Wild Tobago

The initiative to share the world of coral reefs with citizens and students of Trinidad and Tobago may have ended, but the quest for healthy oceans and the health of people continues. Dr Anjani Ganase reviews the International Year of the Reef TT and encourages us to continue “chasing coral.”  Awareness and Action 2018 was the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a effort initiated by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) to raise global awareness of the value of coral reef ecosystems. Trinidad and Tobago joined several countries around the world, as well as forty non-governmental and intergovernmental agencies, to learn about coral reefs and the threats they face, especially imminent climate change, and to engender action for coral reef conservation.  Throughout the year the IYORTT partnership grew significantly. It started with a core group of scientists who began discussions with other environmental groups and educational institutions. As the conversat...

Dr Anjani Ganase continues her series on climate change and what we should be doing. It is never too late to act, but only real conscious personal efforts will help us now. The change we need, she says, is in our minds and daily actions. The science on climate change has been clear for the last fifty years. We are seeing many of the effects, extreme weather conditions, islands lost to sea level rise, shifts in ecosystem ranges in birds, animals and plants, and mass die offs of coral reef life because of warming temperatures. They are, the scientists tell us, escalating and happening faster than predicted. How did we get here, and so quickly? 1. Let’s wait and see Policy Despite the warnings from scientists on the need to act for over fifty years, policy makers (and politicians) have opted for the conservative, wait and see approach on the impacts of climate change. Before spending funds on climate, maybe there’s a slight chance that this climate change thing may not be a thi...

Dr Anjani Ganase considers the lessons to be learned from the film documentary Chasing Coral. Screenings and discussion sessions are being organised by IYORTT (Trinidad and Tobago Initiative for International Year of the Reef) and secondary schools are encouraged to schedule a viewing. Chasing Coral allows us to follow the journeys of scientists, coral enthusiasts and filmmakers to record the devastating impacts of the third global coral bleaching event along the Great Barrier Reef. Chasing Coral documents the process of coral bleaching and extent of damage to the marine life that depend on these corals; and by extension the livelihoods sustained by this crucial ecosystem through coastal protection, food, income and recreation. Although much of the story is set in Australia, Chasing Coral tells of the dangers of losing coral reefs and the impacts on island nations, anywhere.  Here are a few questions that people have asked the IYORTT team about coral bleaching and climate ...

In July and August, children have opportunities to learn outside the schools. Dr Anjani Ganase looks at a couple camps that integrated coral reef exploration in their activity. In the International Year of the Reef (2018) , Trinidad and Tobago Initiative ( IYORTT ), one major aim is to engage and build awareness of coral reefs among children; and where better than at fun camps in the long school vacation. IYORTT team members have been visiting summer camps in Trinidad and Tobago to talk about the value of our coastal ecosystems and coral reefs, instilling a sense of stewardship and inspiration in the next generation. Our lessons in marine ecology were well received and nicely integrated into the current camp themes. Here are some highlights: Sea, Sun and Science with Buccoo Reef Trust Tobago Since 2002, the Buccoo Reef Trust has been hosting the programme Sea, Sun and Science (SSS) where budding scientists and explorers get the opportunity to learn about the diverse ma...

This article is the first of a series that focuses on The International Year of the Reef 2018 and the T&T initiative. This week Dr Anjani Ganase, marine scientist, discusses the global impacts of climate change on coral bleaching, and the significance of actions to stem climate change 2018 is the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a global effort initiated by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) to strengthen global awareness of the value of coral reef ecosystems. In Trinidad and Tobago, under the banner of IYOR T&T, a group of marine scientists in collaboration with other partners is launching a series of activities and programmes that showcase coral reef biodiversity, their value, the threats they face and opportunities for stewardship and protection. Currently, the effects of rising ocean temperatures compounded by pollution, plastics, sedimentation, overfishing and habitat destruction are threatening the future of coral reefs. Coral reefs are known to...