For the benefit of the environment and human safety

Within the last month, enforcement agencies have been seeking to enact regulatory measures for the users of Jet Skis in Tobago. Although this was primarily from safety concerns with respect to the required insurance, there are environmental issues arising from the use of these crafts, especially in ecologically important areas. These concerns prompt Shivonne Peters, marine scientist, to share  the ecological concerns and practical measures to regulate the use of these crafts in Tobago.

The unmistakable water plume of the Jet Ski (or Personal Water Craft) now appears to be a permanent feature in Tobago’s tourism landscape.  Known for their manoeuvrability, speed and easy operation, they are regarded as “must-do” activity for the younger beach-goer or thrill-seeker in Tobago. Like other water-based recreational activities, Jet Ski use is concentrated along Tobago’s south-west coastline, especially from Store Bay to Mt. Irvine.  These high-powered high-speed vehicles have the potential to cause harm to both human and marine life. Such risks are heightened in cases where marine areas are over-utilised for recreational activities or considered ecologically sensitive; case in point, the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.

 

The Bon Accord Lagoon, integral to the health of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago, should be off limits to Jet Skis

Jet Ski use is generally regarded as incompatible with Marine Protected Areas which are designated for conservation purposes. The damage caused to marine organisms by these crafts has been widely documented around the world. The noise associated with PCW’s when amplified underwater can disturb and displace marine life over prolonged use in a particular area. Since these crafts are able to venture into shallow water, this means that traditionally undisturbed areas, for instance along mangrove borders, can also be subject to excessive noise. In this regard, Jet Ski operation in the Bon Accord Lagoon, a nursery for over 115 species of juvenile fish and crustaceans, is disturbing, and ought to be banned. Fish species there are ecologically important in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem, but also play a vital role in maintaining our local commercial fishery.

The possibility of collision with marine life is a real threat. Aquatic animals like turtles may find themselves in the path of these high-speed crafts and this often results in injury and eventual mortality. Pollution is another ecological concern associated with Jet Ski use. The discharge of unburnt fuel (gas and chemicals) is common as many older models  lack anti-pollution devices. In cases of malfunction, the risk of pollution is even greater. Seagrass beds, important habitats for organisms such as conchs, turtles and crustaceans, can be destroyed when PWC’s are operated in shallow areas. The Nylon Pool is a prime example of visible boating scars or tracks of mowed-down or destroyed seagrasses. These ecological risks are not unique to Jet Skis but indicate the dangers associated with the use of motorized crafts in sensitive marine environments. This points to the need for the regulation of all vessels entering any marine protected area.

The Buccoo Reef Marine Park is currently one of the most popular areas for these activities. Even though they may be  confined to a relatively small area, the potential for damage and degradation remains. In 2011, Jet Ski use was prohibited within the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, and a temporary area designated north-east of Pigeon Point. However, this area has never been clearly demarcated or defined.  Since then, government regulations have mandated liability insurance for all PCW’s operating in Trinidad and Tobago. Patrols by enforcement agencies also attempt to restrict their use altogether in the Marine Park with limited success due to a lack of consistency. Additionally, Marine Park legislation, enacted in 1973, has no specific regulations and penalties for Jet Ski operations in the Park. Our predicament in Tobago is certainly not unique among Marine Protected Areas in the Caribbean. Many other islands have struggled to regulate these popular recreational vehicles.

In Marine Protected Areas of other Caribbean islands, they are prohibited. In St. Lucia, St. Barth’s and St. Maarten, the use is restricted to a specified distance away from the shoreline. In Grenada, St Vincent & Grenadines and Jamaica, Jet Skis were altogether prohibited; and in many other islands temporary island-wide bans were instituted until regulations were enacted into law. In Anguilla, PWC use was limited to four authorized areas with penalties for use outside these areas. Other countries have included age restrictions, mandated training and in some cases written and practical examinations for operators to be licensed. Supporting policy and legislation  are common elements in other countries with efficiently regulated water sports industries.

In light of increasing Jet Ski popularity and the ecological concerns associated with use in the Marine Park, what can be done to regulate this industry in Tobago? The obvious measure is to designate suitable areas for their use. The suitability of the areas should be determined by depth, ecological sensitivity, distance from shore and frequency of use for other recreational and commercial purposes. Clear demarcation, using perimeter buoys, is also necessary and a pathway should be established to allow for safe passage from the shore to the authorized area. Jet Ski use should be completely banned in certain areas due to their ecological sensitivity, Bon Accord Lagoon and the Nylon Pool. Where Jet Ski use is allowed - outside of the Marine Park - clearly defined zones and rules must be established and consistently monitored.

 

Should Jet Skis be allowed in the Nylon Pool, Tobago?

Safe use in recreational zones

Depending on the manner in which they are utilized, Jet Skis can cause serious damage to persons in the water; swimmers, windsurfers, snorkelers and divers; and even destroy property (boats and other  equipment). In many cases, operators do not utilize safety apparatus (lifejackets and the lanyard cord which is connected to the kill switch and attached to the wrist). This can mean the difference between a minor mishap and a major accident. They are also prone to overturn easily, especially when used by  novices.

 As in other countries, we need to implement age restrictions here in Tobago. Generally, children should not operate these crafts; particularly when unsupervised. Safety briefings should be mandatory for all clients/ users as well as the use of safety equipment. To avoid congestion and minimize the risk of collision, a stipulated number of Jet Skis should be allowed in authorized areas at any given time. To ensure compliance with regulations, penalties should also be instituted and supported by requisite legislation. This would also require a registration system, similar to fishing and pleasure vessels, to keep track of ownership and repeat offences. Enforcement of the existing insurance regulations is also a key element in promoting safe use.

The benefits of a regulated Jet Ski industry for Tobago are numerous and necessary to protect the ecosystems and wildlife upon which our tourism industry relies. Efficient enforcement mechanisms will determine the success of regulatory measures when implemented. Advancements in the operations of this industry and by extension boating on a whole, should also pave the way for other needed measures such as zoning of activities in high use coastal areas around the island. In the not-too-distant future, Tobago can be known for providing a safe, enjoyable and regulated space for all recreational activities while achieving the goal of marine conservation.

Shivonne M. Peters is Managing Director of Seven Environmental- a Consultancy Company focused on the marine sector. She is currently a PhD candidate in Marine Sciences at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. For further information email sevenenvironmental@hotmail.com.