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Mapping of sea turtle nesting beaches was emphasized in this atlas. Several known sea turtle in-water concentrations were also mapped, based on expert knowledge. Nearly every sandy beach in the Virgin Islands (including mixed sand and gravel beaches) has documented or potential sea turtle nesting. Accordingly, nesting sea turtles were indicated on most sand beach (ESI = 3A or 4) and mixed sand and gravel beach (ESI = 5) shoreline segments in this atlas. A few shoreline segments mapped as gravel beaches (ESI = 6) were also identified as sea turtle nesting sites. In general, hawksbill nesting can be abundant on beaches throughout the Virgin Islands. Green sea turtles also nest in many areas, although in much lower numbers. Sites with known or potential leatherback sea turtle nesting are less frequent, although the number of leatherbacks nesting in such places can be relatively high. Of particular importance, the beaches at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, on the west end of St. Croix, comprise the most important leatherback nesting site in the U.S. The beaches and surrounding marine waters at Sandy Point are designated as critical habitat for this species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. | Description Source: Research Planning, Inc.

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