Shark Island, United States Virgin Islands facts for kids
 Shark Island
Location in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Shark Island
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°20′14″N 64°50′41″W / 18.3373°N 64.8447°W |
| Administration | |
| Federal Department | U.S. Department of the Interior |
| Federal Agency | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Capital city | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest settlement | New York City |
| President | Joseph R. Biden |
Shark Island is a tiny, rocky island located near Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. It's about half a kilometer (0.3 miles) northeast of a place called Prettyklip Point. This small island stands about 32 feet (around 10 meters) above the sea.
Even though it's small, Shark Island is a very important home for many kinds of seabirds. It's also a super popular spot for people who love to go scuba diving in the clear waters of the USVI.
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Discovering Shark Island
Shark Island might be small, but it plays a big role in its environment. It's an uninhabited island, meaning no people live there permanently. This makes it a perfect natural habitat for wildlife.
Where is Shark Island?
Shark Island is found in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. It's part of the United States Virgin Islands, which are a territory of the United States. These islands are known for their warm weather and amazing ocean life.
The island is very close to the larger island of Saint Thomas. You can see it from the eastern side of Saint Thomas, near Prettyklip Point. Its location makes it easy for boats to reach for diving trips.
Home to Wildlife
Shark Island is a special place for many different types of seabirds. These birds use the island as a safe place to build their nests and raise their young. Because the island is rocky and has no people, it offers a quiet and protected environment for them.
- Many seabirds choose rocky islands like Shark Island for their colonies.
- They find food in the surrounding ocean.
- The island keeps them safe from predators that might be found on larger islands.
Exploring Underwater
Below the surface of the water around Shark Island, there's a vibrant world waiting to be explored. This is why it's such a popular place for scuba diving. Divers can see all sorts of marine life.
- The clear waters offer great visibility for divers.
- There are colorful coral reefs where many fish live.
- Divers might spot different kinds of fish, sea turtles, and other ocean creatures.
- It's a great place for both new and experienced divers to enjoy the underwater beauty.
Who Manages Shark Island?
Even though no one lives on Shark Island, it is still looked after. Since it's part of the United States Virgin Islands, it falls under the care of the United States government.
- The United States Department of the Interior helps manage lands and natural resources.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to protect wildlife and their habitats, including places like Shark Island.
- These groups help make sure the island remains a safe home for seabirds and a healthy environment for marine life.
