Preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s Wildlife through Digital Innovation
Have you ever gone diving, visited the Caroni Swamp on a boat, or limed ‘down d islands?’ I am sure at some point you felt excited, rejuvenated, and at peace: whether swimming with the fish, reverently awaiting the majestic return of the Scarlet Ibis to their roost, or being in awe of bow-riding dolphins. This feeling of calmness and revitalisation is largely thanks to wildlife and our marine environments. According to environmental scientist, Dr. Jean Lebel, our health as a society closely mirrors the health of the environment. Healthy ecosystems = healthy people. Due, however, to the inextricable connection between humans and nature, environmental disasters decimating wildlife are both our doing as well as the cause of our own undoing. Through threats such as climate change, urbanisation, overexploitation and habitat destruction, the wilderness is at high risk of disappearing.
Currently, over 40,000 species of flora and fauna are protected from over-exploitation through international trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES Convention. Efforts to rehabilitate, conserve and preserve wildlife and their habitats are vital and digital technologies are constantly emerging and evolving to aid in protecting wildlife. Countries are adopting practices such as using drones to plant trees, using anti-poaching transmitters, and even using artificial intelligence to track wildfires.
One local organisation employing the use of digital innovation is the Trinidad and Tobago Cetacean Sighting Network (TTCSN), which focuses on using bioacoustics and visual observations to monitor cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) around the twin islands. Bioacoustics is the study of animal sounds in nature to understand species population and occurrence, animal communication and even the impacts of humans on these species. To capture data in the marine environment, a hydrophone is deployed. Visual studies incorporate the use of photography and videography to identify species and individuals. This allows key characteristic features to be recorded and compared. These tools also provide insight into cetacean migration patterns and survival. Apart from the critical research, TTCSN also hopes to sensitise the public to the importance of these animals, and campaign for their conservation and protection. Globally, there are 5 cetacean species and 19 subspecies that are critically endangered and 12 species that are endangered (International Union for Conservation of Nature- SSC Cetacean Specialist Group).
The Maritime Ocean Collection (MOC) is another successful project that uses digital technology to highlight the coral reefs of Tobago. Coral reefs host almost 25 % of marine life and provide a myriad of ecosystem services ranging from sources of food to shoreline protection. Aiming to connect persons and coral reefs, the MOC utilised state-of-the-art 360° imagery of Tobago’s coral reefs, Google Street View, smartphone technology and videography to catalogue the first 360° photographs. Incorporating the use of Virtual Reality (VR) goggles amplifies the experience, allowing users to feel as if they are swimming among the wrasses in Culloden Bay or hovering above one of the world’s largest brain corals in Speyside. Though not venturing into the sea, persons’ accessibility to our local reefs is now increased especially as many Trinbagonians may not have visited these sites before. These remarkable images are the first online coral reef collection and serves as a baseline for scientific comparison in years to come.
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) also uses innovative technology in different ways to help monitor and protect the environment and local wildlife. In 2016, the Turtle Village Trust of Trinidad and Tobago received funding for the National Sea Turtle Tagging and Monitoring Programme to track sea turtles using satellite trackers. IMA assisted in processing the tracking information. Between 2016 to 2022, 18 turtles were successfully tagged, including green and hawksbill turtle species. The tracking devices were attached to their carapace (top shell). Every time the turtle surfaces for air, the tag transmits a signal to a satellite allowing data such as location to be recorded. Their movements were tracked with many turtles heading up the islands, with one reaching Haiti and another venturing as far as Central America. This information is critical as it allows for the monitoring of migration patterns, populations, and habitat use, all of which are vital in conservation management of these endangered species.
The IMA uses satellite imagery (images taken from space) to periodically map critical habitats, mangroves, and seagrasses, which are home to diverse species inclusive of vulnerable and endangered species. In doing this, patterns of habitat fragmentation or even habitat expansion could be assessed giving insight into potential impacts on species. Using this technology and supported by ground truthing, IMA was able to document the expansion of seagrass beds in Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago. These Thalassia testudinum (turtlegrass) beds provide habitat and feeding grounds to an array of marine species including conch, lobster, juvenile fish and sea turtles.
IMA also used a combination of aerial photography, LiDAR survey, and laser scanning of mangrove trees to map the extent of mangrove forest as well as determine the aboveground carbon in these forests. A terrestrial laser scanner was used to recreate the woody parts of the mangrove trees in three-dimensions to get a more accurate biomass measurement. Mangrove forests store as much as four times more carbon than terrestrial forests therefore helping with climate change mitigation, while at the same time providing habitat and food for a variety of animals including birds, fish, crustacean (crabs), reptiles (caiman and snakes) and mammals.
On Friday 23rd February 2024, IMA received an advanced drone and observed its inaugural flight. This drone has many features making it exceptionally useful in supporting IMA’s research. Boasting laser scanning tools and a LiDAR sensor, it has capabilities of taking high quality, detailed aerial images for mapping purposes. This drone will be utilised to facilitate habitat mapping and wildlife monitoring.
So how can individuals help contribute to wildlife protection in this digitally-driven world?
With most of us always having a smartphone within arm’s reach, we can:
- Partake in citizen science initiatives such SpeSeas’ Turtle Spotter Programme, or iNaturalist by submitting photos of wildlife observed. Here you can contribute your data to scientists trying to study these species, or even get assistance from experts in identifying the animal you photograph. You can also report whale or dolphin activity to info@ttcsn.org or @ttcsn_org.
- Report mammal and turtle strandings, fish kills, coral bleaching, lionfish sightings and other environmental incidences on IMA SeaiTT App and assist with monitoring the environment!
- Share! Share! Share! Share information on social media about wildlife protection and encourage others to do their part.