Tobago’s reefs are on their third consecutive year of coral bleaching
Trinidad and Tobago continue to be under Bleaching Alert Level Two for the period of October 23 for up to four weeks. Tobago’s reefs are now experiencing coral bleaching for the third consecutive year. The IMA Team has been observing pale and partially bleached corals in Charlotteville, northeast Tobago. We have also received reports of coral bleaching on many reefs in southwest Tobago, including Buccoo Reef, Store Bay Reef, Flying Reef and Mt Irvine Reef. Bleaching is occurring across many species – brain corals, mountainous star corals, staghorn corals, fire corals and even the soft corals. Staghorn Bleaching in Buccoo, Tobago What is coral bleaching? Corals form...
Beyond the Blue – Season 4 Episode 11
This week we explore how longline vessels play an essential part in our fishing industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Also, we spoke with captain and fishing technologist, Mr. Ellis about his craft's operations. Tune in to the broadcast! To learn more about Beyond the Blue, visit our page, Beyond the Blue ‘Beyond the Blue’ is a radio broadcast of the Institute of Marine Affairs.Sponsored by the Republic Bank Limited ...
Beyond the Blue – Season 4 Episode 10
This week on #BeyondtheBlue we continue our discussion with fisherwoman and former chair of the Women in Fishing Association, Bernadette Fonrose of Guayaguayare who expressed the difficulties face in fishing, climate change, the sargassum seaweed, and government. Tune in here for the discussion. To learn more about Beyond the Blue, visit our page, Beyond the Blue ‘Beyond the Blue’ is a radio broadcast of the Institute of Marine Affairs.Sponsored by the Republic Bank Limited ...
Beyond the Blue – Season 4 Episode 9
This week we interviewed Ms. Bernadette Fonrose who spoke about women in the fishing industry and her own contribution to fishing. Tune in here for the interview. To learn more about Beyond the Blue, visit our page, Beyond the Blue ‘Beyond the Blue’ is a radio broadcast of the Institute of Marine Affairs.Sponsored by the Republic Bank Limited ...
Beyond the Blue – Season 4 Episode 8
In this week’s broadcast, we look at the role of Tobago Agri-business Development Company (TADCO) in the Tobago Fisheries Sector. Tune in here to learn more. ‘Beyond the Blue’ is a radio broadcast of the Institute of Marine Affairs.Sponsored by the Republic Bank Limited ...
Blue Carbon is no reason to feel blue
Have you ever described yourself or someone else as “feeling blue”? In that case you are using a phrase coined from a custom among many old deepwater sailing ships. If the ship lost the captain or any of the officers during its voyage, she would fly blue flags and have a blue band painted along her entire hull when returning to homeport. I would like to think that this is true because it perfectly fits my narrative but given that the internet source was quite dubious it probably isn’t. Another source indicated that the use of the colour blue to mean sadness goes all the...
What does an oasis and a coral reef have in common?
No, this is not the start of a bad joke or a riddle (although the obvious answer is probably water) but have you ever wondered how oases occur in the desert? How can these areas flush with trees and shrubs, teeming with life occur in the barren arid desert environments? If you haven’t, then take a moment to ponder, try it. It is probably not what you think. While there are many different factors that give rise to the creation of desert oases, one of them might be very surprising. It begins with organisms not visible to the naked eye. Microbes in Israel’s Negev desert...
Coastal Issues
ALGAL BLOOMS Algal blooms are observed when microscopic plants or phytoplankton, which are normally found in seawater, rapidly reproduce when environmental conditions are favourable. The blooms have been described as unusual green, pink or red patches of water. The discolouration is due to pigments in the cells of the alga. Algal blooms can cause death to marine life by depleting oxygen levels during decomposition, producing toxins that can poison animals or by clogging of gills. Not all blooms are harmful though and many disappear within a few hours with no fatal effect to marine life. Algal blooms have been reported on all coasts of Trinidad and...
Beach Sand Mining / Quarrying
Beach sand mining is prohibited in Trinidad and Tobago but still occurs, especially in Tobago because of the lack of naturally occurring aggregate. Some beach sand, because of its composition, is added to the mortar mixture used for homes and other structures. The practice of beach sand mining however, causes beach erosion; removal of natural beach vegetation; disrupts beach habitats and nesting grounds of marine turtles; increases the impact of waves along the coastline; and leads to saltwater intrusion. ...
Beach Erosion
Erosion of beaches may be both natural and human-induced and is a result of loss of sediment. Natural erosion is caused by the impact of waves. Beaches are dynamic, with normal fluctuations in sediment levels during the course of a year. Typically, there is ‘natural’ erosion during the stormy months (November to April) with recovery during the calmer period (May to October). These systems are described as being in ‘dynamic equilibrium’. Where recovery does not occur or erosion is exacerbated due to human activities, beaches become unstable and shoreline retreat follows. The closure zone is demarcated on its seaward margin by an imaginary line beyond...
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