A p e r i o d i c p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e B u c c o o R e e f T r u s t Issue 4: September 2004 - February 2005

Bringing the deep issues of marine conservation in Tobago to the surface

Issue 4: September 2004 - February 2005

continued on page 3

Inside This IssueBRT highlights 1

Oil spills! Are we prepared? 3

Buccoo Reef an ESA ... what does it mean? 4

In-flight video 5

Conch farming in Tobago 7

Latoyaa’s winning essay 7

Hey YOUth / YEAH 9

8 reef demarcation buoys at C’ville 10

... and more!

2 0 0 4:the year of

Wind, Rain & Mud

For many people in Tobago, 2004 will be remembered as the year of “Ivan the Terrible”, the year of the record rainfalls (210mm in 5

hours) and, perhaps most of all, as the year of the devastating and deadly landslides. It truly was the year of wind, rain and mud. For many other people, including fishermen, reef men, scuba divers and marine scientists, it will also be remembered as the year when Tobago’s inshore waters turned brown. Huge plumes of brown water could be seen all around the island, from Charlotteville, Speyside, Delaford, Roxborough, Bacolet, Scarborough, Buccoo, Mt. Irvine, Plymouth, Arnos Vale, Castara and many other places. By all accounts, an unprecedented quantity of mud and silt was washed away from the island and deposited squarely on our fringing coral reefs. In some places, the inshore water has remained brown and a thick layer of silt and clay can be seen coating the sea bed close to shore.

Should we be concerned? Or should we take the view of one high ranking public official who simply stated, “...mud in the sea is not a problem, the seas will wash it away”? The truth is that siltation of reefs as a result of soil erosion, is one of the

[continued on page 10]

Representative, Grace Napolitano, from the 38th Congressional District of California and Representative, Donna Christensen from the US Virgin Island, as well as Cheryl Flake, wife of Congressman Jeff Flake from Arizona’s 6th District and Martha Hinojosa, wife of Representative, Ruben Hinojosa from the 15th Congressional District in Texas, talk to Dr. Rich Langton from the Buccoo Reef Trust about theecotourism issue while enjoying the Nylon Pool.

Out of the Blue 2

The Buccoo Reef Trust has recently been incorporated as a non-profit company in the State of Maine, USA. The Buccoo

Reef Trust (USA) was specifically established to work in concert with the Buccoo Reef Trust in Trinidad and Tobago and vice versa. The incorporation of the Buccoo Reef Trust in the USA will facilitate the participation of US nationals in international programmes offered in Trinidad and Tobago. This includes programmes such as Sea, Sun and Science: a Tropical Marine Science Experience for High School Students, as well as research projects

and conservation efforts aimed at building capacity related to the protection of coral reef ecosystems and the sustainable use of tropical marine resources. It also creates a mechanism for accepting US donations for the construction and operation of the Tobago Marine Research Centre.

To find out more about the Buccoo Reef Trust (USA),

contact Dr. Rich Langton at the University of Maine,

Darling Marine Center, 193 Clarks Cove Road, Walpole,

ME 04573. Phone: 207 563 3146 x 421 and E-mail:

RLangton@buccooreef.org.

U S A

Members of the US House of Representatives, led by U.S. Representative

Richard Pombo, Chairman of the House Resources Committee, visited Tobago as part of an official 10-day tour of Latin America and the Caribbean region. The delegation has been focusing on resource-based issues, such as biodiversity and wildlife conservation, park lands, timber and forestry management, oil and energy matters, and sustainable development.

On February 26th, following an intro-duction to Tobago and the Buccoo Reef Trust by Rich Langton, the Trust’s US Director, some mem-bers of the delegation visited the Buccoo Reef. There they enjoyed a guided tour, as well as a chance to “lime” with members of the Trust and friends from Tobago. The glass bottom boat, Solo Amor, took ev-eryone from Buccoo Village out to the Coral Gardens, where many swam and snorkelled. The reef tour also included a stop at the Ny-lon Pool and a visit to the lagoon to view the mangroves. Later in the afternoon the del-

egation was given the opportunity to view two video productions by the Buccoo Reef Trust: Buccoo Reef to Rescue and Restore, and To-bago Naturally. On their return to Washington DC, Monday morning, they were greeted by a blizzard and six inches of snow!

The Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) is a non-profit company registered in Trinidad and

Tobago. It was specifically created to assist government and communities in addressing the threats facing Tobago’s marine environment and to explore opportunities for the sustainable development of marine tourism, fishing and aquaculture in the Southern Caribbean region.

Our core strategy is to build and operate the Tobago Marine Research Centre (TMRC) as an internationally recognised institution of marine research and education. This center will also serve as an information and learning centre for schools and the community. Support has been obtained and pledged from a number of donors, including C.L. Financial, the United Nations Foundation, the Inter-American Foundation, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and many other donor agancies. We are also grateful to many local businesses that have supported our education and research activities in Tobago. The Tobago House of Assembly and Central Government have both expressed their full support for the project, and will assist with providing a suitable site on which to establish this important non-profit centre for environmental education and research.

