFTA01119653  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) STRATEGIES developed to abate these threats or restore a targeted resource revolve around: • Improved watershed and stormwater management • Increased coordination of permitting, regulation and enforcement of non-point and point- source pollution and coastal development to prevent habitat loss and sedimentation • Improving enforcement of existing coastal rules and regulations • Community outreach • Developing a climate change adaptation plan • Creation of a moorings program within STEER • Developing a Zone and Mooring Plan for recreational and commercial activities • Improve bird nesting success and survival rates by reducing predation by introduced species and entanglement by discarded monofilament • Restoration activities The primary components of this Management Plan are: 1) An outline of STRATEGIES AND ACTION STEPS aimed to abate threats to these resources or to restore the targeted resources to acceptable and functional levels. Page 34 2) A MONITORING PLAN to accompany the management strategies to inform managers, researchers, funding sources, and Virgin Islanders of the effectiveness of activities to the benefit of the resources. Page 64 3) A SUSTAINABLE FINANCE PLAN that identifies the financial need and resources for the management and operation of STEER. Page 84 Appendix F 4) A ZONE AND MOORING PLAN which clearly delineates the designated allowed maritime, recreational and commercial uses with corresponding regulations, and a mooring and anchoring plan. Page 82 5) Relevant BACKGROUND INFORMATION necessary for guiding the management of STEER including legislative structure, current uses and status of the resources, studies, and involved parties. Page 6 Appendices C, D, E, and I EFTA01119654 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Scope This Management Plan was developed for the Cas Cay / Mangrove Lagoon, St James, and Compass Point Marine Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries (MRWS) collectively referred to as the St. Thomas East End Reserves, or "STEER". Prior to the development of this Management Plan, the most recent plan, written in 1993, focused solely on the Cas Cay/Mangrove Lagoon MRWS, but was not authorized by the managing authority nor has it been implemented. STEER is one of the various forms of protected areas throughout the marine and coastal environment of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Of the system of protected areas managed by the Territorial Government of the USVI, this area is the most recent, along with the St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP). As part of a larger, territory-wide system of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), STXEEMP and STEER are designed to protect the system of coastal resources including mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reef communities and other critical marine habitats. 3 EFTA01119655  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) St. Thomas .Vc Natural Resource Inventory St Thomas East End Reserve Committee December 4. 2008 CabitaPoint The Living Oceans Benthic Habitat (2001) kleclmm densny seagrass River / Gut Bare bedrock pavement i 5tontastraea reel , a Ambient Water Dually 11. P.Ionitoring Stations (DEP) Vegetation Cover &Aro& fleshy 8 calcareous algae Dense gorgonians on bedrock Rubble Sand ro, Nips Roads Developed Thicket scrub Beach Sand W algae . 4 Semi 8 Drought Rock pavement Dense mann* 8 encrusting Marine Reserve deciduous forest Sand ni calcareous Mangroves Dense seagrass A Inner Mangrove Lagoon Coasts grassland Freshwater pond ( green algae Dicyola on pavement Sand Al sparse gorgontans CB Cas Cay i Mangrove Lagoon OMITS hedge Mixed Swamp Sparse corals 8 high algal covet Sparse seagrass cc St James 05 Mood dry shiubla 0 25 rvi 0 Liam Salt flat I Salt pond Sparse corals 8 Du algal cover Turf algae and Mdlepora 0 G Compass Point sag Pone •••••• •••••••asa00 Figure 1: Marine Reserve Wildlife Sanctuaries and natural resources of STEER The MPAs described in this Plan encompass 9.6 km2 of significant coastal, marine and fisheries resources, including mangrove forests, salt ponds, lagoons, reefs and cays. Located at the southeastern end of St. Thomas, STEER is thought to be one of the most valuable fish nursery areas remaining on St. Thomas. Many species of fish and shellfish, including important commercial and sport fisheries resources, spend a portion of their life protected in the shallow mangrove and seagrass beds while feeding and growing before populating other marine habitats in the area. These natural resource-rich areas were declared Areas of Particular Concern (APCs) in 1979, specifically the Mangrove Lagoon/Benner Bay APC and Vessup Bay APC (Figure 2: Areas of Particular Concern in STEER). APCs identified in Figure 2 include both terrestrial and marine areas. EFTA01119656  Figure 2: Areas of Particular Concern in STEER This Management Plan is designed to provide the long-term vision for STEER and guide near- term (3-5 years) objectives and activities. It does not contain any