DOCSLIB.ORG

A Study on the Recovery of Tobago's Coral Reefs Following the 2010 Mass Bleaching Event

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Study on the Recovery of Tobago's Coral Reefs Following the 2010 Mass Bleaching Event A study on the recovery of Tobago's coral reefs following the 2010 mass bleaching event by Salome Buglass BSc. Geography, University College London, United Kingdom, 2009 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF Master of Science in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL STUDIES (Geography) The University of British Columbia (Vancouver) December 2014 © Salome Buglass, 2014 Abstract The rise of ocean temperatures globally has become a grave threat to coral reefs, as it is increasing the severity and frequency of mass coral bleaching events and post-bleaching coral mortality. The continued eXistence of productive coral reefs will rely on corals’ ability to undergo recovery. In 2010, Tobago’s coral reefs were exposed to severe heat stress leading to mass bleaching of up to 29-60% of colonies at observed sites. This study evaluated the impact of coral bleaching and recovery of coral communities across three major reef systems in Tobago that differ in their eXposure to terrestrial runoff. Assessments were done on the 1) density and composition of coral juveniles to characterise the levels of recruitment, 2) sedimentation rates and composition to understand its potential impact on recovery, and 3) species’ size frequency distributions in 2010, 2011 and 2013 to eXamine temporal changes among population size structure. In 2013, low juvenile densities were observed (5.41 ± 6.31 m-2) at most reef sites, which were dominated by brooding genera while broadcasting genera were rare. Sediment material, measured in May and June (end of Tobago’s dry season) was mostly terrigenous and deposited at rates below coral stress threshold levels at most sites. Out of 27 species populations assessed between all sites, 4 populations mean colony size had significantly changed by the bleaching event, and only changed 5 populations over the two following years. The few populations that were significantly altered (mainly S. siderea and M. faveolata) after the bleaching saw a rise in small sized colonies, mostl likely as a result of colony fragmentation. This study highlights that recovery via seXually produced recruits among broadcasting species was limited. While sedimentation rates were low, it is likely they are significantly higher throughout the rainy season, thus a long-term sedimentation study is highly recommended. Most coral populations resisted significant alteration from heat stress in 2010. However, given that future thermal stress is projected to become more intense, this study shows that mass bleaching disturbance could lead to decline coral population’s mean colony size, which could affect coral recovery as smaller colonies are less fecund. ii Preface This thesis is based on field data collected in 2013 in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Simon Donner. All data from the field were collected by myself with the assistance of volunteers. Benthic percent cover and coral colony size frequency data for 2010, 2011 and 2012 were previously collected by the IMA as part of their Biodiversity and Ecology Research Programme. Laboratory sample processing was performed partly in the IMA’s Biodiversity and Ecology Laboratory and on UBC Vancouver campus. I undertook all laboratory sample processing, analysis of data, and writing of the thesis manuscript. iii Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................... ii Preface ................................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables .......................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ........................................................................................................................ vii Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. viii Chapter 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2. An assessment of coral juvenile community and sediment deposition among three major reef systems in Tobago ............................................................................ 4 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Methods ............................................................................................................................. 6 2.2.1 Study area ................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2 Sedimentation assessment ......................................................................................... 8 2.2.3 Juvenile community survey ...................................................................................... 10 2.2.4 Statistical analysis ..................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Results .............................................................................................................................. 11 2.3.1 Juvenile density and composition ............................................................................ 11 2.3.2 Characterization of sedimentation ........................................................................... 14 2.4 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 3. Using coral size distribution to assess the recovery from mass bleaching in the southern Caribbean ......................................................................................................... 21 3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Methods ........................................................................................................................... 23 3.2.1 Benthic cover survey ................................................................................................ 24 iv 3.2.2 Colony size frequency survey ................................................................................... 25 3.2.3 Statistical analysis ..................................................................................................... 25 3.3 Results .............................................................................................................................. 