We invite you to read of our activities covered in this issue of “Out of the Blue”. Previous issues of this newsletter can be found online:www.buccooreeftrust.org

US Congress visits Buccoo Reef

Out of the Blue 3

T e a m H i g h l i g h t s H i g h l i g h t s H i g h l i g h t s

Gwendolyn Kelly Joseph FarahnazVision

A world in which the marine environment of tropical

islands is conserved for the benefit of future generations

while maximizing present opportunities for sustainable livelihood s that enhance the

quality of human life.

DirectorsOwen Day, PhD

Lawrence Duprey, Rich Langton, PhDGerald MacFarlane,

Russel Martineau, SCKaye Trotman, BSc

StaffHyacinth Armstrong, MA

Joseph BenjaminGwendolyn Collette

Roland GuillandBarry Lovelace, MScKelly Mannette, BSc

Farahnaz Solomon, MPhil

The Buccoo Reef Trust

was the recipient of the

World Association of

Non-Governmental Organisations’

2004 Environment Award

(www.wango.org)

Pictured on the right are representatives of the BRT team Gerald Mac Farlane (3rd from right) and Kaye Trotman (6th from right), receiving the trophy at the award-giving ceremony in Hungary,

The Buccoo Reef Trust is comprised of a team of wonderful people; different personalities sharing a common vision. Highlighted

here are the relatively new members of the team. (See Issue 2 of “Out of the Blue”, available at www.buccooreeftrust.org, for bios of other team members).

Mrs. Gwendolyn Collette functions as the Trust’s housekeeper with responsibility for the provision of janitorial services for the BRT office and house. Gwendolyn has been very effective in providing the warm Tobago hospitality to all our guests who stay at the BRT house.

Ms. Kelly Mannette is employed at the Buccoo Reef Trust as an Environmental Education Officer. She assists in monitoring, co-ordinating and executing the BEACH programme to the primary and secondary school students in Tobago. She holds a BSc in

Biology and Environmental and Natural Resources Management and is soon to complete the Masters in Science for Management of Tropical Environments, at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

Mr. Joseph Benjamin joined the team as a Project Assistant attached to the IAF funded seamoss project. Mr. Benjamin’s working experience enables him to provide field work support on this project and other related BRT activities.

Ms. Farahnaz Solomon joined the BRT team as the Seamoss Project Coordinator in January 2005. She will be responsible for the IAF funded seamoss project which aims to facilitate the development of a seamoss cultivation industry in Tobago. She holds a Masters degree in Zoology from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and has a special interest in the areas of Fish Biology and Fisheries Management.

Out of the Blue 4

On 19th July 1979, one of the largest oil spills in the world at that time occurred off the coast of Little Tobago when two

oil tankers, the Aegean Captain and the Atlantic Empress, collided. Approximately 46 million gallons of crude oil were spilled off Tobago’s coast. The coastlines of both Tobago and North Trinidad were threatened, with a potential disaster looming over the nesting colonies of seabirds and the fragile coral reefs in that area. Fortunately, quick action by the authorities helped in controlling and dispersing the oil at sea so the coastline was not impacted. Given the fragility of our marine and coastal habitats and the imminent threat of an oil spill due to increasing oil and gas exploration off the coast of Tobago, clearly the time has come to ensure that an effective protocol is established for the implementation of an oiled wildlife response in Tobago.

On the 21st and 22nd of February 2005, representatives from relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, departments and organisations participated in an Oiled Wildlife Response Training Seminar in Tobago, organised by BHP Billiton, Total, Talisman Energy and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research Inc. Two days prior to this a similar seminar was held in Mt. Hope, Trinidad. Represented at the seminar in Tobago were the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE), the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, the Department of Agriculture, Environment Tobago, Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS), Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Coast Guard, dive shops and reef tour operators.

On day one, the Tri-State team comprising of Mrs. Eileen Gilbert, Dr. Toby Erlichman and Mr. Tom Dunbar, sought to inform participants about the effects of oil on coastal birds, initiating a response, facility considerations (planning, designing and managing) and bird rehabilitation (capturing, cleaning, rehabilitating and releasing). The treatment of other wildlife (turtles, mammals and fish) which may be affected by oil spills was briefly discussed. Areas of pathology and documentation techniques were addressed by guest speaker, Professor John Cooper of the School of Veterinary

Medicine, UWI.

Of particular concern was Mr. Raye Sandy’s presentation on “An Island Response: Rules and Regulations”. It was revealed that our attempts at wildlife protection are hindered by archaic and somewhat vague laws, low penalties, and a lack of enforcement. Participants were also informed that current legislation is inadequate to deal with the cleaning and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. For example, one may run the risk of being arrested if caught handling wildlife outside the hunting season, even for the purpose of rehabilitation. It was further noted that the Fisheries Act of 1975 allows for the hunting of sea turtles (all of which are endangered) during the hunting season, once they are not caught on reefs or within 1000 yards of the high water mark. Similarly, participants were surprised to learn that Tobago’s National Bird, the Cocrico is no longer listed as a vermin under the Conservation of Wildlife Act thus making its capture during the hunting season illegal. The practice of destroying Cocricos by the farming community is still very much widespread.

