Caribbean Marine Atlas
Caribbean Marine Atlas The Caribbean Marine Atlas (CMA) was developed within the framework of the Ocean Data and Information Network for the Caribbean and South America (ODINCARSA) project and under the sponsorship of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO/IOC-IODE-ICAM* programmes and the Government of Flanders (Kingdom of Belgium). This pilot project is a joint initiative of nine countries in the Caribbean region. The purpose of the project is to identify, collect and organize geo-spatial datasets into an atlas of coastal and marine-focused environmental themes for the Caribbean region. Data will be incorporated from both past and present national and regional projects and programmes...
Deployment of the Water Quality Monitoring Buoy in Claxton Bay, Gulf of Paria
Deployment of the Water Quality Monitoring Buoy in Claxton Bay, Gulf of Paria The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), in conjunction with Microsoft Caribbean, Fujitsu, GlobeRangers and Digicel deployed a Water Quality Monitoring Buoy in the Gulf of Paria (GoP) off Claxton Bay on October 25th 2017. To observe this event, a press conference was held at the Claxton Bay Fishing Facility and the feature address was delivered by the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development. Minister Robinson- Regis stated that for far too long we have talked about our problems, but today we are here to discuss a solution to address pollution. ...
Genetic Analysis of Bacterial Communities from Three Coastal Environments
Genetic Analysis of Bacterial Communities from Three Coastal Environments (Coral reef, Mangrove swamp, and Seagrass bed) in Bon Accord, Tobago The micro-organisms comprising bacterial communities play an important role in the biological, geological and chemical dynamics of marine ecosystems, yet it is understudied. Microorganisms which are unique to each ecosystem underpin most of the geochemical cycles that were once previously thought to be driven by inorganic processes. The microorganisms function by forming symbiotic relationships with eukaryotes, communicating with other microorganisms, acquiring nutrients and producing energy. By identifying the microbial community and their function within an ecosystem we will be able to isolate and reproduce the beneficial...
The Assessment And Evaluation Of Rapid Microbiological Techniques For The Determination Of Bacterial Contamination In Marine Waters, Trinidad And Tobago
The Assessment And Evaluation Of Rapid Microbiological Techniques For The Determination Of Bacterial Contamination In Marine Waters, Trinidad And Tobago There is a need for rapid assessment techniques for the determination of environmental contamination. Traditionally, faecal pollution in Trinidad and Tobago is assessed on the basis of concentrations of bacterial indicator organisms such as Enterococcus spp. and E.coli. Faecal-indicator bacterial concentrations have been measured using culture-based methods such as membrane filtration which are slow and require long hours of preparation and analysis. The need for rapid, reliable tests for recreational water quality is of great importance to protect public health in a timely manner. In...
Preliminary Investigation On Heavy Metals In Fish And The Mobile/ Bioavailable Phase Of Sediments
Preliminary Investigation On Heavy Metals In Fish And The Mobile/ Bioavailable Phase Of Sediments From Trinidad And Tobago Although many studies have focused on heavy metals pollution in the Gulf of Paria, an important fisheries area for commercial species of fish and shellfish and a nursery and feeding area for several aquatic species, few studies have actually quantify concentrations in the biota in the Gulf of Paria. There is generally a lack of information for biota in coastal waters of Trinidad and Tobago. The study provides information on heavy metal contamination of (edible) commercial fish species, which constitute an important economic resource for Trinidad and...
Assessment of heavy metal accumulation in the Gulf of Paria using dated sediment cores
Assessment of heavy metal accumulation in the Gulf of Paria using dated sediment cores The Gulf of Paria is subject to heavy metal contamination from industrial and agricultural activities, sewage, domestic waste and urban run-off. These metals can bio-accumulate in aquatic organisms and pose a risk to human health. Historical information on heavy metal contamination can be used to establish baseline conditions and to evaluate how contaminant concentrations have responded to changes in population, land use and human activities including pollution reduction strategies. While monitoring programs can provide valuable historical information, these programmes cannot evaluate conditions that existed before they were initiated, and advances in...
Bacteriological Water Quality At Popular Recreational Water-Use Areas In Trinidad And Tobago
Bacteriological Water Quality At Popular Recreational Water-Use Areas In Trinidad And Tobago Water-based recreation is an important component of leisure activities and tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. Since 1981, bacteriological water quality surveys conducted by the IMA have indicated that there is sewage contamination at some of the beaches in Trinidad and Tobago. Several international studies have found that there is an increased risk of contracting gastrointestinal illness, acute febrile respiratory illness and infections of the eye, ear, nose and throat from swimming in sewage contaminated water. The existence of poor water quality at beaches and rivers would therefore impact negatively on public health and...
Testing of HYDROCARBONS levels IN OYSTERS bought FROM VENDORS
Testing of Hydrocaron levels in oysters bought from vendors During 2016 there were a series of oil spills and fish kills in the Gulf of Paria. Concerns were raised by the general public on the possible contamination of fish and shell fish by hydrocarbons. In response the IMA in 2017 sampled oysters from 12 major vendors at locations of Curepe, St Augustine, Tacarigua, Freeport, Preysal, Marabella, Gasparillo, Palmiste and Debe. The samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are known carcinogens. Samples of oysters were extracted and preliminary analysis on hydrocarbon levels were performed to optimized instrumental conditions for analysis....
Long-term environmental monitoring of selected ‘Hot Spot’
Long-term environmental monitoring of selected ‘Hot Spot’ At a Wider Caribbean Regional Workshop on ‘Assessment of Land Based Sources of Pollution and Methodologies in Land Based Sources’ held Venezuela in 2005, representatives identified the need to establish an environmental monitoring project. Such a project will identify changes or adverse impacts on the marine and coastal areas in which information derived can guide / inform policy making in a timely and efficient manner for the improvement in the quality of life of citizens and preservation of our natural environments. Results of the monitoring programme in Trinidad have revealed hotspot areas in which there are excessive and...
Coastal Conservation Project for Trinidad And Tobago-COASTAL DYNAMICS
Coastal Conservation Project for Trinidad And Tobago-COASTAL DYNAMICS Beaches are dynamic coastal features which respond to storms, wind, waves, currents and tides differently dependent on its geology. Notwithstanding the protection by reefs, beaches are generally the primary defenses for any coastal development. Sand/sediment is critical in the protection of the coastline by facilitating the dissipation of energy from wave attack; thereby acting as a buffer to erosion. Beaches however are damaged by sand removal, improper building of coastal protection structures and any activity that prevents new sediment sources from replenishing them. Beach erosion is expected to be exacerbated by impacts due to climate change. This...