1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Administrative Record discusses the reasons and issues involved in the proposed action of designating Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and a National Park under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001.

The administrative record is designed to demonstrate the process and justification for the selection of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area, and to share this information with the public of Trinidad and Tobago, while soliciting their input and contributions.

The significance of Buccoo Reef and its biodiversity has been recognised for many years as a proposed National Park in the 1980 report on a Systems Plan for National Parks and other Protected Areas for Trinidad and Tobago. The Buccoo Reef was first declared a restricted area referred to in section 2 of the Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement Act), Chap. 37:02, Legal Notice No. 140 of 1973. Its importance has long been recognised and a management plan for the area was developed in 1995 by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA).

The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules of 2001, seeks to award protection to certain areas of Trinidad and Tobago that contain threatened and remarkable representations of this country’s biodiversity. Criteria laid down in the ESA Rules guide the selection and justification of the areas to be declared. A copy of the ESA Rules 2001 is in Appendix 1.

The intention of the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules, 2001, (ESS) is to provide added protection to certain species. The ESA and ESS Rules are complementary, and intended to support conservation efforts throughout Trinidad and Tobago. 2

2.0 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

2.1 Biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago

Biological diversity or biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms on the earth, and the diverse kinds of habitats in which these plants and animals live together. The word originates from the words “Bios” which is Greek for life, and “diversity” which means variety. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

An ecosystem is the complex interacting web of living organisms and their non-living environment. Examples of ecosystems are swamps, reefs, savannas, tropical forests or deserts. Within these large ecosystems are habitats. Habitats are smaller components of ecosystems where plants and animals live - an earthworm will live in the soil or a scorpion under a rock. Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different habitats or ecosystems. In Trinidad and Tobago we have a very rich ecosystem biodiversity, with different kinds of terrestrial or land, marine and freshwater ecosystems. Species diversity or the variety of species, allows us to tell the difference between living things that make them distinct from each other. We can tell the difference between a dog, a fish, and a beetle, and we can also tell the difference between different kinds (species) of fish. We can identify a carite, a shark and a flying fish, as three separate species of fish.

Genetic diversity is the variety within each species. If we look at the human family, each one of us is different from each other, although we are all human. We can identify individuals amongst ourselves because of our different genetic makeup. This difference in genetic makeup has enabled us to use the technologies of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing to solve crimes and determine the parenthood of people1. This is possible due to the differences in our genes, which therefore, contribute to make us unique. The importance of biodiversity has held the world’s attention over the last several decades, because of the recognition of the dependent relationship humans have with all biodiversity of the Earth. Its value can be looked at in three broad aspects: Economic, Ecological and Cultural values. 1. The economic value of biodiversity is often underrated but is demonstrated in all that we consume from food to medications. It has been estimated that the monetary value of the benefits derived from nature can be estimated to be at least US $ 33 trillion every year! 2. The ecological value hinges on the fact that all living organisms are supported by the interactions between different components of the environment. The water that we drink is constantly replenished by the water cycle, where plants play an important part of the process. Light from the sun, water and nutrients are used to produce

1 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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carbohydrates, which we consume either directly from plants or through the animals that eat the plants2. 3. Biodiversity also has a strong cultural value, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, where recreation is closely linked to the river or beach lime, our eating of wildmeat, leaves and other forest produce spice up our culinary habits, and artistic inspiration comes from our natural environment.

Biodiversity & Cultural Provisioning Ecosystem Services Non-material benefits Goods produced or obtained from provided by ecosystems ecosystems • Spiritual Regulating Benefits obtained from  Recreational  Food regulation of ecosystem  Aesthetic processes  Freshwater  Inspirational  Fuel wood Educational  Climate   Fiber regulation  Communal  Biochemicals  Disease control  Symbolic  Flood control  Detoxification The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have a complex geological history due to the islands’ recent separation from the northern portion of South America, only some 11-15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age3. Trinidad and Tobago are merely offshore islands of the South American mainland retaining the diversity of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) of the continent.

In Trinidad and Tobago, few species have evolved, adapting to local conditions, resulting in new species or sub-species/ varieties that are different from similar variations on the South American continent. The local Pawi (Pipile pipile) from the forests of the North East, including Matura, is believed to be a sub-species of a South American variety and therefore endemic to Trinidad. An endemic species is a species, which is found native to a particular habitat or region and occurs only there4.

Other sub-species and species for Trinidad and Tobago include the Blind Cave Fish (Rhamdia quelen), Oilbird (Steatornis caripenesis), Golden Tree Frog (Phyllodytes auratus).

2 David Suzuki Foundation. 2004. Why Biodiversity is Important. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/WOL/Biodiversity/Importance.asp (Accessed on June 01, 2004). 3 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1997. State of the Environment Report 1997. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 4 Kricher, J. C. 1997. A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Second Edition, Revised and Expanded. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, United States of America.

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Although there are roughly 4,174 known species of flora and fauna in the country, there remain many undocumented and un-described species, especially among the lower groups of organisms, for example invertebrates. Information on the country’s genetic diversity is largely confined to the agricultural sector such as the Cocoa Gene Bank in Centeno, the genetic stock of sugar cane and commercial timber species5.