Day two of the seminar held on the Buccoo Reef Trust compound in Carnbee, featured practical demonstrations on handling wildlife, obtaining blood samples and evidence for legal purposes, administering fluids, washing birds and overseeing rehabilitation. This session served to reinforce and clarify the lecture sessions delivered on the previous day, with particular emphasis on the necessary materials and safety procedures. Interest and participation was high, as reflected by the good

attendance on both days.

According to the Tri-State Bird and Rescue Inc., although a wide array of wildlife maybe affected by an oil spill, birds are the most vulnerable. The effects of oil spills on wildlife may be: Environmental – food and habitat (nesting sites and spawning grounds) contamination; External – breakdown of waterproofing and insulation in birds, fin erosion and skin sores; or Internal – damage to internal organs (kidney, intestines, liver).

Tobago’s precious ecosystems with sensitive species include numerous coral reefs, beaches and wetlands, which are very important to our livelihood. These marine and coastal habitats are the most threatened with studies showing that mangroves are amongst the slowest to recover from the effects of an oil spill. The island of Little Tobago located on the north-eastern end of Tobago is one of the more

Is Tobago Prepared to Deal with Oil Spills?

The Atlantic Empress on fi re, on July the 30th. (The Atlantic Empress sinking - A large spill without environmental disaster by Stuart A. Horn and Captain Phillip Neal, Oil Spill Conference 1981.). Photo source: Cedre http://www.le-cedre.fr/uk/spill/atlantic/atlantic.htm

[continued on page 11]

Tri-State Team, demonstrating how to wash oiled seabirds

Out of the Blue 5

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) intends to designate our famous Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Environmentally Sensitive

Areas Rules, 2001. The boundaries of this ESA are shown in the satellite image on the right, and will include all the outer reefs from Milford Bay to Booby Point. According to the EMA, the ESA will not include privately owned lands, and its terrestrial boundary will be the high water mark. There are still some legal discussions taking place as to whether mangroves should be included. From an environmental perspective, mangroves should be included as they are mostly inter-tidal and play a critical role in the Buccoo Reef ecosystem. Many species of fish live in the mangrove during the early part of their life cycle.

But what will this new designation mean for Tobago, and more importantly, will it help protect Buccoo Reef from further degradation? For a start, in November 2004, the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries of the THA, led the establishment of a new Buccoo Reef Marine Park (BRMP) Management Committee to oversee the implementation of the rules governing this protected area. This committee is comprised of representatives from the following organisations:

Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, THA (Chair)Department of Natural Resources and Environment, THADivision of Tourism, THAEnvironmental Management AuthorityInstitute of Marine AffairsTrinidad and Tobago Coast GuardBuccoo Reef TrustEnvironment TOBAGOSouth-West Fishing AssociationNational Housing AuthorityMaritime Services DivisionBuccoo Reef Tour OperatorsBuccoo Village CouncilMt. Pleasant Credit UnionTrinidad and Tobago Police ServiceCanaan/Bon Accord Village Council

This committee will report back to a wider Stakeholder Committee and to the THA on a quarterly basis. Keeping the public aware of developments and rules, will be a key responsibility of this new committee. Public awareness and stakeholder participation are critical to successful park management, as demonstrated the world over. The THA is to be commended for fostering this new collaborative management approach, which will ensure that the protection of Buccoo Reef gets more attention and more support.

From its inception, the BRMP Management Committee has reviewed and defined its Terms of Reference and developed an Action Plan for the implementation of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park Management Plan. This Management Plan was prepared in 1995 by the Institute of Marine Affairs, and while some of its content will need to be reviewed, many of the proposed actions remain valid. Among the initial actions planned by the Committee, are the following priorities:

> Install 15 mooring buoys on Coral Gardens> Install signs of park regulations> Print and display posters and leaflets showing park boundaries and regulationsBuc

coo

Ree

f to

be d

esig

nate

d as

an

Envi

ronm

enta

lly S

ensi

tive

Are

a

> Start a media campaign to increase community awareness of park management> Consult with park managers from successful Caribbean marine parks (Bonaire, St. Lucia)> Hire a park manager and park staff> Train park patrol officers to improve enforcement of regulations> Implement water quality and reef monitoring systems> Develop and implement User Fee and Licence Fee collection systems

Success in all the above actions will depend on the Committee’s ability to effectively consult with all relevant stakeholders in order to develop the most suitable, manageable and cost-effective solutions.

A key objective of the committee is also to establish a management system that is accountable, dedicated and financially sustainable. In order to ensure financial security, the Committee plans to establish an independent financial system whereby licence fees from tour operators working within the park and user fees from tourist visiting the park, will be used for its management.

