Wild Tobago

  On small islands like ours, natural spaces are shared with wild flora and fauna. Dr Anjani Ganase discusses some human impacts that we all should be mindful of.   Human populations have expanded around the world, not only in cities and towns, but spreading into wilderness areas. It’s time that we learn to share urban spaces as well as to respect all natural spaces whether these are actively protected or not.   In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a surge in outdoor activities as people see the appeal of dancing/ working out/ being under the stars, with a picturesque backdrop of tropical forests, beaches and lagoons. Large group hikes (100+ persons) and outdoor fetes have become popular. On one occasion, I observed Pigeon Point beach in the days after a beach fete. Keep in mind that Pigeon Point occurs in Trinidad and Tobago’s only marine protected area with its unique habitat and biodiversity. Walking along the beach, I collected handfuls of cable ties, pieces of wi...

  Dr Anjani Ganase provides an update on the problem that has grown through the pandemic, and likely to continue unless there are more committed approaches at personal and industrial levels (Photos by Pat Ganase)   We have a plastic problem. While the pandemic rages on - we know it will continue to be around for some time - there are other issues that have never gone away, indeed have escalated.   Plastic pollution is a major issue for us and our natural environment; and it will exacerbate the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Here is an update on the latest research on plastic pollution for 2021.   Even a pristine landscape like Toco collects plastic trash   Pollution and the pandemic   We have diligently followed the rules – mask up, sanitise and socially distance – to protect ourselves from the corona virus. While pollution from single-use plastics continues to grow (increasing by 31 % in 2025 compared to 201...

Marine scientist Anjani Ganase discusses sedimentary habitats that are abundant in the ocean but less recognized as ecosystems worth protecting. Sedimentary habitats are exactly what they sound like, areas of sandy, or muddy marine habitats that result from settlements of sand and sediment particulates in locations of lower water movement. When we think of sandy habitats, we imagine shallow lagoonal areas along the coastline, which include areas along the bases of coral reefs in deep harbour bays such as Maracas Bay, Charlotteville and Scarborough. These types of habitats also extend to great depths beyond the continental shelf. Although these habitats may not be the postcards of marine biodiversity, the varying environments in which they are found make them quite diverse in terms of the communities that can live there. As sedimentary habitats are so extensive and rarely accessible, many of these places are underexplored especially in deeper locations; and to this today, the ex...

Anjani Ganase, Trinbagonian marine biologist, considers the big picture. The air we breathe, the waters that encircle the earth, these connect all living creatures. This week, she looks at the fortunes of big countries, and small-island states, and asks each person to reflect on personal consumption habits and where your waste stream ends up. Follow Anjani Ganase on twitter: @AnjGanase This view of Englishman’s Bay is known around the world as a place of paradise.  Photo by Anjani Ganase Let’s talk about the air There are about 22 million people living in Beijing, China. In this city the air is so polluted that people often wear respiratory masks to breathe as emissions from five million cars and coal fired plants release unhealthy levels of noxious gases. In December 2015, even masks were not enough; the smog of pollution closed down schools and outdoor activity, until the level of toxic particulates dropped. This pollution kills 4000 persons a ...