Standing Operating Procedures for Marine Resource Damage Assessments

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance in investigating damage to marine resources from boats, boat anchors, and individuals touchlng or breaking the resources. Along with the guidance from the Sou~heast Regional Office (attached as Appendix A) this Standard Operatlng Procedures (SOP) will assist Virgin Islands National Park personnel ln conduc~lng consistent investigations in an efficient and thorough manner. It lS important that damage to marine resources cases are treated the same as any other criminal investigation. These types of cases may go to court as either a criminal or civil case or both. Damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and gorgonian plains in Virgin Islands National Park can be caused by an individual breaking coral, a vessel dropping and/or dragging anchor, and a vessel running aground on a reef. Anchor damage to benthic resources from small boats to cruise ships constitute the greatest source of damage. This manual deals mostly with the investigation of damage caused by vessels running aground on near shore fringing reefs or the prominent patch reef, Johnsons Reef. However, the procedures for investigating anchor damage to reefs or seagrass beds, or individuals damaging the reef while swimming/snorkeling are similar.