So will co-management deliver the goods? Well, the proof of the pudding will be in the tasting, but things are clearly off to a good start. Judging from the first few meetings, it was clear that all stakeholders of the committee are dedicated to making it work and to doing whatever is required to restore and protect this national treasure.

If you want more information about the Buccoo Reef Marine Park Management Committee contact the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, THA at 639 4354, or the Buccoo Reef Trust at 635 2000.

Iconos Satellite image (2001) of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park showing newly defi ned boundaries

Will the new co-management approach deliver the goods?approach deliver the goods?approach deliver the goods?approach deliver the goods?

Out of the Blue 5

Out of the Blue 6

In November 2004, the Buccoo Reef Trust in collaboration with the Division of Tourism THA, completed the production of an “in-flight video”

called Tobago – Naturally. The 14 minute video was designed to highlight Tobago’s many environmental and cultural attractions to in-bound tourists, while providing guidelines on how best to discover and appreciate them without impacting on the island’s fragile ecosystems and social sensitivities. The film includes some spectacular new footage of Tobago’s rainforest and coral reefs, including fantastic close-up shots of dolphins caught on the last day of filming near Sisters’ Rocks.

Miss Earla John, a trainee teacher and part-time staff member of the BRT, narrated the film and by all accounts did a fantastic job – we will not be surprised if a career on the screen lies ahead for Earla. Several very appealing music tracks were specially composed and performed by Ray Lee Luck, accompanied by Pan Jumbay on pan and Hazel Rambaransingh on vocals. Demi-John Cruickshank of Total Video Productions supervised the lengthy editing operation, before it was finally given the thumbs-up by the Honourable Neil Wilson, Secretary for Tourism. The video was shown at the World Travel Market in November, where it received unanimous approval and a large round of applause. The video is now being shown on many in-coming i n t e r n a t i o n a l flights, including Excel Airways, V i r g i n , L a u d e r Air and Martin A i r .

Other airlines, including British Airways are expected to follow suit.

The video is complimented by a 12-page guide also produced by the BRT, w h i c h will be

In-flight Video: Tobago Naturally distributed to tourists by ground tour operators and the Division of Tourism. The guide reinforces the messages in the video by providing some general information and simple “Island Tips” designed to increase the awareness of tourists to the island’s ecological and cultural sensitivities. The video and brochure were funded by the Travel Foundation following a

proposal submitted to them by the Buccoo Reef Trust in early

2004. The Travel Foundation is actively supporting projects

in Tobago, which it hopes will benefit the island by helping to reduce the harmful effects

of tourism on the environment, while

also spreading the economic benefits

of this industry throughout our

communities.

Tobago is poised to take advantage of an airborne surveying method called Experimental Advanced Airborne Research

Lidar (EAARL). In November, 2004, the Buccoo Reef Trust and the Tobago House of Assembly

(THA) hosted a 2-day workshop at Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel titled “Exploring

Opportunities & Technology for Mapping Tobago.” The workshop was officially opened by the US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Roy Austin, and the Chief Secretary of the THA, the Honourable Orville London.

Representatives from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National

Aeronautic and Space Administration ( N A S A ) p r e s e n t e d i n f o r m a t i o n on the various appl icat ions,

methodologies and linkages of using Lidar technology, to a broad cross-section of stakeholders from Tobago as well as Trinidad.

At the end of the two days, a Working Group was established to determine the way forward for implementing the use of EAARL. The Working Group, which is chaired by Michael J. Keens-Dumas, Chief Administrator, THA, is comprised of representatives from the Buccoo Reef Trust, various THA Departments, The University of the West Indies, Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Town and Country Planning, Land and Surveys Division, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), the Central Statistical Office and the private sector. The LIDAR project is expected to be included in the 2005-2006 Budget of the THA and is expected to cost TT$1.9million.

Hi-tech Mapping Project for Tobago

The Cessna 310 aircraft equipped with differential GPS and high resolution camera. The system uses an “eye safe” laser that pulses 5000 times per second while scanning the ground along a 250 ft. swath.

V i r g i n , L a u d e r Air and Martin A i r . TTobago is poised to take advantage of obago is poised to take advantage of

an airborne surveying method called an airborne surveying method called Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Experimental Advanced Airborne Research

Lidar (EAARL). In November, Lidar (EAARL). In November, 2004, the Buccoo Reef Trust and 2004, the Buccoo Reef Trust and the Tobago House of Assembly the Tobago House of Assembly

(THA) hosted a 2-day workshop at (THA) hosted a 2-day workshop at Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel titled “Exploring Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel titled “Exploring

Opportunities & Technology for Mapping Opportunities & Technology for Mapping Tobago.” The workshop was officially opened by Tobago.” The workshop was officially opened by the US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His the US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Roy Austin, and the Chief Secretary Excellency Roy Austin, and the Chief Secretary of the THA, the Honourable Orville London. of the THA, the Honourable Orville London. of the THA, the Honourable Orville London. of the THA, the Honourable Orville London.

