State of the Marine Environment Trinidad and Tobago 2016

The report provides a scientifically grounded understanding of the condition of Trinidad and Tobago’s coastal and marine ecosystems, habitats and species which are extremely important for this country’s development and sustainability. It also details how the status of these resources have been, and are being affected by the range of natural and human pressures to which they are subjected such as land-based pollution and impacts from climate change.  The degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems (coral reefs, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, beaches), mainly from anthropogenic impacts such as pollution has made them more vulnerable to impacts from climate change, and other emerging issues like impacts from invasive alien species (IAS) and Sargassum blooms. Within the context of the “ocean based economy” this report has also shown the imperative need to safeguard Trinidad and Tobago’s fisheries resources – a source of livelihood and nutrition for some of this country’s most marginalised groups and communities. Several species of commercially important fish have been found to be fully exploited or overexploited. Fish and shell fish nursery habitats such as mangrove swamps and seagrass beds also need to be conserved and/ or restored to ensure food security. Although based on sound science, the findings of the report are written in non–technical language so it can be used by decision-makers, policy makers and the wider public to inform decisions on development planning.  Given the current state of our marine and coastal environment, there is an urgent ‘call for action’ to arrest impacts, and restore ecosystems.