Buck Island Reef ( English Buck Island Reef National Monument ) - US national monument in the US Virgin Islands , located northwest of the island of Santa Cruz . Includes Buck Island and surrounding water area.
| Buck Island Reef | |
|---|---|
| English Buck island reef national monument | |
 | |
| IUCN Category III ( Natural Monument ) | |
| basic information | |
| Square | 3.6 kmΒ² |
| Established | December 28, 1961 |
| Attendance | 47,883 ( 2005 ) |
| Management organization | US National Park Service |
| Location | |
| A country |
|
| Nearest town | Frederickstead |
Created - December 28, 1961 . Area - 3.6 kmΒ².
Description
Most of the protected reef is underwater and attracts about 50,000 tourists a year. The reef area is 18.43 kmΒ². With the help of diving, you can explore a clearly visible underwater trail on the eastern tip of the reef. This is one of three underwater trails in the USA. . Along the trail are signs that provide information about the marine flora and fauna characteristic of the area. Two-thirds of the island is surrounded by a six-pointed coral reef ( Elkhorn coral / Acropora palmata ), which is a unique ecosystem with more than 250 fish species and many other inhabitants of the water area.
See also
- List of US National Monuments