Representatives from the United States Representatives from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geological Survey (USGS) and the National

Aeronautic and Space Administration Aeronautic and Space Administration ( N A S A ) ( N A S A ) p r e s e n t e d p r e s e n t e d i n f o r m a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n on the various on the various appl icat ions, appl icat ions,

Hi-tech Mapping Project for Hi-tech Mapping Project for

The The Cessna 310 Cessna 310 aircraft equipped with aircraft equipped with differential GPS and high differential GPS and high resolution camera. The resolution camera. The system uses an “eye safe” system uses an “eye safe” laser that pulses 5000 laser that pulses 5000 times per times per second while second while scanning scanning the ground the ground along a along a 250 ft. 250 ft. swath.swath.

[continued on page 9]

Out of the Blue 7

The Buccoo Reef Trust is pleased to announce the receipt of funding from the J. B. Memorial Trust II for the establishment

of a demonstration scale conch farm and training programme for Tobago. As part of the Trust’s aquaculture efforts, conch will be reared to market size in a flow through seawater system while their growth rate and food consumption are carefully monitored. Rearing experiments in Florida suggest that juvenile Fighting Conch can reach a marketable size in as little as eight months. This would still be substantially smaller than the size of Queen Conch harvested in the wild, but it offers the possibility of augmenting traditional markets and developing new Tobago conch products while, potentially, reducing the heavy fishing pressure on our Queen Conch population.

The overall project is conceived as a three year effort. If the reported growth rates can be

confirmed under the rearing conditions in Tobago, the second year of the project will be spent training potential conch farmers and working with them to develop business plans for conch aquaculture on the island. Once businesses have been established, it will be important to close the life cycle of the West Indian Fighting Conch on Tobago in order to supply juvenile animals to conch farmers. This will require the maintenance of a captive breeding population and the construction and operation of hatchery facilities for rearing larval animals, all of which are targeted for year three.

Conch offers exciting potential for aquaculture. There is currently only one commercial conch farm in the world, yet there is a growing demand for conch and other aquaculture products. Caribbean aquaculture is projected to grow at the rate of 5 to 7% per year in the foreseeable future. There is not only local demand for conch

but there is also tremendous export potential that will be investigated as part of the business development for conch farming.

For further information about this conch project please

contact Dr. Richard Langton at RLangton@buccooreef.org.

Conch Farming:A new Industry for Tobago?

Eco-tourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental

and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. Indeed the Tobago Rainforest Reserve has been executing these objectives of sustainable tourism, thus the island of Tobago reigns triumphantly with the Best Eco-Tourism Destination Award 2003. With this award the Department of Tourism should utilize it to the maximum benefit of the island through informative and persuasive advertising, sustainable research and development and raising sensitivity to the host country politically, environmentally and socially.

The use of this award as a medium of advertising raises awareness locally, regionally and internationally. The Department of Tourism should plan strategic programmes which interpret the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to visitors. The Tourism Department can incorporate this auspicious award with these festivals, Best Village and the Easter weekend activities. Note well, these advertisements should cater for the

department’s target group i.e. tourists whether domestic or international. Additionally, the Department of Tourism should publish catalogues, brochures and souvenirs, which could be dispersed through the media, environmental NGO’s both local and international, travel agents, airway companies and Tourism Department itself.

Moreover, the media resources should play an active role in advertising this award to promote the beautiful island of Tobago. Regular persuasive and informative advertisements could be acknowledged. Also, environmental programmes and seminars could be the basis for discussion about the impacts and benefits of this award to the environment and the country. Additionally, the press internationally and locally should provide adequate resource information about the award and its recipient; this also raises awareness about the island and its natural gifts. Therefore using advertisement is one way in which the award may be applied to market and promote Tobago.

In terms of sustainable research and development,

Tobago winning the award could be influential in scientific research and economic development. Tobago possesses a renowned natural environment, which appeals to scientific research such as the Buccoo Reef and the Rainforest. This leads to the innovation of research, development and procedures to conserve these resources. In order to spearhead these initiatives international conferences could be held in our island. As a result these initiatives will be responsible for major investments in tourism infrastructure. This will be beneficial to us because it would generate income to the country, encourage balance of payment allow new technology

The Department of Tourism held an essay competition based on the following question: “The Tobago Rain Forest Reserve won the world’s best eco-tourism destination award in 2003. How can the Department of Tourism utilize this award to market and promote the destination?” Following is the winning essay written by Latoyaa Roberts, a 17 year old student of Bishop’s High School, Tobago and a member of Youth for Environmental Awareness of Habitats (YEAH).

confirmed under the rearing conditions in Tobago, the second year of the project will be spent training potential conch farmers and working with them to develop business plans for conch aquaculture on the island. Once businesses have been established, it will be important to close the life cycle of the West Indian Fighting Conch on Tobago in order to supply juvenile animals to conch farmers. This will require the maintenance of a captive

The large Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), on the left, is under harvest pressure throughout the Caribbean. The smaller but faster growing Fighting Conch (Strombus alatus, two on the right) offer exciting potential for aquaculture.