new rules or regulations that do not already exist in the Virgin Islands Code. Components include a management activity plan (including monitoring for effectiveness), a financial business plan, and a zone and mooring plan. The Plan is part of an adaptive and iterative management process, ultimately leading to the sustainable use of the coastal and marine resources in STEER. It is designed to provide guidance in the near-term, but is also open to modifications based on periodic evaluation of management activities and results. The monitoring program included in the Plan is designed to provide the framework for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the management actions. Each action undertaken by management will be evaluated to ensure that it is achieving the objectives set forth throughout this plan. This plan should be revised with stakeholder input after a period of five years from the time of approval and commencement of management activities to reflect the results of the monitoring program. Specific sections, such as the strategic actions, will be reviewed on a more frequent basis to adapt to changes. 5 EFTA01119657  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) 1.2 Legislative Authority The Virgin Islands Code, Title 12, Chapter 1, Section 97 grants the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) the authority to designate or establish marine and wildlife sanctuaries for the purposes of propagating, feeding and protecting birds, fish and other wildlife. It is under this authority that the Cas Cay/Mangrove Lagoon, St. James and Compass Point Pond Marine Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries were all established in 1994. In 2002, Title 12, Chapter 1 of the Virgin Islands Code was amended to include the establishment of the St. Croix East End Marine Park, and to allow for the future designation of other marine parks. Section 98(b) of the Code grants the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission (the Commission) the authority to establish other marine parks in the Virgin Islands as part of a territorial park system; further, the Commission may promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the management of such designated areas under the authority of section 98(d)(3) of the VI Code. 1.3 Background of STEER Designation and the 2011 Management Plan In 1972, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands (Legislature) passed Act 3330, Commercial Fishing Promotion, which was aimed to develop the commercial fishing industry and recognize the significance of the marine habitat to the industry, and its importance to the livelihood of the people of the Virgin Islands (DCCA, 1979). As part of the Act, the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) was mandated to establish necessary fishery management programs. In that same year, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MSA), which would allow for the designation of marine sanctuaries for "the purpose of preserving or restoring their conservational, recreational, ecological, or aesthetic values" (DCCA, 1979). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sanctuaries Program Office was tasked with administering the program. Criteria for designation were commonly based on areas with distinctive and important habitat, species and ecosystems, although sometimes areas were designated to preserve distinctive resources where conflicts between human uses and conservation required comprehensive management planning guidelines. As early as 1979, the area off southeast St. Thomas was identified as a top candidate for designation under the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Criteria used in selecting the area included: o Ecological value of the area EFTA01119658  o Value of the area for scientific research o Ability of the area to support fisheries o Ability to maintain recreational use of the area It was determined that the area's ecological, cultural, recreational and aesthetic importance to the people of the Virgin Islands would require increased management for the protection of the multiple resource uses. Although many years have passed since the investigation into the area off the southeast of St. Thomas, many of the concerns for the area remain today. The areas were given some protection when designated MRWSs, but functional management of the area has been non-existent. In 2008, DPNR-Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) received an application submitted by WT Enterprises to moor a vessel in Christmas Cove on Great St. James Island and operate it as a floating bar and restaurant. There was tremendous public outcry against the granting of a permit for such activity. The main reason cited was that the area was designated as a Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. After reviewing the regulations, a floating bar and restaurant were not specifically prohibited, but most believed that such an activity could not foster the goals outlined in the designation of the area as a reserve. It was clear that a management plan for the area was