Wild Tobago

Are corals doomed? They seem to be under attack from more and different maladies that are the result of worsening environmental conditions. Dr Anjani Ganase shares information about what to look for when you dive Tobago’s reefs The Stony Coral Tissue Loss is best explained through its descriptive name. It first appeared in the Caribbean in the Florida Keys in 2014, on a coral reef that was being impacted by a port-dredging project (Jackson and Prentice 2019). Since then, the disease has spread to at least eight other countries, including Mexico, Jamaica and with the latest occurrence in St Kitts and Nevis in August of this year (Kramer et al 2019). As the disease progresses through the Lesser Antilles and towards Trinidad and Tobago, we need to the understand the devastating impacts of the disease, and what scientists are doing in the attempt to curb the spread. The giant brain coral in Speyside is one of the species of coral that is highly susceptible to the Stony Coral ...

As island people we should actively create activities to bring awareness on World Oceans Day, June 8 (Saturday). Pat Ganase tells us why we have reason to celebrate. World Oceans Day has been observed since 2002; and every year since then, efforts to make people aware of the underwater world occupying more than 70 % of our planet have resulted in greater appreciation of seascapes and species; as well as access to and opportunities to heal the relationship between the land and the seas. (https://www.worldoceansday.org) The ocean is important because it: ·       Generates most of the oxygen we breathe; ·       Provides food; ·       Regulates the climate; ·       Recycles and cleans the water we drink; ·       Offers a plentiful supply of medicines; and ·       Provides limitless inspiration! ...

Many dive operators are hunters, capturing trophy or food fish.  After more than 25 years diving, Ron Tiah, operating Dive TnT, has turned himself into an ocean protector. Today, he shoots lionfish to save the coral reefs. And he shoots with his camera so that we can see what’s alive in the ocean, the good and the bad. This feature was first published in the Tobago Newsday on June 8, World Oceans Day. All photos courtesy Ron Tiah Another world, underwater at Brothers rock, Caribbean Sea, off Tobago Who is Ron Tiah? I grew up in Pointe-a- Pierre; my dad Robert Tiah was Rexformer Superintendent at the Texaco Refinery. I would say he was my mentor and hero. I inherited my love for the sea, the land and conservation from him. He cultivated one of the most successful citrus plantations in Trinidad, still operating today. He was also an academic, who insisted on further studies for me at Albert College and York University in Canada. I also wanted to learn to scuba dive. ...

In observance of the season of celebration and thanksgiving, Jahson Alemu shares 12 creatures special to Buccoo Reef that we should cherish and protect. Make a note for 2017 to appreciate the marine environment that surrounds Trinidad and Tobago. Without it, we are rocks in the ocean, black dots on the map.  Follow Jahson on twitter: jahson_alemu Christmas is in the air. The smell of pastelles, black cake, ham and all sorts of seasonal goodies tantalise our taste buds. From simple to intricate lights adorn houses; and like moths drawn to a flame, paranderos flitter from house to house to spread joy, serenade and wish us well for the season. In the spirit of the season, here is a Christmas tribute to some of the creatures that add vibrancy, wonder, colour and life to our Buccoo Reef. Red Cushion Starfish, photo courtesy Jahson Alemu On the first day of Christmas, My true love gave to me, One Red Cushion Starfish (Oreaster reticulatus). Two French Angelfish, photo co...

Anjani Ganase, Trinbagonian marine biologist, continues her exploration of marine Tobago. In this episode, first published in Tobago Newsday on Thursday August 4, 2016, she looks at one of the biggest (living) brain corals in the world, located at the dive site off Speyside known as Kelleston Drain. Follow Anjani Ganase on twitter: @AnjGanase Big brain coral at Kelleston Deep, Speyside, Photo courtesy Rochelle Ramlal (Name Brand Ting) Just below the waves around Little Tobago lives one of the oldest inhabitants in Tobago waters, the giant brain coral. It has made its home in about 55 feet of water along the base of the reef slope, and is part of a larger reef community abundant in corals, sponges, as well as both micro and mega-fauna, including sharks, manta rays and turtles that use its crevices for shelter. Our brain coral is of the species Colpophyllia natans commonly known as the boulder brain coral or the zipper coral after the interlocked pattern formed in t...