Boat Patrol

Boat Patrol

Boat Patrol around Buck Island Reef National Monument

Greetings! My name is Connor Caruso from cohort 7. This summer I have the opportunity to go on an internship in the US Virgin Islands. For the next six weeks, I will be spending time with various divisions at Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI) in St. Croix.

This past week, I had the opportunity to work with Ranger Clarke. Over the course of the week, Ranger Clarke and I conducted multiple boat patrols around Buck Island Reef National Monument. The protected reef is a popular destination for both visitors and locals. Snorkeling, swimming, and picnics are popular activities at Buck Island. Patrolling the island and the surrounding waters provided a great opportunity to understand a different method of ensuring visitor and resource protection.

During Ranger Clarke's first boat patrol, we intercepted a vessel fishing within the protected boundary. As we approached the vessel, I scanned for illegal fishing equipment. Noticing two fishing rods, I switched on the emergency lights and activated the siren. Once we positioned our vessel close to the suspected poachers, Ranger Clarke and I made contact. We informed the two fishermen that all types of extractive activities are banned within the protected reef surrounding the island and told them to reel in their fishing lines. After tactically questioning the two men, we determined that they were not local to the area and were unaware that they were illegally fishing. We used this as an opportunity to educate them and used discretion not to issue citations.

After the fishing lines were reeled in, Ranger Clarke and I conducted a Coast Guard safety check on the vessel. To ensure boating safety, all vessels are required to have the following: fire extinguisher, personal flotation devices, sound-producing device, emergency supplies, and flares. We concluded that the two men did not have all the required supplies on board their vessel. After informing them of the requirements and necessity for each item, we instructed that they take the vessel back to shore. Conducting boating safety checks serves as a preventative search and rescue technique used to ensure boaters are well equipped prior to setting sail.

While a majority of my time this summer has been spent patrolling the protected boundary around Buck Island in search of poachers, Ranger Clarke and I spent time patrolling the island by foot. Patrolling by foot provided a great opportunity to meet visitors and educate them on the fragile ecosystem. Over the course of the week, we made contact with a number of visitors who had beach umbrellas in the sand. Since the island is a breeding ground for both green and hawks bill sea turtles, no items are allowed to penetrate the sand. Again, we used these contacts as an opportunity to educate rather than enforce.

Beach Patrol

Visitors enjoying BUIS

Foot patrol on BUIS

While on the island, Ranger Clarke and I noticed a number of empty conch shells. Poachers often hunt for conch and lobster in the protected reef and there was plenty of evidence to indicate that large scale poaching is taking place. We discussed ways to better enforce the "no take zone" around the island and formulated a plan to target poachers over the coming weeks.

Pile of poached conch shells 

In addition to patrolling Buck Island, I spent some time working on the park's EMS program this week. As an EMT, I know how important it is to be prepared for any type of medical emergency. For this reason, I outfitted an EMS bag for the patrol vessel with all the essential medical supplies. In addition to having the necessary medical supplies on board, we plan to practice a wide array of water rescues and different scenarios in the coming weeks.

Outfitted EMS bag for the patrol vessel 

After a week out on the water, it is crucial to ensure all equipment is well cared for. This includes the items on a law enforcement officer's duty belt. Salt water is extremely corrosive, and proper firearm maintenance is important. I have had a lot of practice cleaning and maintaining firearms this summer.

Gun cleaning at the end of the week

I look forward to another week with the division of visitor and resource protection. Check back next week to see what I have been up to!

ProRanger Caruso