Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID VI_2025_Brandt

Land to sea: quantifying threats to coral restoration from land-based sources of pollution while training the next generation of water quality scientist

Institute: Virgin Islands
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $49,500 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: Marilyn Brandt

Project Summary: Healthy coral reefs are important to USVI communities, as they support the local economy through tourism and fishing. When rainwater runs off the land, it can carry bacteria and nutrients into the ocean, harming coral reefs and threatening human health. This project aims to measure pollution from rainwater runoff in reef areas where organizations around the USVI are working to restore coral populations. Paid internships for undergraduates to learn water testing methods will be provided, and students will learn how to communicate scientific findings through presentations and scientific writing.