Encyclopedia : V : VI : VIR : Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
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The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located off of Saint John, Virgin Islands.
Coral reef
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 of Saint John, including Hurricane Hole and areas north and south of Saint John.
