Volume 55

The Coral Reefs of Tobago: Status and Management


Authors
Potts, A.C.; Sandy, K.; Clarke, M.; Bobb, N.
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Other Information


Date: 2004


Pages: 765-776


Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Fifth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute


City: Xel Ha


Country: Mexico

Abstract

The marine ecosystems of Tobago are extremely important to the island for both ecological and socio-economic reasons. Not only are they needed for coastal defense/breakwater/protection of shoreline, nursery grounds, habitat for marine organisms, production of sand, reduction of pollution (mangroves); but also as a source of recreation, livelihood, and food. It is no great surprise, therefore, that Tobago's two premier industries (Tourism and Fisheries) depend on a very healthy marine environment for their own survival. The existence and continued formation of good quality reefs in Tobago is contingent on the growth of hermatypic corals.\Additionally, it must be noted that these tiny unicellular organisms are very sensitive to any changes in the delicate balance of their physical and chemical environment. Work conducted by both the CARICOMP project in Buccoo Reef Marine Park (BRMP), and by Lapointe et al. (2002) in both the dry and rainy. seasons of 2001 has shown the susceptibility of the complex ecosystem to environmental changes in temperature and nutrients. This review showed some of the various environmental and anthropogenic impacts affecting the coral reefs. It also looked at the present status through the ongoing CARICOMP project and the work of Lapointe et al, where information on the status of the benthos of most of Tobago's reefs was revealed (cover of hard corals, octacorals, macro algae, turf algae, coralline algae and sponges). Information was also obtained on dissolved inorganic nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus and N15 to N1 ratios. Based on the above it was deduced that land-based discharges of nutrients from deforestation, sewage, construction and agricultural activities contribute a threat to Tobago's coral reefs.\The Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries (DMRF) through its management plans, its annual work programmes and very enthusiastic but small staff work conscientiously each year to manage the marine resources and fisheries of the island. The DMRF, however, is unable to realizethe desired successes due to the many constraints it encounters. It is therefore necessary for the state to start financing the DMRF and its programmes; so that it can carry a more holistic ecosystems-based management programme, as is advised in the two marine areas management plans and the legal instruments at its disposal.

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