Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
National monument in the U.S. Virgin Islands / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located off Saint John, Virgin Islands.
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument | |
---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Location | Virgin Islands, United States |
Nearest city | St John, VI |
Coordinates | 18°18′22″N 64°43′37″W |
Area | 12,708 acres (51.43 km2)[1] |
Authorized | January 17, 2001 (2001-January-17) |
Governing body | National Park Service |
Website | Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument |
The clear waters surrounding Saint John support a diverse and complex system of coral reefs. The health of these reefs is closely tied to its component plants and animals as well as adjacent non-coral marine environments such as sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.
Seeking to provide greater protection to the sensitive coral reef resources, President Clinton established the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument on January 17, 2001. The monument includes 12,708 acres (51 km2) of federal submerged lands within the 3 mile (5 km) belt off Saint John, including Hurricane Hole and areas north and south of Saint John.