lacking; one that would identify a vision for the area and prevent future applications of this type from occurring. As a result, in April 2008, DPNR, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and a community group called the Friends of Christmas Cove (FOCC) partnered to create a management plan for all the designated MRWSs on St. Thomas' east end. Coincidentally, activities undertaken by DPNR's Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) to remove derelict and unpermitted vessels from the MRWSs in the spring of 2008 drew further attention to the need for a management plan for the area. This endeavor by DPNR's DEE happened to coincide with the early formation of the Core Planning Team to spearhead the drafting of a comprehensive area Management Plan for STEER and the identification of stakeholders to provide input in the planning process. Community attention and support for a Zone and Mooring Plan grew as a result of the highly publicized actions by DPNR's DEE. 7 EFTA01119659  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) By creating a management plan for the area, clear conservation goals are established, resource management can be achieved, and the area can be managed under the Virgin Islands Territorial Park System. 1.4 Rules and Regulations of STEER A summary of the Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations (VIRR) and Virgin Islands Code applicable to STEER is outlined in the table below (Table 1). The complete rules and regulations that apply to STEER are included in Appendix A: "Relevant STEER Rules and Regulations." The applicable rules and regulations include: • VIRR Title 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter 94: Islands and Cays • VIRR Title 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter 96: Prohibited Acts in Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries • VIRR Title 25 Navigation, Chapter 16: Mooring of Vessels and Houseboats o Section 404 Mooring and Anchoring of Vessels in the Territory o Section 405 Mooring Permits, Fees, Renewals and Cancellations o Section 406 Placing of buoyed mooring; unauthorized use; reassignment; identification o Section 408 Unseaworthy and derelict vessels, houseboats, refuse and pollutants o Section 408a. Prohibition of Houseboats • VI Code Title 12, Chapter 2, Endangered and Indigenous Species Act Table 1. Summary of MRWS Rules and Regulations applicable to STEER Cas Cay VIRR Title 12 It is unlawful for any person to land on or create disturbance near Marine Chapter 1, any island or cay listed in the Annex unless the person is a Reserve and Subchapter governmental employee on official business, an authorized scientist, Wildlife 94, Islands a licensed seabird guide, or a person possessing a valid visitation Sanctuary and Cays permit who is escorted by a licensed seabird guide acting within the scope of his license. (Subchapter 94, Section 94(b)-1) (Islands and cays listed in the Annex include Capella, Carval Rock, Cas Cay, Cockroach, Congo, Cricket, Dog, Dutchcap, Flanagan, Flat, Frenchcap, Kalkun, Little Flat, Pelican, Saba, Shark, Stevens', Sula, Turtledove.) With the exception of Cas Cay which was bequeathed to the Government of the Virgin Islands "for the exclusive use as a bird sanctuary, and for the purpose of preserving the cay in its natural state for the perpetual enjoyment of the people of the Virgin Islands." EFTA01119660  Subchapter Prohibited Activities within the Cas Cay MRWS: 96, Section 96-2 Except under permit or specific authorization from the Commissioner, it is unlawful to: • Take or possess any bird, fish, or other wildlife (including any living organism) or part thereof • Unlawful to use, possession or discharge of any firearm, air rifle, bow and arrow, or any trap or other contrivance designed for or capable of taking birds, fish or other wildlife into or within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. • Anchor beyond 7 days within the boundaries of the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary • Anchor boats without functioning sewage holding tanks • Use in the inner lagoon any internal combustion engine (Inner lagoon is defined as the area within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary west of a line from Turpentine Run to the eastern end ofPatricia Cay) • Operate any powered vessel in excess of 5 miles per hour • Moor any vessel after July 1, 1996. Vessels with current mooring permits must have a functioning holding tank capable of being discharged at a pump-out facility or beyond 3 miles at sea. (No new mooring permits will be granted for this area) • Picnic in/at non-designated areas, camp hunt, use of fire (except in self-contained charcoal-briquette or gas grill), possession of firearms, playing of amplified music, disturbing or removal of any plant, animal or mineral, store, repair, maintain, or construct any vessel or vehicle Subchapter Permitted Activities within the Cas Cay MRWS: 96, Section 96-5 Acts permitted, provided a permit is first obtained from the Commissioner: • The use of castnet with a minimum square mesh size of