Wild Tobago

Guest writer, Eugenia Thomas reports on the 17 th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, which she attended with a team of scientists from The University of the West Indies and the NGO SpeSeas The 17 th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium was held in Hong Kong in January this year. Our team of four scientists from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and local NGO, SpeSeas, attended to present current research. This was a milestone event as it was the first time a team of this size represented Trinidad and Tobago, including first timer Barbados, highlighting the growing interest and importance of Caribbean nations involved in deep-sea exploration and research. Caribbean countries account for territory that is more than 85% deep ocean (ocean deeper than 200 meters). The ocean is our largest ecosystem, and plays a key role in every aspect of lifestyle and livelihood directly or indirectly, providing industry and services from fisheries to climate regulation. For those...

In The Last Dance, Venom, Eddie Brock’s symbiont makes the ultimate sacrifice for his host-partner.  That's how corals work. Dr Anjani Ganase, marine biologist, looks at of examples of ocean species cooperating for mutual benefit.   We get by with a little help from our friends. This is not just a song lyric but a rule of survival in the natural world. We are often amazed when animals (or plants) of different species form working partnerships or social interactions, but these relationships are common and referred to as a symbiosis. The long-term biological relationship between two or more species where at least one species benefits is an example of symbiosis.   When the partnership results in both partners benefiting, the type of symbiotic relationship is referred to as mutualism, when one benefits it’s called commensalism. Of course, there are scenarios where one partner is harmed in the process and that is called parasitism. Shallow reef with cl...

  Marine biologist Dr Anjani Ganase highlights ocean themes in this year’s Carnival. She was accompanied in her explorations by Australian art photographer Heidi Victoria who visited Trinidad and Tobago for the first time and photographed aspects of the celebrations.   We are an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Yet, less than one percent of Trinbagonians have ever immersed themselves below the water long enough to see the vivid marine world below the surface. However, in the imagination of mas-makers, the ocean and its wonders can come alive through their eyes and the masqueraders at carnival. Ocean themes were present in Trinidad 2025 carnival, from junior and senior kings and queen competitions, traditional mas and even conventional and fantasy mas. The costumes tell stories of the ocean danced and animated by the performers. It is not about accuracy in the depictions, which are fanciful and creative, but these presentations inform us about the p...

  Faraaz Abdool speaks in defence of the Cocrico which has flourished alongside Tobago’s development. What better credentials for a national bird?     Trinidad and Tobago is a unique and gifted nation. We are arguably the only country in the world with two national birds. Others have additional birds as national symbols, as do we, in the form of “the hummingbird”; 366 species of these glittering gems are scattered across the Americas, eighteen of which can be found on our islands. On our Coat of Arms, the Scarlet Ibis is prominently featured opposite the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, two national birds for two islands in one nation. As national birds, both creatures are supposed to enjoy a degree of protection and veneration. Yet one of these has drawn the ire of many; an issue which is as complex as our history.   A pair of young Cocrico prepare for a night's rest on a secure branch. Photo by Faraaz Abdool Known worldwide as the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, we lear...

Dr Anjani Ganase, marine ecologist, considers the natural progression of a dead whale in the ocean. Scientists are discovering that the impacts of “whale falls” continue for decades and even centuries.   The sun supports all life on our planet, well nearly all life. Animals depend on plants to create food through photosynthesis (the process by which plants harness sunlight and water to create sugar). Plant life is the foundation of the global food web. Consider that 70% of the planet is ocean, and 90% of the ocean is deep ocean which is deeper than 1000 m (average depth of the ocean is more than 3600 m). Any ocean beyond 1000 m depth is beyond the penetration of sunlight, and photosynthesis does not occur at depths below 200 m. Does the sun support life, even in the deepest darkest part of our oceans? Life in the deep seas persist. In such a nutrient desert, life exists as a result of several adaptations, including having low metabolism, gulping and feeding...