Out of the Blue 8

Students and teachers from Trinity College East High School with BRT StaffStudents and teachers from Trinity Students and teachers from Trinity College East High School with BRT StaffCollege East High School with BRT Staff

The year 2004 saw another two sessions of Sea, Sun and Science (SSS) taking place. In this year, there was an exciting new twist to the programme. Instead of both sessions taking place in July, one session took place in April and the other in

July. Why the change you ask? Well, for the first time, the Buccoo Reef Trust was fully able to accommodate students from the sister isle, Trinidad. 23 students and teachers from the Trinity College East High School in Trinidad came to Tobago for one week in April to experience the marine environment as only SSS can show it. For many of these young men, it was their first time interacting with the marine environment and at the end of the week, all of them vowed to further broaden their experience with the marine environment.

The July session saw another nine students participating in the broad range of lectures and activities. The participants in this session, along with past students, also had the opportunity to assist Alison Aashlin, an Oxford University Master’s candidate, in her research as she assessed the success of Sea, Sun and Science: A Marine Science Experience. The results of Alison’s research indicated that SSS is achieving its goal in promoting education about and conservation of the marine environment.

SSS 2005 will aim to improve the success achieved in 2004. We invite students across the nation to participate! Look out for more information on our website and in the local media in the months to follow.

Sea, Sun and Science International

With the success of the Buccoo Reef Trust’s vacation marine science programme in Tobago, the Trust has

decided to go international with this educational programme. Through the US office of the Buccoo Reef Trust, a new course, Sea, Sun and Science, a Tropical Marine Science Experience for High School Students, is now being offered to US high schools. This offering was kicked off in Maine, the home base of the Buccoo Reef Trust USA, at the Maine Science Teachers Association Annual Conference and the Annual Meeting of the Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association. Like the original Sea, Sun and Science programme, this new course will introduce students to the reefs and rainforests of Tobago, introduce them to reef fish and capturing fish with a seine, let them snorkel and introduce them to SCUBA and sailing but will also include a taste of Tobagonian cultural heritage and music.

For more information about Sea, Sun and Science, A Tropical Marine Science Experience for High School Students contact Rich Langton at RLangton@buccooreef.org or Hyacinth Armstrong at H.Armstrong@buccooreef.org or call 207 563 3146 x 421 in the USA or 868 635 2000 in the Caribbean and ask for Rich or Hyacinth.

...yes yo

u! Do you have something

to say? Do you hav

e any issues about

the

marine environment or so

lutions to problems

which you would like

us to highlight? S

end

an article highlighting your issue, along

with a photograph and short biography

to

Hey Youth, Buccoo Reef Trust, Cowie’s

Building, Carnbee

Junction, Auchenskeo

ch

Road, Tobago or email office@buccooreef.

org with Subject: HEY YOUTH ARTICLE.

Articles should be su

bmitted by August 12

th

2005. Suitable articles will be published

in subsequent newsletters.

Disclaimer: All

material submitted beco

mes the property of

the Buccoo Reef Trust.

Seine pulling

Fisheries Biology

Alison Ashlin, SSS ResearcherAlison Ashlin, SSS ResearcherAlison Ashlin, SSS Researcher

SCUBA diving

Out of the Blue 9

Youth for Environmental Awareness of Habitats (YEAH), the junior arm of the Buccoo Reef Trust was formed in 2003 and is comprised

of partcipants from the previously held Sea, Sun & Science Porgrammes. YEAH has two projects in the pipeline to be executed over the next few months. The first project will be done in conjunction with Environment TOBAGO. In this project, members of YEAH will work within their communities to erect “Eco-Friendly” signs. These signs will, inter alia, highlight the natural resources present in the community and identify actions that persons can take to preserve the environment. Funding for this project was received from bpTT’s Spirit of Community Awards (SOCA).

The other project will see members of YEAH involved in turtle protection. Save Our Seaturtles (SOS) will train YEAH members in various aspects of turtle conservation including turtle biology and ecology, community fieldwork and beachfront fieldwork. At the end of this training, YEAH will assist SOS in conducting and supervising beach patrols and in carrying out awareness and outreach to communities primarily associated with nesting areas.

...yes yo

u! Do you have something

to say? Do you hav

e any issues about

the

marine environment or so

lutions to problems

which you would like

us to highlight? S

end

an article highlighting your issue, along

with a photograph and short biography

to

Hey Youth, Buccoo Reef Trust, Cowie’s

Building, Carnbee

Junction, Auchenskeo

ch

Road, Tobago or email office@buccooreef.

org with Subject: HEY YOUTH ARTICLE.

Articles should be su

bmitted by August 12

th

2005. Suitable articles will be published

in subsequent newsletters.

Disclaimer: All

material submitted beco

mes the property of

the Buccoo Reef Trust.