26 3.3.1 Changes in percent coral cover ................................................................................ 26 3.3.2 Changes in coral population structure and community composition ...................... 27 3.4 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 32 Chapter 4. Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 36 Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 39 Appendices ............................................................................................................................ 46 v List of Tables Table 1. Information on the siX reef sites where juvenile assessment was undertaken and sediment traps were installed ..................................................................................... 8 Table 2. Sieved size groups and sediment classes according to the Wentworth size class system. ............................................................................................................................. 10 Table 3. Coral juvenile data per site. ................................................................................ 11 Table 4. Number of juvenile taxa found at each site. ....................................................... 12 Table 5. Mean and standard deviations of sediment measurements .............................. 15 Table 6. Mean percent cover of live coral and (±) standard deviation estimated at each site and year ..................................................................................................................... 27 Table 7. Total number of coral colony and species recorded per site .............................. 27 Table 8. Summary of the colony abundance and size data collected for each dominant species present at each reef sites. ................................................................................... 46 Table 9. Significant comparison of size frequency distributions and colony size between years (2010, 2011 and 2013) determined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (KS) and Kruskal-Walis (KW) test respectively. ............................................................................... 47 Table 10. Significant comparison size frequency distributions between reef sites determined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (KS) test respectively. ................................ 48 vi List of Figures Figure 1. Map of Tobago and location of studied reef systems and site ........................................ 7 Figure
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Conservational State of Coastal Ecosystems on the Mexican Caribbean Coast: Environmental Guidelines for Their Management
    sustainability Article The Conservational State of Coastal Ecosystems on the Mexican Caribbean Coast: Environmental Guidelines for Their Management Mayrene Guimarais 1,* , Adán Zúñiga-Ríos 2, Cesia J. Cruz-Ramírez 1, Valeria Chávez 1 , Itxaso Odériz 1, Brigitta I. van Tussenbroek 3 and Rodolfo Silva 1,* 1 Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; [email protected] (C.J.C.-R.); [email protected] (V.C.); [email protected] (I.O.) 2 Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; [email protected] 3 Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales-Puerto Morelos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos 77580, Mexico; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] (M.G.); [email protected] (R.S.) Abstract: The accelerated rate of environmental degradation of the Mexican Caribbean coast is alarming. In this work, spatial analysis procedures were applied to study relationships among wave and wind climates, water quality, and environmental degradation of the principal coastal ecosystems. We found an increasing North-South gradient in the preservation state of the coastal ecosystems, related to the degree of anthropization of the coastline. In the north, all analysed stressors Citation: Guimarais, M.; exert high pressure on coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and dunes, and cause chronic Zúñiga-Ríos, A.; Cruz-Ramírez, C.J.; coastline erosion. The coastal ecosystems of the central and southern regions are more mature and Chávez, V.; Odériz, I.; van healthier, and the most significant stressor is reduced water quality.
    [Show full text]
  • The Structure and Productivity of the Thalassia Testudinum Community in Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago
    The structure and productivity of the Thalassia testudinum community in Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago Rahanna A. Juman Institute of Marine Affairs, Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago; [email protected] Received 15-I-2004. Corrected 10-IX-2004. Accepted 29-III-2005. Abstract: The Thalassia testudinum dominated seagrass community in the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Lagoon Marine Park, measures 0.5 km2 and is part of a contiguous coral reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp sys- tem in southwest Tobago. T. testudinum coverage, productivity and percent turnover rates were measured from February 1998 to February 1999 at four sample locations, while total T. testudinum biomass was measured at two locations in the lagoon from 1992-2002. Productivity and turnover rates varied spatially and seasonally. They were higher in the back-reef area than in the mangrove-fringed lagoon, and were lowest at locations near to a sewage outfall. T. testudinum coverage ranged from 6.6% in the lagoon to 68.5% in the back-reef area while productivity ranged from 3.9 to 4.9 g dry wt m-2 d-1. Productivity and percentage turnover rates were higher in the dry season (January–June) than in the wet season (July–December). Productivity ranged from 3.0 in the wet season to 5.0 g dry wt m-2 d-1 in the dry season while percentage turnover rates ranged from 4.2% to 5.6%. Total Thalassia biomass and productivity in Bon Accord Lagoon were compared to six similar sites in the Caribbean that also participate in the Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program (CARICOMP).
