IMA’s MARIN Tobago Pilot project studied five reefs around Tobago, Buccoo Reef, Flying Reef, Mt. Irvine, Angel Reef, and Boobsy Island in Charloteville. What marine biologists like Dr. Anjani Ganase found was not so good. This simply means that despite a healthy-looking reef, it is not good at growing coral. However, when other reefs such as Angel Reef in Speyside, the outlook does not look good.
These factors include high levels of sediment and algae cover, which smother the corals. Pollution from the land exacerbates these issues. Meanwhile, the population of crucial reef fish, such as parrotfish that feed on the algae, is declining. Simultaneously, rising sea temperatures are already leading to coral bleaching in the reefs. If this trend continues, the corals will die, and coastlines will become vulnerable to erosion from rough seas. Coral reefs play a vital role in protecting coastlines. Based on current sea temperature projections, Dr. Ganase explained that Tobago’s coral reefs are at risk.
The more Tobago’s reefs are covered by algae, and sediments, and experience coral bleaching, the more negatively the island’s tourism industry would be affected, potentially leading to job losses. However, there is still hope. The MARIN study revealed signs of coral spawning among crucial reef-building corals, as noted by marine biologist Dr. Hannah Lochan.
This signifies that the coral has the capacity for reproduction. Further research is essential to enhance coral reproduction and growth in order to bolster reef resilience.
