Launch of the IMA’s Recent Publication ‘Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago’
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) on Tuesday (June 10th 2025) officially launched its most recent publication titled, ‘Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago’ at the Shaw Park Complex in Scarborough, Tobago. Authored by the Institute’s Senior Research Officer, Dr. Anjani Ganase, and sponsored by Shell Trinidad and Tobago, the publication is the second edition to its predecessor titled, ‘A Guide to the Coral Reefs of Tobago’, which was authored by the IMA Coral Scientist, Mr. Richard Laydoo in 1991.
The book provides an in-depth exploration of coral reefs in mainly Tobago and in Trinidad. It includes primary information on the ecology and biology of local coral reefs and their associated species, distribution, status, and threats to coral reefs. A historical perspective is provided tracing the earliest attempts of coral reef research and conservation conducted in the twin-island state, broadening into the importance of this marine ecosystem to island well-being. In this edition, the book highlights our connection to coral reefs, which are multi-faceted, spanning ecological, socioeconomic and cultural ties.
Delivering the Feature Address at the official book launch, the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), said that “Coral reefs are an intrinsic component of Tobago’s blue assets. Strategically our identity, livelihood and future are firmly linked to the blue spaces that surround us, which is expertly captured in the publication”.
The Chief Secretary further stated that “the book provides an authoritative lens into a marine environment for students, conservationists, tourists and many more”. He said that the Institute’s recent publication is a powerful instrument designed to inspire children and citizens to be environmental stewards. “It serves as a reminder of what coral reefs we have, how beautiful they are and if we were to go back in time to see how much more beautiful it was then as opposed to how they are now, we will be richer for it “, he said.
The Honourable Farley Augustine highlighted that Tobago stands to benefit immensely from a publication of this caliber from the IMA as the rich content – data and information – will no doubt help policy makers, academia, students and the general public. “This recent IMA publication will definitely improve the knowledge base of many of us who are charged with the responsibility of shaping policy as it strengthens our ability to govern with responsibility since effective governance is dependent upon access to accurate and current data and information”, the Chief Secretary said.
In extending hearty congratulations to the author, Dr. Anjani Ganase, the IMA Director, Dr. Ava Maxam, noted that the publication has the power to educate and inspire thereby lending the literary voice to advocacy of marine conservation. “We celebrate not just the launch of this new edition to coral reefs, but the birth of new ideas, creativity and new possibilities. We commend the creative minds behind this initiative and the positive impact we hope to have on those who will come in contact with this book,” Dr. Maxam noted.
Dr. Maxam wants the IMA to continue writing and producing as we have much data from which we can write for the public and to address the dearth of published work on marine environmental research in Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2021, Shell Trinidad and Tobago came on board as the sole sponsor of the research and publication of this second edition of the book. A representative from the company stated that “Shell is honoured to support the second edition of the Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago, which showcases the rich biodiversity of our marine ecosystems. These ecosystems are not only vital to marine life, but also to the livelihoods of coastal communities and the health of our oceans.” Shell Trinidad and Tobago’s External Relations Advisor, Mr. Gregory Sloane Seale, shared “We’re especially proud that this book will serve as a resource in classrooms, helping to educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through partnerships like this, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental sustainability and to creating shared value for people and planet.”
In her remarks at the launch, Dr. Ganase offered profound thanks to the Director, colleagues, family and friends who supported her in the journey to the realization of the book. She specially acknowledged Mr. Alvin Douglas, Owner and Managing Director of Frontier Divers Ltd. Dive shop as one of the main contributors to the work. Dr. Ganase also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Elizabeth Laydoo and her family, whose deceased husband, Mr. Richard Laydoo, laid the groundwork in coral reef research in the IMA during the decade of the 1990s.
The book launch event included entertainment which featured song performances designed to engage and celebrate the new book. Performances from Ms. Atiya Lynch, pursuing her Bachelors in Music at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, included singing her personal rendition entitled, ‘Footprints’. The song raises awareness on the ongoing deterioration of environmental resources caused by our high carbon ‘footprints’ and the urgent need to protect and conserve them. Ms. Danaih Mohammed, a primary school student at the Signal Government Primary School, sang ‘Tobago my Home’, an original composition by Dr. Verleen Bobb Lewis.