Parkinson, R. ., Buccoo Reef Trust, Carnbee, Trinidad and Tobago, r.parkinson@buccooreef.org
Day, O. ., Buccoo Reef Trust, Carnbee, Trinidad and Tobago, o.day@buccooreef.org
Mallela, J. ., Dept. Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustin, Trinidad and Tobago, jmallela@fsa.uwi.tt
Gibson, K. ., Coral Cay Conservation, Carnbee, Trinidad and Tobago, keith.gibson@elf.mcgill.ca

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM A NEW LONG-TERM CORAL REEF MONITORING PROGRAM IN TOBAGO, WEST INDIES

A reef monitoring program has been initiated by the Buccoo Reef Trust on the island of Tobago as part of a regional initiative aimed at improving the management of watersheds and coastal areas of Caribbean islands (www.IWCAM.org). The study includes (1) a detailed mapping and baseline data-collection project (www.buccooreef.org/coralcay.html) and (2) a reef monitoring program using fixed stations. The reef monitoring program involved designing and installing 13 fixed monitoring stations at a depth of 10 meters and each comprising three permanent 20 meter transects. The stations were located on the main coral reefs of Tobago and were designed to provide long-term data on the condition of the reefs over time. Data collection started in January 2007 using sediment traps, water quality testing and underwater video, which was analyzed using CPCe software. Preliminary results indicate differences in the condition of the reefs around Tobago, with reefs adjacent to the island’s main town showing significantly elevated levels of macroalgae. Results also reveal an island-wide incidence of yellow blotch disease, which has spread substantially since the coral bleaching event of 2005.

http://www.buccooreef.org/cora

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:072
Date: 03-04-2008
Time: 15:15