About ReefJam
ReefJam 2009 Outcome
 

Thanks to a very successful St. Croix Reef Jam 2009 event held on Sunday, May 24th at Rhythm’s at Rainbow Beach, the Reef Jam Committee has the proud honor of awarding three St. Croix organizations funding through its 2009 Mini-Grant Program.

 

The St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) has been awarded funding to improve and continue offering free snorkel clinics to the St. Croix community.  Monthly snorkel clinics teach people how to enjoy marine wildlife without damaging the reef.  Activities and discussions during the two-hour clinics promote environmental stewardship.  With Reef Jam funding, SEA will be able to continue these free clinics, and also purchase much needed safety equipment.

 

Funds will also be going to the Friends of the East End Marine Park to support an EcoVan (Environmental Curriculum On-the-go) and Touch Tank Community Steward.  The Community Steward will be charged with taking the Park’s mobile education and outreach unit to various schools and community events to help improve local awareness and concern for our marine resources through activities and the touch tank that will be on board the EcoVan.

 

A local awareness campaign for the threat of the invasive lionfish to coral reefs will also be supported by Reef Jam Mini-Grants.  CRABBS Dive Club, the grant recipient, will increase awareness of the invasive lionfish issue to the local community using banners, stickers, radio ads and radio appearances

 

All these projects support Reef Jam’s mission “To improve St. Croix coral reef conservation efforts through community education, stewardship and conservation programs which promote positive behavior changes toward our marine environment.”   Find information on how you can help and volunteer here on our website.
 
ReefJam 2008 outcome
Our first ever event, Reef Jam 2008, was far more successful than we imagined, bringing a crowd of over 1,000 attendees to Rainbow Beach and raising over $7,000 for local coral reef education efforts. Reef Jam 2008 was our first event and has supported several great community activities and projects:

  • Hosting monthly free public snorkel clinics on various St. Croix beaches. Snorkel clinics provide snorkel gear and equipment along with safety instructions and an educational presentation about our local reefs and what we can do to help protect them. Free snorkel clinics were started by International Year of the Reef 2008 Committee, and continued by Reef Jam.

 

  • Funding several Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in 2008 broadcasted over several popular local radio stations sharing easy ways for residents to take part in coral reef conservation and how to learn more. Reef Jam ran advertisements in the local newspaper and continued to encourage education and conservation for our local reefs with educational handouts.

 

  • Developing a “Reef Responsible Award” program targeting local restaurants, food distributors and fisherman who show exemplary protection for our local waters and coral reefs by complying with local and/or federal fish regulations and recommendations. Award recipients will receive a beautiful plaque acknowledging their reef conservation efforts as well as promotion in various tourism magazines. Contact Reef Jam if you know an individual or establishment who may be eligible for a Reef Responsible Award.
 
Our mission
 

The mission of the ReefJam project is improve St. Croix coral reef conservation efforts through community education, stewardship and conservation programs which promote positive behavior changes toward our marine environment.