Buck Island Reef National Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buck Island Reef National Monument |
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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 Buck Island Reef National Monument
Location in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Location in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Location in Caribbean
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| Location | Virgin Islands, United States |
| Area | 880 acres (360 ha) |
| Established | December 28, 1961 |
| Visitors | 30,436 (in 2012) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Buck Island Reef National Monument |
Buck Island Reef National Monument, often called Buck Island, is a small island where no one lives. It is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The monument includes the 176-acre (712,000 m²) island and a huge underwater area. In total, it protects over 19,000 acres (77 km²) of land and sea.
The U.S. government first protected this area in 1948. Their goal was to save "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." It became a U.S. National Monument in 1961, thanks to President John F. Kennedy. Later, President Bill Clinton made the protected area even bigger in 2001. Buck Island is special because brown pelicans and threatened least terns build their nests here.
Contents
What is Buck Island Reef National Monument?
Most of Buck Island Reef National Monument is underwater. The National Park Service looks after this amazing place. About 50,000 people visit it every year. The monument has a very long reef, which is like an underwater city for sea creatures.
Exploring the Underwater World
Snorkelers can follow a special underwater trail at the eastern tip of the reef. This is one of only three underwater trails in the United States. Along the trail, you'll find signs that tell you about the plants and animals living there.
Two-thirds of the island is surrounded by a barrier reef made of elkhorn coral. This reef provides a home for over 250 kinds of fish. You can also see cool marine life like spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and young Blacktip reef sharks and Whitetip reef sharks.
Sea Turtle Nesting Grounds
Buck Island is a very important place for sea turtles. In the spring, endangered Leatherback turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs. During the summer, Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles also nest here. Turtle Beach, on the west side of the island, has beautiful white sand. It has even been called one of the world's most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
Protecting Buck Island's Nature
The National Park Service has been studying Buck Island for over 40 years. They focus on corals, fish, sea turtles, brown pelicans, and least terns. West Beach is one of the busiest turtle nesting beaches in the world. It also has one of the longest ongoing research programs for turtles.
To help keep the ecosystem healthy, visitors must use authorized tour guides. These guides make sure everyone follows the rules to protect the environment. If you have a private boat without paying customers, you can get a permit.
When you swim in the waters around Buck Island, it's important to help protect the coral reefs. You should wear sunscreen that is safe for reefs. Look for sunscreens that do not have oxybenzone. Wearing a rash guard shirt is another great way to protect your skin and the ocean.
Other Buck Islands
There are actually two places called Buck Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The one near St. Croix is the main part of this National Monument. The other one, Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, is a different small island near St. Thomas.
Gallery
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Buck Island seen from the East
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A view of Buck Island
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Turtle Beach at the western tip of the island
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Buck Island and a Sea Turtle
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A Hobie Cat sailboat on Buck Island
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Buck Island from the East End
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Fire coral on the reef
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Fire coral and jackfish
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A group of blue tang fish
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The end of the underwater marked trail
See also
In Spanish: Isla Buck para niños
