More than 40 top meeting planners boarded the Lady Lynsey, the resorts 53ft catamaran, and set sail for Fish Bay to catch and tag juvenile reef sharks as part of an environmental research project.

The idea for the project came about as a way to showcase one of the many community efforts groups staying at the hotel can participate in. The meeting planners, Lady Lynsey crew and Coral World staff spent the morning fishing with hand reels from the deck of the Lady Lynsey. Additional Coral World staff located on a nearby boat were responsible for tagging, weighing and determining the sex of the animal. Once the data was collected the sharks were released.

Data from the tagged sharks will be used in research by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Research provides information on the apex predators’ movement patterns as well as helps with genetic sampling and testing for heavy metals, according to Jeff Foster, Director of Special Projects for Coral World.

Ultimately, the goal of the project is to promote the resort and the USVI as a destination for large groups who are interested in having an opportunity to participate in unique community service projects. Teaming up with Coral World allows the researchers to gather much needed data on their limited budget and provides a lasting, memorable experience for visitors to the island.

For more information regarding the shark tagging research please contact Jeff Foster, Director of Special Projects for Coral World, at (340) 643-3121.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas’ community efforts please contact Jenny Highlander, PR Manager, at (340) 693-3845.

ABOUT CORAL WORLD
The mission of Coral World is to entertain, to educate and to inspire appreciation for the Caribbean marine environment and the beautiful plants and trees of the Virgin Islands.

ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a secluded hideaway on a 30-acre beachfront estate with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. As part of the recent $40 million renovation, the resort offers a variety of luxurious amenities including lavishly designed presidential suites and guest rooms; four distinctive ocean-front dining choices; the first Prada Spa experience in the Caribbean; a 53’ luxury catamaran, the Lady Lynsey; and for those visiting by sea, the resort offers moorings, allowing guests to access this ultimate lifestyle destination by sea or air. The acclaimed resort continues to garner distinguished accolades from top publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

For further information and reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, access the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com or contact a travel professional.