SUNDAY 6 MAY, 2018 – UWI TODAY
11
CAMPUS NEWS
There are reefs off Trinidad?
“It’s a surprise to many, but yes there are coral reefs
around Trinidad,” says Jahson Alemu I who has spent
more than ten years investigating human impacts on
tropical coastal and marine ecosystems. Most recently his
dissertation study focused on Tobago reefs. “The largest
reefs off Trinidad can be found at Salybia Bay in Toco and
around Chacachacare. More widely distributed are coral
reef communities which can be found along the east coast,
along the north coast and parts of the northwest peninsula
such as at Macqueripe.
“These reefs provide important nursery habitat for
many ecologically and economically important fish species
(including snappers, parrotfish, jacks and groupers), and
support a wide diversity of species including sea turtles, rays,
sea cucumbers, octopus, lobster and sponges.”
Dr. Farahnaz Solomon, a marine biologist and co-
director of the NGOSpeSeas, believes that an understanding
of how marine ecosystems contribute to livelihoods
can stimulate positive changes in the way we use ocean
resources, and effect policy. She says, “Coral reefs are often
only appreciated for their beauty and bountiful biodiversity.
Teeming with life, they are regarded as ‘rainforests of the
oceans’ as they cover only 0.1% of the seafloor, and yet
provide shelter for about 25% of all marine life. What is
more important to know, this biodiversity is responsible
for productive fisheries and thriving recreation and tourism
sectors where reefs occur. Even ‘non-reef ’ species may use
the reef and associated systems to have their young or for
protection during their larval and juvenile stages. Through
all these services, reefs contribute significantly to human
well-being.”
Dr Anjani Ganase, environmental columnist (Tobago
Newsday), blogger (wildtobago.blogspot.com) and marine
scientist who specializes in mapping ocean ecosystems,
encourages us to look beyond our own shores to the
connectivity of Caribbean coral reefs. She has recently
written, “Tobago (and Trinidad) is fairly isolated. …To add
to this isolation, Tobago’s coral reefs are frequently washed
by fresh water outflows of the Orinoco River, which limits
the number of coral species and other reef creatures that
can successfully live here. Our closest potential supplier
of new coral larvae is Barbados, which in turn may receive
from other islands farther north, up the island chain.”
She speculates that the re-population of most Tobago
(and Trinidad) reefs may occur mainly through self-
recruitment. This means that Tobago’s reefs are unique but
also vulnerable. Wemay have very limited reef recovery after
an island-wide disturbance to our coral reefs.
“Regional coordination of coral reef protection is
crucial for the longevity of Caribbean reefs. …The damage
to the reefs of Puerto Rico and the Virgin islands by
hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 may prove a major
blow to the reseeding of reefs of surrounding countries.
We need to learn to maintain and boost our marine assets.
Let us build the connections with the ocean and our reefs,”
she concluded.
“Our decisions in everyday life also have a part to play
in the conservation of coral reefs,” says Dr Amy Deacon,
lecturer in Zoology and Science Communications at the
UWI St Augustine, andmember of the Trinidad and Tobago
Field Naturalist Club. “We can each help to reduce carbon
The official launch of IYOR-T&T 2018 takes place on World Oceans
Day, June 8. Events in Tobago will be coordinated by Kelly Mannette
of Buccoo Reef Trust. To contact the scientists at IYOR-T&T,
email:
Coral reefs are endangered. But they are under the sea, so why should we care?
A handful of scientists have come together voluntarily under the banner,
International Year of the Reef – T&T (IYOR-T&T)
to alert young
citizens to the beauty and diversity of reefs off Tobago and Trinidad; and to encourage influential agencies to conserve and protect valuable
marine resources. 2018 was designated the third International Year of the Reef because of the global bleaching event of 2016-2017.
Speaking for Coral Reefs
emissions that contribute to climate change; use energy-
saving light-bulbs, turn off lights, and walk, bike, car-pool
or take public transport whenever feasible.
“More directly, we can all try to reduce, reuse and
recycle more. Avoid single-use plastics, such as straws,
styrofoam boxes, plastic bags and bottles. Food vendors
may look at you strangely when you refuse a straw, but they
usually are willing to pack your food or drink in your own
reusable container once you ask nicely. Use eco-friendly
detergents or natural cleaning products like vinegar.
“Whether buying from the supermarket, fish market
or a restaurant, we can try and make more sustainable
choices. Certain fish species are especially overfished on our
reefs, and others are caught with methods that damage the
reef environment. In general you should avoid parrotfish,
snapper, grouper, shrimp and shark.”
Amy is also Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Field
Naturalists’ Club, a partner in IYOR T&T. Central to the
Club’s mission are getting out and enjoying and appreciating
nature, however, it is important to do so responsibly: “If
you are lucky enough to get the chance to dive or snorkel,
remember never to touch the corals and try not to stir up
the sediment by putting your feet down as this can smother
corals. Just swim past and enjoy their beauty. If boating,
anchor in sandy areas so as not to damage the reef. Finally,
learn more about coral reefs!”
So, how can we experience reefs? Jahson says, “To truly
experience a coral reef you must get wet! Most of our coral
reefs are located off Tobago, and glass bottom boat tours
offer the opportunity to view and snorkel the Buccoo Reef
and Speyside’s Angel Reef. For the more adventurous, you
can learn to SCUBA dive. At Toco and Chacachacare, the
reefs are shallow enough to snorkel.”
Anjani, a member of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey
team which pioneered public on-line access to views of
coral reefs around the world, says, “For those who prefer
to stay dry, XL Catlin Seaview Survey photographed coral
reefs for you to do ‘virtual dives’ on amazing reefs from
your computer or smart phone. You can visit these reefs in
Australia, Indonesia, or the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, at
the Global Reef Record:
/ or
on Google:
.”
Diversity and inter-dependence are qualities of coral reefs and the IYOR-T&T team which is partnering with individuals, agencies, government
and business to ensure that everyone appreciates the value of living coral reefs. From left: Anjani Ganase, Amy Deacon, Farahnaz Solomon and
Jahson Alemu.
PHOTO COURTESY IYOR-T&T
