Coral Cay Conservation is delighted to announce the completion of the Tobago Coastal Ecosystem Mapping Project (TCEMP). Since May of 2007, much has been achieved and we are grateful to all of those that contributed to making this project such a success.
Although the final report is currently being written up, it is clear that the majority of Tobago’s reefs are degraded and threatened by local and regional impacts. Their future is very much at the hands of the Tobago House of Assembly and the actions it will take over the next 24 months to protect them. The two mass coral bleaching events and resulting disease outbreaks of 2005 and 2010 have killed off many of the coral and sponge colonies.
The effects of these regional impacts have been exacerbated by local land-based stressors, particularly sedimentation and pollution. The reefs have the best possible chance of surviving future regional impacts if the local stressors are properly addressed. Mitigation measures must be in place to minimise pollution and runoff of mud during the rainy season. Protected areas need to be established to allow local fish stocks and corals to recover, providing a more sustainable source of income from fisheries and tourism to the island. Coral Cay will be advising the Tobago House of Assembly and local communities on how to best go about protecting coral reefs and mitigating the impacts that are causing it harm.
We leave Tobago with a heavy heart. Those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this remarkable project will share our sentiments. At times, the TCEMP project proved to be a tremendous challenge and there have undeniably been humps and bumps along the way. Looking back however, it is clear that the TCEMP project has achieved much, providing a roadmap for the sustainability of the islands’ natural treasure and paving the way for future local custodians to protect and manage.
Coral Cay Conservation wishes to thank those that made this project a success, namely, the volunteers, scholars and staff who selflessly dedicated their time and money towards a collective cause they strongly believe in. Coral Cay certainly hopes to be back in Tobago soon and we look forward to continuing to support those that have the foresight and wisdom to secure what’s still left for the good of those who will one day inherit this natural treasure.
It hurt me when CCC left Tobago it took someone in my position to appreciate all that you have done for this island uor country is young and it may take a while for others to really understand what it is we have and how important it is for usm to protect it .. Big thank you for what was done keep up the fight the world needs you now more than ever… ps CCC leaving the island is Tobagos loss…..
Coral Cay Conservation is the best thing that ever happen to me. > Love you CCC hope we met againt,Winston Soyer