    [Show full text]
  • Estimating Wetland Values: a Comparison of Benefit Transfer and Choice Experiment Values
    Estimating wetland values: A comparison of benefit transfer and choice experiment values By Mayula Chaikumbung MSc. (Kasetsart University, Thailand) BSc. (King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand) Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Deakin University March, 2013 Acknowledgments First of all I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisors, Professor Chris Doucouliagos and Dr. Helen Scarborough for their invaluable support and never-ending guidance throughout this thesis. Without their generous assistance and encouragement, this thesis could never have been completed. I am grateful to staff from the office of the Bung Khong Long Non-Hunting Area and the WWF Greater Mekong, Thailand Country Programme, who assisted me in providing materials and information of the research area, and useful comments regarding the questionnaire adjustment. I am indebted to my Ph.D friend, Rajesh Kumar Rai for his useful comments regarding the questionnaire design and for his technical assistance on the Limdep program and Ngene program. Also, I would like to thank Ph.D candidates (Anshu Mala Chandra, Pablo Jamenez, Abu Sham Md. Rejaul, Mirwan Perdana, Muhamad Habibur Rahnan, Zohidjon Askarov, and Wen Sharpe), not only for the friendship but also for the support they provided. I would like to thank all the data enumerators from Kasetsart University for their cooperation in facilitating the data collection. I would also like to offer special thanks to the residents of Bung Khong Long community, Bung Karn Province, Thailand for their kind collaboration in providing useful information for this research. Finally, I wish to express my deep gratitude to my grandmother, mother, brothers and sister for inspiration, particularly to my younger sister, Passapa, for her support and dedication in looking after my grandmother, mother, and youngest brother, while I pursued my Ph.D in Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • Jahson B. Alemu I Coral Reef Ecologist Institute of Marine Affairs Hilltop Lane Chaguaramas Trinidad and Tobago, WI W
    Please note that this template is provided to facilitate information submission on a voluntary basis, only when the information provider finds this template appropriate. If the available information does not fit the format of this template, information can be submitted in another format, in consultation with the Secretariat. Appendix Template for Submission of Scientific Information to Describe Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas Note: Please DO NOT embed tables, graphs, figures, photos, or other artwork within the text manuscript, but please send these as separate files. Captions for figures should be included at the end of the text file, however. Title/Name of the area: Buccoo Reef Marine Park Presented by : Jahson B. Alemu I Coral Reef Ecologist Institute of Marine Affairs Hilltop Lane Chaguaramas Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. W: 1-868-634-4153 ext 1316 C: 1-868-678-3718 Email: [email protected] Dr. Amoy Lum Kong Director Institute of Marine Affairs Hilltop Lane Chaguaramas Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. W: 1-868-634-4153 ext 2500 Email: [email protected] Abstract (in less than 150 words) Introduction The Buccoo Reef Marine Park is the only marine protected area for the country of Trinidad and Tobago and represents one of the largest and most popular coral reefs in Tobago. It is a specially protected area, legally designated in 1973, under the Marine Area Order of the Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement) Act 1970; as well as a Ramsar site in 2006. The park is characterized by five insular emergent fringing reefs (Buccoo Reef) to the north protecting a shallow sandy lagoon with a patchy distribution of coral communities, and the mangrove-fringed Bon Accord Lagoon in which a seagrass community is present.
    [Show full text]
  • Mangrove Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
    In: Mangrove Ecosystems ISBN: 978-1-62808-714-7 Editors: Gerard Gleason and Thomas R. Victor © 2013 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted commercially in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services. Chapter 2 MANGROVE CONSERVATION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, WEST INDIES Rahanna A. Juman and Kahlil Hassanali Institute of Marine Affairs, Hilltop Lane Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago ABSTRACT Located at the southernmost end of the Caribbean island chain on the continental shelf of South America, Trinidad and Tobago are continental islands (4,828 km2 and 300 km2 in area respectively), which were separated from the South American mainland in recent historical times. As a consequence, their flora and fauna are relicts of the South American biota, with minor variation, and are rich in biodiversity. Trinidad and Tobago‟s mangroves fall within the Amazon-Orinoco-Maranhão mangrove complex in the Orinoco bioregion. Mangrove forests are found on all coasts of Trinidad particularly the Atlantic and Gulf and Paria coasts, while in Tobago, mangroves are mainly concentrated in the southwest end of the island.
