World Environment Day 2026 – Steering Local Marine Research and Planning #NowForClimate
Inspired by WED Theme, ‘Climate Action’, Coral reefs embody both the beauty of nature and their critical role in climate resilienceCredit: Jonathan Gomez, IMA School of Goat Fish in Kilgwyn Reef, Tobago – fish are critical to our marine ecosystemsCredit: Jonathan Gomez, IMA Today, as we join the global community in celebrating World Environment Day 2026, the call for urgent Climate Action resonates deeply within our oceans. The Earth is sending undeniable signals, rising sea levels, shifting marine temperatures, and ecosystem stress, reminding us that our response must be immediate, collective, and guided by science. At the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), our mission is to conduct...
Waves of Innovation: Digital Solutions for Ocean Climate Action
Delegates at the ‘Digital AI Based Ocean Climate Action’, hosted by Embassy of Korea and held in Port of Spain, May 01, 2026. H.E. Seijoong Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (2nd from left); Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh (L); (Dr. Ava Maxam, IMA Director (R); (Ms. Jimena Cuevas-Portilla, second from right); Mr. Keron Alleyne (third from right) What happens when cutting‑edge technology dives beneath the waves? The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Trinidad and Tobago convened local and regional leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help protect our oceans and coasts from the climate crisis. Titled, ‘Digital‑AI Based Ocean Climate...
Advancing Ocean Governance: Congratulations Dr. Hassanali
Dr. Kahlil Hassanali represents Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the second session of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom II), UN Headquarters, New York – August 2025Credit: IISD We are proud to celebrate Dr. Kahlil Hassanali of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) as the lead author of a newly published peer-reviewed article in Frontiers in Marine Science – April 13, 2026. Titled, “Big schools of small fish in a big pond – the influence of small-island developing states in the BBNJ process”, the article highlights the contributions of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the negotiation and development of the legally binding...
Institute of Marine Affairs Research Seminar: Seed to Sea
Raisa Ramdeen, PhD student of the University of British Columbia (5th from left), presenter, along with IMA staff members during IMA’s research seminar on 10 April 2026, IMA auditorium. Dr. Raisa Ramdeen delivers her presentation titled, ‘Seed to Sea – Why Genomics Belongs in your Seagrass Conservation Toolkit’, at the IMA, 10th April 2026. The IMA hosted its internal research seminar featuring Raisa Ramdeen, PhD student of the University of British Columbia. Her presentation titled, “Seed to Sea – Why Genomics Belongs in Your Seagrass Conservation Toolkit", highlighted the role of conservation genomics in supporting a stronger and more climate-resilient seagrass restoration. Held on April 10th,...
Awarded the Prestigious International Ocean Stewardship Award! – Congratulations Ms. Kathryn Audroing – IMA Researcher
Caption: Kathryn Audroing, Research Officer – Environmental Sociologist, Biodiversity and Ecology Programme We are bursting with pride! Our very own Kathryn Audroing, Research Officer – Environmental Sociologist, Biodiversity and Ecology Programme, has been selected as one of only three global winners for the prestigious Ocean Stewardship Award! Congratulations to Ms. Kathryn Audroing! This prestigious global recognition, founded in honor of the late pioneering ocean lawyer, Dr. Kristina Gjerde, celebrates early-career leaders advancing marine conservation through scientifically rigorous and community-driven work. Ms. Audroing was specifically recognised for her dedication to equitable ocean governance, through uniting communities and bridging the gap between scientific research and local marine conservation, in...
IMA Shapes the Future of Blue Carbon in Science
Hamish Asmath - GIS Officer (left) with colleagues from the International Blue Carbon and Wetlands Conference at the Radisson Hotel on 2 February 2026 The IMA participated in the International Blue Carbon and Wetlands Conference (IBCWC), held from February 2–3, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad. Representing the Institute were Dr. Rahanna Juman (Deputy Director-Research), Hamish Asmath (GIS Officer), and Nikia Gooding (Remote Sensing Officer). The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, conservation practitioners, communities and climate financiers from Latin America and the Caribbean to share research and explore the role of blue carbon ecosystems in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. It also marked...
A Message from Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), in Commemorating World Water Day 2026
Theme: “Water and Gender” | Slogan: “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows” Today, March 22, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) joins the international community in the global celebration of World Water Day, which commemorates the importance of freshwater and advocates for its sustainable management. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, World Water Day raises awareness for the 2.1 billion people lacking access to safe water. In a world shaped by climate change, growing inequalities, and increasing pressure on natural resources, water is essential for life, underpinning food production, public health and sanitation, livelihoods, urban development and energy transitions. Yet for billions of people,...
United for Nature: Lester Doodnath Champions the IMA at FACRP 30th Annual Gayap
Mr. Lester Doodnath of the IMA delivering a presentation to the volunteers at the FACRP 30th Annual Dry Season Gayap – 13th March 2026, St. Anns On Friday, March 13th, 2026, Mr. Lester Doodnath proudly represented the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) at the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Programme (FACRP)’s 30th Annual Dry Season Gayap, held over three days in the Fondes Amandes Community, St. Ann’s. Mr. Doodnath’s participation brought science and community together in meaningful ways. Through dynamic presentations on IMA’s cutting-edge marine conservation research, an engaging booth featuring decades of staff publications, tidal calendars, and educational brochures, and direct conversations with citizens, he transformed...