y. inch to capture baitfish (fry) within 50 feet of the north and west shorelines of Cas Cay only Mangrove Subchapter Prohibited Activities within the Mangrove Lagoon MRWS: Lagoon 96, Section Marine 96-2 Except under permit or specific authorization from the Reserve and Commissioner, it is unlawful to: Wildlife • Take or possess any bird, fish, or other wildlife (including any Sanctuary living organism) or part thereof • Unlawful to use, possession or discharge of any firearm, air rifle, bow and arrow, or any trap or other contrivance designed for or capable of taking birds, fish or other wildlife into or within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary • Anchor beyond 7 days within the boundaries of the Marine 9 EFTA01119661  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary • Anchor boats without functioning sewage holding tanks • Use in the inner lagoon any internal combustion engine Operate any powered vessel in excess of 5 miles per hour • Moor any vessel after July 1, 1996. Vessels with current mooring permits must have a functioning holding tank capable of being discharged at a pump-out facility or beyond 3 miles at sea. (No new mooring permits will be granted for this area) • Picnic in/at non-designated areas, camp hunt, use of fire (except in self-contained charcoal-briquette or gas grill), possession of firearms, playing of amplified music, disturbing or removal of any plant, animal or mineral, store, repair, maintain, or construct any vessel or vehicle Compass VIRR Title 12, Prohibited Activities within the Compass Point Pond MRWS: Point Pond Chapter 1, Marine Subchapter • Unlawful to use, possession or discharge of any firearm, air Reserve and 96, Prohibited rifle, bow and arrow, or any trap or other contrivance Wildlife Acts in designed for or capable of taking birds, fish or other wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife and into or within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary Marine • Unlawful to bring livestock, dogs, motor vehicles or to play Sanctuaries loud electronic music in Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary • Unlawful to disturb or take and plant or animal within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary • Unlawful to store, repair, maintain or construct any vehicle or vessels within the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary St. James Subchapter Prohibited Activities within the St. James MRWS: Marine 96, Section Reserve and 96-3 • It is unlawful to remove any marine or other wildlife without Wildlife a permit or specific authorization from the Commissioner Sanctuary Subchapter Permitted Activities within the St. James MRWS: 96, Section 96-4 Acts permitted, provided a permit is first obtained from the Commissioner: • Scientific collecting in support of and for use in a research project with an approved protocol • The use of castnet with a minimum square mesh size of Y. inch to capture baitfish (fry) within 50 feet of the shoreline, except for Cow and Calf rocks • Fishing with hook and line EFTA01119662 Various Federal regulations also apply to STEER including, but not limited to, the Essential Fish Habitat Amendment to the Magnusen-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Clean Water Act. 1.5 Location, Access and Facilities The MRWSs described in this Plan, collectively referred to as STEER, encompass 9.6 km2 of significant coastal, marine and fisheries resources, including mangrove forests, salt ponds, lagoons, reefs and cays (Figure 1: Marine Reserve Wildlife Sanctuaries and natural resources of STEER). Located at the southeastern end of St. Thomas, the area spans 39 km (24 miles) of coastline consisting of mangroves, sandy beaches, rocky headlands, rocky shores, and developed shoreline. STEER includes the Compass Point Pond, a salt pond located near Benner Bay. The Cas Cay/ Mangrove Lagoon MRWS has Long Point as a western boundary, Nazareth as the eastern boundary and contains Patricia, Bovoni, Rotto and Cas Cays. The St. James MRWS starts at the eastern boundary of the Cas Cay/ Mangrove Lagoon, to the northwestern shore of Little St. James, encompassing Great St. James to the mean high tide watermark, and reaching to Cabrita Point. (Please see Figure 3. Watershed map of STEER and Appendix B: STEER Boundary Coordinates, for the boundary coordinates and descriptions of STEER and the zones contained within.) Watershed & Landuse Inventory St Thomas Emit End Reserve Committee December 4. 