Y HEouth for

Anvironmental

wareness ofabitats

A cross section of YEAH members just out from a planning session.

and development in the environmental field and boost tourism within the country. Therefore, this is another strategy that could be undertaken by employing the Best Eco-Tourism Destination Award in 2003 to promote and market our country.

Sustainable Tourism not only deals with promoting it internationally but also promoting tourism to the local and indigenous community. The Tourism Department, before marketing internationally, should inform the local people, so that they can play an active role in conservation and promotion of tourism within the environment. The department can use the award to influence environmental

campaigns, which innovate the people because they become part of the promotion. This raises corporate citizenship, which as a result leads to economical, environmental and socio-cultural impacts. As a result, it provides positive experiences for both visitor and host. This is another benefit of the award in promoting tourism.

Tobago winning this award has truly raised the awareness of the natural resources, which we possess. It is not up to the Tourism Department but up to the people to join hands in continuing to preserve but also promote our island as a tourism destination.

[continued from page 7]

Charlotteville Gets Eight Reef

Demarcation BuoysThe coral reefs surrounding Pirate’s Bay at the northern side of Man-Of-War Bay, Charlotteville, are now protected from anchor damage by eight Reef Demarcation Buoys (RDBs). These were deployed by staff of the BRT with the help of local expert fisherman Gordon Eastman, whose boat was used in the operation (see photos). The Charlotteville Village Council were consulted and lent their full support to the operation which they said was long-overdue.

These RDBs have the same design as those deployed earlier in 2004 at Store Bay and Mt. Irvine, two other very popular anchorages. The RDBs work by simply demarcating the position of coral reefs adjacent to an anchorage, so that visiting yachts and resident boat operators know where to place their anchors without harming the reef. According to two resident boat-operators and active environmentalists based at Mt. Irvine, Barry St. George and Scott Clarke, the RDBs have proven to be very effective in preventing anchor damage. Discussions with yachties confirmed these reports, and they expressed full support for the initiative.

This project was done in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries of the THA and was funded by the Travel Foundation. Sponsors are now required to assist the BRT and THA in covering the cost of maintaining these buoys. For further information please contact the BRT at 635 2000 or visit www.buccooreef.org/RDB.htm

2004: the Year of Wind, Rain & Mud[continued from cover page]

Out of the Blue 10

most important causes of coral reef death worldwide. In the Caribbean 30% of coral reefs have already disappeared as a result of siltation and pollution, and another 40% are considered to be at high risk (Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean published in 2004 by the World Resources Institute). In Tobago, an increasing number of the fringing reefs all around the island are being lost or degraded because of soil erosion. Mud in the sea is not a trivial issue, particularly if Tobago wants to remain an award winning eco-destination “..renowned for its snorkelling and diving” as highlighted in the Virgin Holidays Brochure, 2004.

While we cannot stop extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent in the Caribbean as a result of global warming, we can certainly minimise the impacts these events will have on our terrestrial and marine environments. The vast majority of soil erosion in Tobago occurs in areas where land has been cleared of vegetation, either accidentally (or maliciously) by fire or intentionally for farming, construction or road development. The new North Coast Road is an extreme example, where tree clearing and road cutting in areas with very steep slopes and clay soils have caused landslides and reef siltation on a massive scale. The recommended mitigation measures to reduce erosion on this project were ignored. The Courland Watershed is another case where deforestation and soil erosion are major concerns - in some areas the rate of erosion has been

measured to exceed 110 tons per hectare!

In the words of our Chief Secretary, “The challenge facing Tobago is to ensure that development happens with minimal damage to our terrestrial and marine environments”. This is going to require the creation and enforcement of new policies for land use planning, hillside development, agricultural practice, and construction sites. A number of initiatives by the Central Government and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) are currently being implemented to address some of these issues, but one over-riding policy shift that will need to be adopted by the THA will be a move towards what is known as Integrated Watershed and Coastal Area Management

Tractor grading on the North Coast road.

Faculty from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, Dr. Chris Petersen, Dr. Helen Hess and Mr. Ken Cline

In December 2003, Dr. Petersen, Dr. Hess and Mr. Cline spent ten days assessing Tobago’s potential as an

environmental classroom. Dr. Petersen, whose specialty is reproduction in tropical reef fish, Dr. Hess, a marine invertebrate zoologist, and Mr. Cline, a lawyer who specializes in environmental law, subsequently planned, in consultation with the Buccoo Reef Trust, a course of study for their College of the Atlantic students. They will be teaching three integrated courses entitled “Creation and Management of Protected Areas: An International Perspective”, “Conservation Biology and Policy”, and “Tropical Marine Ecology.” These courses will include individual student research projects and a challenging field programme that will be conducted in Tobago.

As such, the 3 professors, along with 13 students from Europe, Africa, North and South America will be coming to Tobago for 25 days for an intensive field experience beginning in the middle of April, 2005. The individual student research projects will focus on inter alia Tobago’s reefs, the rainforest and bird sanctuary, and will involve meetings with governmental officials and representatives of the NGO community.