    [Show full text]
  • Trinidad and Tobago
    GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FOURTH NATIONAL REPORT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY Male White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY provides an update on the status of implementation of the Convention in Trinidad and Tobago, and assesses the progress of the country in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. Preparation of the report was consistent with the guidelines provided by the CBD and was informed by perspectives and inputs of key stakeholders. The Report is presented in the following four (4) chapters: Chapter 1: An assessment of the status of, trends in and threats to biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago Chapter 2: An update on the implementation of Trinidad and Tobago‟s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Chapter 3: An overview of efforts to mainstream biodiversity into national policies, programmes and projects Chapter 4: Conclusions: Progress towards the 2010 Target and implementation of the Strategic Plan Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic State, situated appropriately between 100 2' and 11º 12' north latitude, and 600 30' and 61º 56' west longitude. The country consists of the two (2) main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and 21 smaller islands and islets. Trinidad is the larger of the two islands, with an area of approximately 4,827 km2 while Tobago has an area of 303 km2. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country covers an area of seventy-five thousand square kilometres (75,000 km2) – almost fifteen times as large as the land area of the islands combined. Trinidad and Tobago boasts a rich biota relative to its size.
    [Show full text]
  • Chasing Nutrients and Algal Blooms in Gulf and Caribbean Waters: a Personal Story
    Gulf and Caribbean Research Volume 30 Issue 1 2019 Chasing Nutrients and Algal Blooms in Gulf and Caribbean Waters: A Personal Story Brian E. Lapointe Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://aquila.usm.edu/gcr To access the supplemental data associated with this article, CLICK HERE. Recommended Citation Lapointe, B. E. 2019. Chasing Nutrients and Algal Blooms in Gulf and Caribbean Waters: A Personal Story. Gulf and Caribbean Research 30 (1): xvi-xxx. Retrieved from https://aquila.usm.edu/gcr/vol30/iss1/12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18785/gcr.3001.10 This Ocean Reflections is brought to you for free and open access by The Aquila Digital Community. It has been accepted for inclusion in Gulf and Caribbean Research by an authorized editor of The Aquila Digital Community. For more information, please contact [email protected]. VOLUME 25 VOLUME GULF AND CARIBBEAN Volume 25 RESEARCH March 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS GULF AND CARIBBEAN SAND BOTTOM MICROALGAL PRODUCTION AND BENTHIC NUTRIENT FLUXES ON THE NORTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO NEARSHORE SHELF RESEARCH Jeffrey G. Allison, M. E. Wagner, M. McAllister, A. K. J. Ren, and R. A. Snyder....................................................................................1—8 WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT SPECIES RICHNESS AND DISTRIBUTION ON THE OUTER—SHELF SOUTH TEXAS BANKS? Harriet L. Nash, Sharon J. Furiness, and John W. Tunnell, Jr. ......................................................................................................... 9—18 Volume 30 ASSESSMENT OF SEAGRASS FLORAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE FROM TWO CARIBBEAN MARINE PROTECTED 2019 AREAS ISSN: 2572-1410 Paul A. X. Bologna and Anthony J. Suleski ............................................................................................................................................. 19—27 SPATIAL AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF RED DRUM CAUGHT AND RELEASED IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA, AND FAC- TORS ASSOCIATED WITH POST—RELEASE HOOKING MORTALITY Kerry E.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of Coral Reefs 2002
    17. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN: THE OECS, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, BARBADOS AND THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES PAUL HOETJES, AMOY LUM KONG, R. JUMAN, ANDRE MILLER, MALDEN MILLER, KALLI DE MEYER AND ALLAN SMITH ABSTRACT The islands of the eastern Caribbean continue to face the same threats to their coral reefs that were described in 2000. These threats include: sedimentation and pollution from coastal development; anchor and diver damage from tourism; overfishing due to increased demand; and coral bleaching and increasingly frequent and severe storms as a result of climate change. The effects of climate change have resulted in the degradation of shallow reefs throughout the eastern Caribbean, whereas deeper reefs have generally been less affected. Some islands have established effective management institutions and monitoring programs that are either well supported or are capable of generating their own revenues. However, others are hampered by inadequate legislation or lack of enforcement of existing legislation, and insufficient human and financial resources. The use of volunteer Reef Check teams for coral reef monitoring has increased management capacity in many areas. There is a need to expand upon these efforts and demonstrate the benefits derived from monitoring programs and protected areas in order to increase support from local governments. INTRODUCTION This region includes the islands of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) plus Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the Netherlands Antilles. Coral reefs are critical to the economies of these islands for tourism and fisheries, but little is known about the status and trends of these reefs and management is often rudimentary and inconsistent.