2008 Legend RIVet I Gut Ambient Wailer Cateroyep, • Motets CO, . WO, Watersheds Property Parcels Marine Reserve Jetties Ray by Zone r jot Inn.? Mangiove Lagoon Ss Frenchman Bay C? P Co Can i Mnag'n'a• 189808 2,ti Roe Hook ass. R4 CC St James S. Smith Say Ilhe Co: Comensit PO4.11 San PCIINI Figure 3: Watershed Map of STEER 11 EFTA01119663  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) There are five private offshore cays (Little St. James, Great St. James, Current Rock, and Patricia, Rotto, and Fish cays), two public owned offshore keys (Cas and Bovoni cays), and Cow and Calf Rocks within STEER. Several adjacent watersheds impact STEER, including Red Hook Bay, Jersey Bay, and Frenchman Bay watersheds. There are six hotels /resorts/condominium associations along the Marine Reserves boundary (Figure 4: Facilities Adjacent to STEER) with reverse osmosis plants, a waste water treatment plant, fueling facilities, back-up generators, and public access points to the water. In addition, a large housing community in Estate Bovoni is located just north of the Clinton Fipps Race track, directly north of the Mangrove Lagoon. The rove Lagoon, municipal landfill for both St. John and St. Thomas borders the western end of STEER. Boaters and anglers alike can access STEER by way of nine marinas and boat yards that lie along the southern shore of St. Thomas. This "Marine Row" was not included in the original physical boundary of the MRWSs; however due to their proximity and access for the Marine Reserves waters their practices are critical to this Management Plan. Some public ramps are located at Benner Bay adjacent to Eco-Tours and Cowpet Bay. Facilities Adjacent to STEER • X Morimpil 0.1Drip Cerdwrint lApIngo Wale. • Novang thie elninnt • Pole1na I Ilya, nistmanIPLinl lamas a s".4, a Aptic Oext. Access EFTA01119664 1.6 Current Socio-economic Uses of STEER Recreational use: The luxurious beaches and coastlines of STEER are favored sites for snorkeling and scuba diving, for both residents and visitors, particularly at Cas Cay, Christmas Cove, Great Bay, and Cow and Calf Rocks. An active recreational water sports community partakes in windsurfing, kite boarding, kayaking, and sailing from public beach access points and swimming areas located at condo and hotel locations such as Vessup Beach, Ritz Carlton, Secret Harbor, Cowpet Bay East & West, Anchorage, The Elysian, Water Point, • STEER, R. Platenberg Cabrita Point and Deck Point residential areas. In addition, visitors engage in sightseeing excursions on both motor boats and sailing vessels. Bait fishing, hook and line as well as sport fishing are limited and require DPNR permits. Vista into Reserve, R. Platenberg Widely known as the original boating community in the Virgin Islands, STEER is a gateway for "down-island" and stateside voyages, where boaters can readily service their boats (Appendix C: "Adjacent Commercial Entities"). Home to the St. Thomas Yacht Club at Cowpet Bay and the annual ROLEX regatta, STEER is a world renowned destination for the charter boat and private yacht industry including powerboats, sailing vessels and fishing charters. An active residential boating community has developed in STEER, including overnight stays as well as full time and seasonal live-aboards. Private DPNR-permitted moorings as well as personal moorings are 13 EFTA01119665  STEER Management Plan (May 2011) found in STEER. As part of the management for the area, permanent mooring buoys will be installed in STEER to help prevent anchor damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. Commercial Use: Many of the commercial activities within or adjacent to the boundaries of STEER support the traditional and recreational uses of the area. Because the southeast area of St. Thomas is convenient to a major airport, downtown Charlotte Amalie, Red air Hook, St. John and the British Virgin Islands, a concentration of seaside hotels, private villa rentals, condominiums, restaurants, n, R. Platenberg and yacht clubs are all concentrated around the STEER coastline. Routes for regularly scheduled inter-island ferry service and commercial barges pass through the St. James Reserve within STEER. There are powerboat, sail, water sports equipment and scuba diving businesses. Ecotourism-based businesses also exist within STEER, one of which provides kayak tours of the mangrove lagoon. The majority of St. Thomas marinas and boatyards bordering the Reserves provide various marine related services (although the marine facilities are not within the boundaries of the Reserves, all water craft must enter and exit via the Reserves waters). The St. Thomas Yacht Club in Cowpet Bay has moorings Sailboats moored at available to its members on a fee basis. Limited fishing (bait fishing with Cas Cay, R. Platenberg cast net as well as hook and line by permit only) occurs in STEER. Research and Education: STEER is convenient and easily accessible by research and educational groups alike. Over the years, USVI resource agencies including DPNR's CZM, Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Division of Environmental Protection (DEP), and UVI have gathered a wealth of information related to the area's fish, turtle, bird, coral reefs, sea grasses, salt pond dynamics, mangroves and water quality. More recently, UVI's Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, NOAA, Gulf of Mexico Foundation and TNC have also been ionitoring in STEER, active in research, restoration and management initiatives. Most of IMES 2009 the documents associated with past research are available at the DFW Office in Red Hook or see list of references at the end of this document and the "Appendix D: STEER Documents, Studies, and Pa