Virgin Islands

Wildlife hazards at airports have become a major concern due to the potential for significant damage to aircraft and the threat posed to public health and safety.  To address wildlife hazards at airports, WS personnel in the Virgin Islands contributed 0.25 staff years to provide assistance at 2 joint use airports in FY 2010. 

Tourism represents the biggest industry in the Virgin Islands with most visitors arriving by air at the two major airports in St. Thomas and St. John.  Both airports are located immediately adjacent to the coast and have numerous bird species frequenting the surrounding area.  WS has cooperated with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Virgin Islands Port Authority to conduct wildlife hazard evaluations.  WS also has provided management plans and recommendations to successfully reduce the presence of wildlife at these facilities.