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 result of environmental stressors, usually from warmer waters, causing them to turn white and become more vulnerable to death. 

In August 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch placed Trinidad and Tobago under Bleaching Alert Level 2, indicating coral bleaching and a high likelihood of widespread coral bleaching and mortality or death. Temperatures have consistently exceeded 29Degrees Celsius, the critical threshold for coral health. The Bleaching Alert Level 2 will remain in place until the end of October 2024. 

Dr. Anjani Ganase, Coral Reef Ecologist at the IMA, explained, “Prolonged exposure to high temperatures causes stress to corals and other marine organisms. Last year’s heatwave led to mass bleaching and triggered a red tide and a fish kill along Tobago’s Atlantic coast. This year, the trajectory of the marine heat wave appears to be more severe and extensive. Annual exposure to marine heat waves means that corals and other marine life do not have sufficient time to recover. With more coral bleaching, the likelihood of diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) increases, further threatening coral survival.” 

Technology Aids IMA’s Monitoring Efforts 

IMA conducts annual coral reef monitoring to track changes in reef health over time. Currently, the IMA is working closely with NOAA to combine field-collected or in-situ temperature data with satellite observations. This solution will improve the accuracy of NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch models and enhance the ability to predict and mitigate future bleaching events. 

Additionally, through the Marine Resilience Network (MARIN), the IMA is liaising with local environmental stakeholders and marine experts, including the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries (DMRF), Tobago, Environment Research Institute of Charlotteville (ERIC), Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tobago Frontier Divers, dive shops and other stakeholders to report any coral bleaching or disease outbreaks.

Public Participation: Report Incidents via IMA’s SeaiTT App

The IMA urges the public to play a crucial role in protecting our marine ecosystems by reporting coral bleaching and other environmental incidents or threats, such as lionfish sightings, fish kills, oil spills, or coastal hazards, through the IMA’s SeaiTT app. Public reports are instrumental in the response and effective management of affected reefs. Members of the public can submit their observations, including photographs and detailed descriptions, via the SeaiTT app, thereby contributing to the conservation of our marine environment. 

The Institute of Marine Affairs reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting Tobago’s coral reefs. We will continue to provide updates on the current situation, ensuring transparency and keeping the public informed about our ongoing efforts and the progress made in addressing this critical issue. 

END

Cover image, courtesy: Duane Kenny

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For more information contact the IMA at:
Krystal Chandler-Ganaselal

Information Officer/Public Relations 

Institute of Marine Affairs
Tel: (868) 634-4291/4 Ext *2415/2406
Fax: (868) 634-4433
Email: kchandler@ima.gov.tt 

Website: www.ima.gov.tt 

@IMAgovTT