Out of the Blue 11

2004: the Year of Wind, Rain & Mud

Oil Spill!... is Tobago Prepared?[continued from page 4]

Oil globule on the beach at Pigeon Point

(IWCAM). The aim of IWCAM is to ensure that natural resource management is done with a more holistic vision of the environment and with a science–based and multisectoral approach to decision-making. IWCAM is the favoured approach for natural resource management in small island states, where activities in the watersheds have a profound effect on the coastal zone (Ridge to Reef concept).

The Buccoo Reef Trust and the Tobago House of Assembly are partners in a large Caribbean-wide initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) expected to start in August this year.

This regional project called Integrating Watershed and Coastal Area Management in Small Island States of the Caribbean is being implemented by the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute and the United Nations Environment Programme. The Buccoo Reef Trust will be hiring 5 staff for a 3-year period to work in collaboration with the THA on a programme of activities aimed at developing tools and policies for IWCAM, and involving communities in watershed management.

For more information about the forthcoming

GEF-IWCAM project contact Dr. Owen Day at

o.day@buccooreef.org.

vulnerable sites being a nesting haven for over 58 species of birds including Red-billed Tropic birds, Red-footed and Brown Boobies and the Magnificent Frigate birds.

Ironically, two days prior to this oiled wildlife response training seminar, the coast of Pigeon Point was struck by a minor oil spill, the source of which is yet to be determined. This incident begs these questions, “How prepared is Tobago to deal with oil spills at sea?”, “Do we have the resources and measures in place to ensure that spills are efficiently and effectively managed?” and

“What will be done with the information learnt at this seminar?”

Although it was evident that substantial resources are required for establishing and implementing an oiled wildlife response, feedback from the relevant participants was encouraging, as many expressed an interest in collaborating to build on what was learnt and ultimately, to assist and participate in the development of a coordinated response to oil spills in Tobago. It was noted that on the national level there already exists The National Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Trinidad and Tobago, developed in 1977 by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. This will take legal effect when the Shipping (Marine Pollution) Bill, becomes law. However, legislation and measures should already be in place to collaboratively execute an efficient oil spill response in Tobago. The relevant training and information must be given to persons directly involved in the use of the resources, so that they, in turn, will have the first hand knowledge to deal with oiled wildlife.

This seminar was informative, timely and in context with the current and future development activities in Trinidad and Tobago, but it must be viewed as a stepping stone in terms of the development of the overall emergency oil spill response. Oil spill contingency planning in Tobago must be urgently addressed with the attention it deserves due to the potential long lasting damage to wildlife and the environment.

Out of the Blue 12

The year 2004 has brought recognition both locally and internationally to the work and efforts of the Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT). This fledgling Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that focuses on the

conservation of the marine environment within the Caribbean region ,was the recipient of EMA’s (Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) Green Leaf Award in the NGO category. This award was given in recognition of the BRT’s contribution to environmental education and conservation, and was presented as part of the United Nation’s World Environment Day celebration in June 2004.

The Buccoo Reef Trust was also honoured by the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO) when BRT was presented with the WANGO 2004 Environment Award in Budapest, Hungary at the Association’s 2004 Annual Conference. Following is an excerpt from the newsletter of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, “Beyond Boundaries”:

In taking the decision to present the Buccoo Reef Trust with its environmental award, the WANGO International Council was impressed with the consistent and courageous commitment of the Buccoo Reef Trust to the protection of Tobago’s and the Caribbean’s marine environment and coupling this with exploring opportunities for sustainable development for the region’s people. While Buccoo Reef Trust is a young organisation, it is clear that the Trust is not only sincerely motivated, but quite accomplished, and well worthy of this honor. We take great pleasure in recognising this organisation, particularly since so little recognition is given to organisations working on ocean environments.

These prestigious awards, in recognition of the BRT’s commitment and tireless work in the protection of and sustainable use of the marine resources in the Caribbean, is not only a crowning achievement for the Trust but for all stakeholders actively involved in the conservation and protection of Tobago’s rich natural heritage.

The Buccoo Reef Trust team is delighted to share these compliments with its Friends and Collaborators who work tirelessly in the interests of Tobago’s environment and its people.

The year 2004 has brought recognition both locally and internationally to he year 2004 has brought recognition both locally and internationally to

Our Contacts:

Cowie’s Building, Carnbee Junction Auchenskeoch Road, Carnbee, Tobago, West Indies.Phone: 868-635-2000; Fax: 868-639-7333E-mail: office@buccooreef.orgWebsite: www.buccooreeftrust.org

Graphic Designs & Layout:

Barry Lovelace

Writers/Editorial Team:

Owen Day, Kelly Mannette, Hyacinth Armstrong, Farahnaz Solomon, Kaye Trotman, Barry Lovelace, Richard Langton, Gerald Mac Farlane, Laatoya Roberts.