    [Show full text]
  • National Spatial Development Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago
    National Spatial Development Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago Surveying the Scene 1 CONTENTS 1. Introduction..................................................................................... 4 2. Population and Settlement Distribution..................................... 5 Geographic Distribution ........................................................................ 7 List of Figures Pattern and Form of Settlements........................................................... 9 Figure 1: Population Structure for 2000 and 3. Society and Culture........................................................................ 12 Forecast Change in 2020 and 2025 3.1 Crime................................................................................................ 12 3.2 Poverty............................................................................................. 14 Figure 2: Population Density by Administrative 3.3 Health............................................................................................... 16 Area, Trinidad and Tobago 2011 3.4 Housing............................................................................................ 17 Figure 3: Population Change by Administrative 3.5 Education......................................................................................... 18 Area 2000 – 2011 3.6 Cultural Heritage and Expression..................................................... 19 Figure 4: Distribution of Serious Crimes by 3.7 Recreation, Leisure and Sport.........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • An Economic Valuation Analysis of Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago, West Indies Dionne J
    Florida International University FIU Digital Commons FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations University Graduate School 11-10-2010 An Economic Valuation Analysis of Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago, West Indies Dionne J. Da Costa Florida International University, [email protected] DOI: 10.25148/etd.FI10120311 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd Part of the Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, and the Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons Recommended Citation Da Costa, Dionne J., "An Economic Valuation Analysis of Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago, West Indies" (2010). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 290. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/290 This work is brought to you for free and open access by the University Graduate School at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Miami, Florida AN ECONOMIC VALUATION ANALYSIS OF BUCCOO REEF MARINE PARK, TOBAGO, WEST INDIES A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES by Dionne Da Costa To: Dean Kenneth Furton College of Arts and Sciences This thesis, written by Dionne Da Costa, and entitled An Economic Valuation Analysis of Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago, West Indies, having been approved in respect to style and intellectual content, is referred to you for judgment. We have read this thesis and recommend that it be approved. _______________________________________ Joel Heinen _______________________________________ Pallab Mozumder _______________________________________ Ligia Collado-Vides _______________________________________ Mahadev G.
    [Show full text]
  • Trinidad and Tobago National Report
    NATIONAL REPORT ON Integrating The Management of Watersheds and Coastal Areas in Trinidad and Tobago Prepared by The Water Resources Agency for The Ministry of the Environment Eric Williams Financial Complex Independence Square, Port of Spain March 2001 WRA/MIN. Env: Integrating the Management of Watersheds and Coastal Areas in Trinidad and Tobago i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state located at the southern end of the Caribbean island chain. The islands have a tropical wet climate of the monsoonal type. Rainfall that averages 2,200 millimetres, is seasonal with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. Temperatures range from 25 to 27 °C, humidity ranges between 50 to 100% and wind speed averages between 20 and 28 km/hr. Trinidad's landscape is characterised by steep mountains, undulating hills and plains. Tobago's landscape is however, characterised by a highland area, which runs through the island and a small coastal plain. The islands are endowed with extremely varied coastlines, a fair share of wetlands and richly diverse flora and fauna. The population is estimated at 1.25 million with an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent. Trinidad's population is concentrated in urban areas along the west coastal areas and at the foothills of its northerly located mountain range. On the other hand, Tobago's population is concentrated in the southwest part of the island. Relative to the rest of the Caribbean islands the country is highly industrialised with a petroleum based economy and a small but rapidly growing tourism industry concentrated mainly in Tobago.
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Protected Area Specialist Team for NE Tobago, Final Report
    IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Marine Protected Area The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. 2 GCP/TRI/004/GFF IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Marine Protected Area Alijoscha Wothke July 2013 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The team (Aljoscha A. Wothke, Keith Gibson and Kerresha Khan) would like to thank our colleagues and the highly supportive staff of the Office of the FAO Representative, Trinidad and Tobago for their kind support. We also would like to thank the stakeholders in Tobago for their insight, meaningful contributions and willingness to participate. 4 ABSTRACT This report describes the activities and findings of the marine protected area specialist team engaged by the FAO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office in June and July 2013 to contribute to the overall project: “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/004/GFF)”.
    [Show full text]