Advocacy is at the core of SEA's mission, and concern about a development proposed for an inappropriate location gave birth to SEA more than 20 years ago.

SEA has done the hard scientific work to understand the unique value of St. Croix's environment and the interconnected ecosystems from the ridge line of our hills to the reefs in the surrounding waters. We apply this science and this understanding in developing positions on environmental issues.


While we recognize that appropriate economic development on St. Croix is important, we believe that sustainable development that protects the environment is also vital to the health and prosperity of future generations. Our advocacy efforts are aimed at assuring a responsible and sustainable balance between these goals.


Our advocacy program employs four broad strategies:

• Encouraging adoption of new laws and regulations to protect the environment.
• Acting as a watchdog to assure uniform application, enforcement and compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Public information and other campaigns to encourage environmentally responsible actions.
• Advocating for the acquisition or designation of lands with special environmental value to preserve them for conservation or to otherwise assure environmentally responsible use.

The issues are always changing, but the themes remain the same. Please see our SEA NEWS! page for a summary of SEA's recent advocacy efforts.