GORTT and UN – Priority on People and Planet
On Thursday 4th September, 2025 Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), joined Mr. Sanjay Singh and Ms. Arti Bedassie-Maharaj, both Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD), in attending the United Nations – Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s (GORTT) Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) Meeting. The Meeting, co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) along with the United Nations Trinidad and Tobago, was convened to review the twin-island state’s progress on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework...
IMA Supporting the St. Francois Girls’ College World-of-Work Programme 2025
In its ninth year, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) was proud to host students from the St. Francois Girls’ College as part of the School’s World-of-Work Internship Programme from July 15-25, 2025. The Form Four students gained hands-on experience in the research laboratories and various Research Programmes alongside scientists at the IMA. Adorned in the school’s dark green uniform blazer with the St. Francois Girls’ College monogram prominently displayed, the four students found the experience at the IMA to be meaningful, giving them a glimpse into the world of conducting marine scientific research and preparing them to cultivate sound work ethics. Dr Ava Maxam, IMA...
Trinidad and Tobago Welcomes Donation of Sargassum Equipment from the Government of Japan
On Tuesday 19 August 2025, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) proudly joined the official handover ceremony of sargassum equipment donated by His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan to the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government. The ceremony marked the official handover of keys to two specialised tractors, procured under the Project for Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean. The aim of this Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is to support and enhance national capacity for the management of sargassum influxes with the provision of...
The IMA applauds the Government Signing the Ocean Governance Agreement as a Welcome Step for Marine Conservation
The IMA applauds the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Ocean Governance. The MoU enables the creation of an Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) to support Integrated Ocean Governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+region). The Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, signed the MoU on 8th August 2025. According to Dr. Ava Maxam, IMA Director, the MoU is a welcome step towards protecting our fragile marine ecosystems in Trinidad and Tobago and strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable ocean governance. Dr. Maxam stated that the recent signing...
Digging Deeper: Why Beach Sediments Matter to Leatherbacks
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) extends warm congratulations to Christopher Alexis, PhD candidate and Research Officer at the IMA, for his outstanding work in leatherback turtle conservation and coastal geomorphology at Grande Rivière, Trinidad and Tobago. Under the guidance of Dr. Junior Darsan of the Department of Geography at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus, Christopher’s research focuses on examining the intricate relationship between beach sediments and the nesting success of leatherback turtles. His work represents the first empirical study of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, providing valuable data to support evidence-based conservation of these endangered marine giants. Leatherback turtle...
Can Smart Technologies Forecast Rip Currents?
Who does not like a ‘good’ day at the beach or seaside with the ideal conditions – enjoying sun, sand and the sea with family and friends. While the sea is an important factor in making one’s day at the beach to be nothing short of divine, strong currents or rip currents can make a day at the beach less appealing. The tragic passing of the celebrated son of 1980’s sitcom, “The Cosby Show”, has re-ignited interest and several discussions on the dangers of rip currents while urging beachgoers to heed warnings before dipping your toe in...
IMA and NGC Partner to Educate Future Wetland Stewards
As part of the Carli Bay Mangrove Rehabilitation Project, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) have teamed up to build public awareness and local capacity for wetland conservation. In October 2023, a formal partnership was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for mangrove restoration in the Carli Bay area, located along the Central Gulf of Paria. One of the cornerstones of this initiative has been public education particularly among young people in communities bordering the Couva/Carli wetland. Alister Narinesingh addresses students of the Couva South Government Primary School To this end, the...
A New Wave of Hope: Coral Spawning Sparks Restoration at Booby Island Reef, Tobago
In mid-July 2025, something extraordinary unfolded beneath the waves off Booby Island Reef, northeast Tobago. The MARIN Tobago Team, together with coral restoration specialist Hannah Ditzler from SECORE International and graduate trainee Zeke John from UWI Mona Campus, witnessed a spectacular natural event: a mass spawning of boulder and symmetrical brain corals. Coral spawning is one of nature’s most critical events. During this process, corals release eggs and sperm into the water, allowing new coral larvae to develop and eventually settle on reefs. This natural reproduction is essential for maintaining healthy coral populations and ensuring the long-term regeneration and resilience of reef ecosystems. Coral spawning of...