USVI-On-Line

Hi All,

Back in March, I read about the coral damage caused by the ocean swells in St. John (http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ral+damage) .

My hubby and I are coming to St. John in two weeks and were saddened to hear about the beautiful elkhorn taking such a beating.

If anyone has been out to snorkel Hawksnest since then -- is it really bad? And have you noticed any damage beyond that area?

Thanks!

i hope not

Hawksnest is coming back pretty quickly. It's a nice reef; most of the damage is caused by tourists who try to swim over the top of the reef with little clearance over the Elkhorn. The outer (northern) fringes of the reef are in the best shape.

peace.... bert

Hi:

I snorkeled it last week and thought it looked great. I really didn't see much damage. I actually took lots of pics that day and will have them available this week!

XOXO
Bug

I second bug... Still looked pretty good. I have a photo of an elkhorn (I think) that had been snapped off and flipped over. I'd venture that well less than 10% were significantly damaged.