Paraquita Bay Mangrove Lagoon Restoration
A Climate-Resilient Marine Spatial Plan will guide the protection and sustainable use of the Virgin Islands’ marine environment. It will define key zones for conservation, fisheries, recreation, and development—supporting climate resilience while enabling a balanced blue economy.
Introduction
The Paraquita Bay Mangrove Lagoon is one of the largest remaining stands of mangroves in The Virgin Islands and serves as a critical marine shelter and fish nursery.
This system was significantly impacted by record-breaking Category 5 Hurricane Irma in 2017 which caused extensive damage to the Lagoon’s mangrove stands, destroyed the mangrove educational center, impacted the mangrove boardwalk and littered the Lagoon with scores of sunken yachts, most of which still remain.
The Impact
This exciting pilot mangrove lagoon restoration project will include multiple components including:
Mangrove restoration;
Full derelict vessel removal;
Water quality restoration using community-based bioremediation approaches;
Mangrove boardwalk and education center rehabilitation;
Establishment of an Environmental Protection Area; and
Neighbouring land acquisition to remove development pressure.
The project is designed to ensure comprehensive system restoration and creation of blue economy opportunities.
In addition to continuing to serving as a critical fish nursery and marine shelter, the restored Lagoon is expected to become a significant eco-tourism destination.
The Problem
Destroyed mangroves at Paraquita Bay and yachts in Paraquita Bay after Hurricane Irma
The Solution
Impact of Paraquita Bay Lagoon after Hurricane Irma
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