The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is currently conducting critical assessments of coral bleaching across Tobago in response to a marine heatwave that has placed Trinidad and Tobago at Bleaching Alert Level 5 – the highest level of concern. This alert signifies an alarming risk of near–complete mortality of multiple species, with over 80% of corals potentially affected.
Since August 2024, high sea temperatures have led to severe bleaching through the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad and Tobago is among the most impacted by these elevated temperatures.
Preliminary surveys by the Institute reveal near-complete coral bleaching at key sites, (more than 80% according to the alert level). These sites include Mount Irvine, Castara, and Culloden Reefs, as well as the marine protected area Buccoo Reef. The team has observed up to 78% bleaching at some sites, with some critical species showing up to 95% to 100 % impact. The IMA team is currently expanding its efforts to evaluate the extent of bleaching along Tobago’s Caribbean coast and northeastern waters this week.
In response to this crisis, the IMA is intensifying its monitoring efforts and will continue to collaborate with partners on long-term strategies, including coral restoration projects under the Marine Resilience Network (MARIN). These initiatives aim to rehabilitate damaged reefs and build resilience against future impacts. Active fisheries management, the establishment of marine protected areas, and pollution regulation are critical for reef recovery and building long-term resilience against the impact of climate change.
Dr. Anjani Ganase, Coral Reef Ecologist at the IMA, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “The last time corals reefs of Tobago experienced mass bleaching of this severity was in 2010. The reefs suffered from 50 % coral loss and there was little recovery. This time the bleaching impact is much worse. The reefs desperately need our help to regenerate. We need to act now to conserve coral reefs – a resource that we greatly depend on.”
To address this urgent situation, the IMA, through the Marine Resilience Network, Tobago, will host a community presentation entitled “The Status of the 2024 Mass Coral Bleaching Event and its Implications for Tobago” on Friday, 22nd November 2024 at 4:00p.m. at the Buccoo Community Centre, Tobago. All are invited to attend this important session, where IMA will provide updates and discuss mitigation strategies.
Mass coral bleaching, driven by marine heat waves that occur when there are elevated sea temperatures for extended periods, poses a significant risk to critical marine ecosystems and coral reefs around Tobago. The heat stress causes the corals expel the algae inside them. Without the algae, the corals have lost its main food source. While bleached corals do not necessarily die immediately, prolonged exposure to heat stress results in death. Tobago’s corals have been exposed up to 24 weeks (June to October) of record-breaking heat stress.
The IMA encourages the public to report coral bleaching or any other incident via its SeaiTT App to support ongoing data collection and conservation efforts. Individuals can e-mail reports to incidents@ima.gov.tt or anjani.ganase@gov.tt, or contact the IMA at (868) 634-4291 Ext
1310/2407/2408 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or mobile(s) (868) 684-8121; (868)
294-4719.
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that sustain marine life, protect coastlines, and support
livelihoods. The IMA urges collective action and vigilance as the Institute navigates the challenges
posed by this unpresented marine heatwave.
Specific/ Immediate actions for marine resource users:
1. Look out for water quality – address harmful-land use practices such as land clearing and coastal construction and large gatherings.
2. As coral disease outbreaks are more likely after a mass bleaching event, monitor and report any coral disease outbreak, fish kill or other mortality event related to coral bleaching.
3. Disinfect dive gear and marine equipment to prevent the spread of diseases.
4. Do not touch corals, and avoid diving of reefs with disease outbreaks.
5. Avoid fishing on severely impacted reefs, especially the fishing of algae grazers – parrotfish, conch, crabs and sea urchins – they help limit algal blooms that occur after coral death and facilitate reef recovery.
