Tobago Coral Reefs in Crisis: Level 5 Bleaching Alert
Chaguaramas– The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is currently conducting critical assessments of coral bleaching across Tobago in response to a marine heatwave that has placed Trinidad and Tobago at Bleaching Alert Level 5 – the highest level of concern. This alert signifies an alarming risk of near–complete mortality of multiple species, with over 80% of corals potentially affected. Since August 2024, high sea temperatures have led to severe bleaching through the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad and Tobago is among the most impacted by these elevated temperatures. Preliminary surveys by the Institute reveal near-complete coral bleaching at key sites, (more than 80% according to the alert...
New Korean Ambassador Visits IMA
Chaguaramas – His Excellency Seijoong Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Trinidad and Tobago, along with Dr. Seung-ok Ryu, Researcher in the Political and Economic Affairs Division of the Korean Embassy, paid a courtesy call to the Institute of Marine Affairs on November 8th, 2024. The Korean Ambassador, who presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on September 5th, 2024, has a particular interest and extensive experience in climate change and environmental sustainability matters, making his visit particularly significant. The Korean Ambassador's courtesy visit to the IMA underscores the substantial benefits that marine research is bringing to the...
Tobago Corals on Level 2 Bleaching Alert
Chaguaramas– The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is urgently addressing a mass coral bleaching event that is threatening Tobago’s coral reefs. The Institute has been receiving reports via its SeaiTT mobile application from members of the public who have observed the bleaching incidents first-hand. Observations of bleaching at Mount Irvine, Arnos Vale, and Charlotteville in Tobago clearly indicate the severity of the situation. Coral bleaching, driven by marine heat waves that occur when there are elevated sea temperatures for extended periods, poses a significant risk to critical marine ecosystems and coral reefs around Tobago. It occurs when corals expel the algae inside them as a...
Towards A Pollution-Free Coastal Environment
With students' return to school and the rainy season in full gear, our beaches bear the signs of the busy vacation months and an active rainy season with litter of all sorts- plastic and otherwise dotting the coastlines of popular bathing sites. Solid waste pollution, such as plastic wrappers and bottles, may have been left behind following times of family fun or brought to the shores through tidal wave action. This unsightly occurrence may seem insignificant; however, the impact of marine litter and pollution on the fragile ecosystems along our coastlines can be devastating for marine organisms, our fellow inhabitants of this planet. We...
Leveraging Technology for Marine Science
The ocean, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface, holds immense mysteries and invaluable resources crucial for life. Yet, its vastness and complexity have historically posed significant challenges for exploration and understanding. However, with the advent of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) which comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an operator. A cutting-edge technology rapidly reshaping the landscape of marine science, a new era of exploration and understanding is dawning. UAS is not just revolutionizing how researchers study and protect oceans, but they are also offering a promising future for marine science, filled with exciting possibilities and discoveries. Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones,...
Solving a Crossword Puzzle that aptly ‘Awakened New Depths’ of Ocean Knowledge for Staff in Observing World Oceans Day 2024
Can solving crossword puzzles help increase awareness of marine environmental issues? That is the challenge the Information Centre (IC)-Library Unit posed to staff and the Institute’s social media followers on Monday 10th June 2024 in observance of World Oceans Day 2024. Under this year’s theme for World Oceans Day, ‘Awaken New Depths’, staff were invited to solve a crossword puzzle to mark the globally observed environmental day, challenging and inspiring them to ‘awaken’ new personal depths of their knowledge of oceans, deep-sea life and ecosystems. The response/reaction/feedback, it was discovered, was a resonating yes. A total of fifteen (15) persons with eleven staff members across...
The World Needs Mangroves
“If there are no mangroves, then the sea will have no meaning. It’s like a tree with no roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea!” ~ Mad-Ha Ranwasii, Thai fisherman & village headman, 1992. The world needs more mangroves, as they have been lost or degraded in many parts of the world, along with their valuable services such as coastal protection and fisheries enhancement. Restoration is not just necessary, it’s a pressing priority in many places. Mangrove forests are prolific ecosystems located on the interface between land and sea in the tropics and subtropics. The trees aresalt-tolerant (halophytes) and adapt to life...
World Ocean Day 2024 – Awaken New Depths
On our blue planet, where more than 70% of the surface is covered by ocean waters, there is a day dedicated to celebrating this invaluable component of the earth’s make-up. Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002, World Ocean Day (WOD) is celebrated annually on 8th June. The international day supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters public interest in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources. Every year the United Nations selects a theme for the day, with “Our Oceans: Opportunities and Challenges” (2010), “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet” (2015), “Gender and...