Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Akima Umezawa pays Courtesy Call on the IMA

Chaguaramas, Trinidad, April 25, 2025 – The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) welcomed His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at the Institute’s Research Facility on Friday, April 25, 2025.  Ambassador Dr. Umezawa, accompanied by Mr. Saga Atsushi, First Secretary and Ms. Danielle Mangray, Economic Cooperation and Programme Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs on Friday 25^th April 2025.

Extending a warm welcome to His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa and his delegates, Dr.  Maxam led a tour of the Institute’s research facility during which the Ambassador and delegates had the opportunity to view the critical research projects undertaken by the IMA, engage with several of the research officers and see firsthand the various research capabilities.

Starting at the Geomatics Unit, the Ambassador and delegates observed the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to detect oil spills, map and analyse coastal and marine ecosystems, which are important for informed decision-making and effective environmental management.  Next, the Diplomatic Team visited the Environmental Quality Programme (EQP) Laboratory where they were briefed on tools used for monitoring of hydrocarbons and heavy metals, which are crucial for mitigating marine pollution.  Following the tour of the EQP Laboratory, the Ambassador and embassy officials visited the Biodiversity and Ecology Programme where they benefited from an informative and spirited presentation on coral reef research undertaken at the IMA.  This segment highlighted the Marine Resilience Initiative (MARIN) Tobago Project which aims at restoring the seagrass beds and coral reefs in Tobago.  Coral seeding restoration strategies, methods used to prevent the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and restoration of seagrass habitats in Tobago were presented, fully engaging Ambassador Dr. Umezawa and embassy officials.  A visit to the Fisheries Ecology Laboratory concluded the tour of the research facility.  Here, a demonstration highlighting the ongoing research on the invasive Lionfish species was delivered which included the processing of Lionfish samples, filleting the species for tissue analysis and dissecting stomachs for genetic analysis. 

Impressed and intrigued by the level of research undertaken at the IMA, His Excellency Dr. Umezawa applauded the IMA on its impactful research conducted and expressed a keen interest in a possible scientific cooperation stating that, “marine and coastal environmental research help to support sustainable development at the national level and secure our future at the global level.

During the tour of the research facility, Maxam welcomed the possibility to explore opportunities that can further strengthen scientific research in the conservation of marine and coastal environments and resources.

His Excellency Dr. Umezawa extended the hand of friendship and cooperation to Dr. Maxam reiterating his Government’s ongoing support and assistance on the provision of equipment, technical assistance and training to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to manage the periodic influx of sargassum seaweed.  Expressing a keen interest in all areas of possible cooperation, Ambassador Dr. Umezawa thanked Dr. Maxam for the accommodation of the visit.

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