2.2 Threats to Trinidad and Tobago’s Biodiversity

Habitat loss in Trinidad and Tobago has led to the erosion of precious biological diversity. The country is the most industrialised of the Commonwealth Caribbean. The expanding population has placed increasing pressures on the islands, which have a limited land space of only 5,123 km2. The consequence of these demands means that the natural resources experience pressures that impact on the environment, including the pollution of land, marine and freshwaters, oil spills, deforestation and the overexploitation of fisheries wildlife and forest resources6.

Globally, biodiversity is under threat from human civilization, expansion and consumption. Human beings, having the ability to modify their environment have done so on a scale unknown in human history today. Human activities have had a dramatic effect on the natural environment and resources to the extent that species extinctions have become common occurrences; pollution is affecting human health, water resources, livelihoods and the well-being of humans. Environmental degradation has become a serious challenge to our survival, health and civilization as the biodiversity on which all life depends is depleted.

The loss of biodiversity holds unique concerns for islands of the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago are small islands and the erosion of biodiversity means that residents will feel the implications directly. Biodiversity contributes in significant ways to the economic development of the country through tourism, recreation, and resources harvested from the natural environment7.

2.3 Overview of the History of the System of Protecting Areas in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has had a long history of reserving lands for their environmental and biodiversity goods and services to people. However, present day management and legislation has not kept abreast of recent knowledge and developments in biodiversity conservation and management, especially in the protection of the marine habitat. The history of reserves and conservation is predominantly terrestrial or land based.

5 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 6 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999b. The Administrative Record for Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 1999. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 7 Bacon P.R. 2000

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After Independence in 1962, the Forestry Division was charged with the responsibility of protecting the country’s the flora and fauna. However, ever-increasing levels of exploitation and degradation proved to be too much for existing legislation and policy8.

In 1973, four sites that were identified as being suitable as National Parks: the Caroni Swamp, Navet Dam, Valencia Dam and Chaguaramas. These sites were chosen based mainly on the provision of recreation for the population, rather than the protection of their resources. Of these, Chaguaramas was designated a National Park in 1974 under the Chaguaramas Development Act.

In 1977 the Government of Trinidad and Tobago requested the Organisation of American States (OAS) to assist the country in establishing a plan for a system of National Parks and Protected Areas and create a policy from which legislation could be developed9.

The approach was based on the conservation and preservation of vegetative communities and the protection of endemic and native species of wildlife10. The size of existing sanctuaries was taken into consideration as they needed to be adequate to fully support conservation efforts of any particular ecosystem. Thelen and Faizool (1980a) identified 61 sites that required protection. Of these, the following were proposed in six categories of Protected Areas:

. 13 Scientific Reserves; . 8 National Parks; . 8 Natural Landmarks; . 13 Nature Conservation Reserves; . 6 Scenic Landscapes, and; . 13 Recreational Parks.

The policy document11 developed from this project, was only agreed to in principle, but the legislation necessary to effect it lagged behind.

The Systems Plan of 1980 identified Buccoo Reef as one of the proposed National Parks selected for protection due to the nature of the floral and faunal composition of the area.

8 Leach, M., and J. Fairhead. 2001a. Science, policy and national parks in Trinidad and Tobago. Working Paper from the Project ‘Forest Science and Forest Policy: Knowledge, Institutions and Policy Processes’. The Institute of Development Studies, United Kingdom. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/env/PDFs/TrinidadNationalParks.pdf 9 Fairhead, J., and Leach, M. 2001. Sustainable Forestry in Trinidad? Natural Forest Management in the South-East. Working Paper from the Project ‘Forest Science and Forest Policy: Knowledge, Institutions and Policy Processes’. The Institute of Development Studies, United Kingdom. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/env/PDFs/TrinidadSustainableForestry.pdf 10 Leach, M., and J. Fairhead. 2001a.

11 Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980b. Policy for the Establishment and Management of a National Park System in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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This study also indicated that such a Park would require special management objectives that would ensure that the Park be maintained in a natural and undisturbed state, to allow the biotic processes of the ecosystems to continue unimpeded.

This systems plan of protected areas was not implemented and management of some small areas remained ad hoc. At present, there are three main legal categories of protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago. These are: 1. Wildlife or Game Sanctuaries; 2. Prohibited Areas; 3. Protected Marine Areas.

However, it is interesting to note that the first reserve of the country and indeed one of the first of the western hemisphere was the Main Ridge of Tobago, declared in 1776 for protection of the watershed that fed agricultural lands and therefore the economy of the island. The importance of maintaining forests to attract rain had long since been recognised, and the downstream effects on the whole economy of the island of Tobago. The history of the reservation of state lands for conservation and production for Trinidad and Tobago includes the following landmarks:

1765 The Main Ridge Reserve in Tobago, was set aside as “Woods for the protection of the rains”

1922-1960 A system of 43 Forest Reserves declared for managing timber resources

1934-1968 A system of 11 Wildlife or Game Sanctuaries declared for the protection of wild animal species. 1972 Chaguaramas Development Act, for the protection of the Chaguaramas peninsula

1973 Marine Preservation and Enhancement Act used to declare Buccoo Reef a Protected Area.

1987- 1999 Prohibited Areas declared under the Forests Act, to prevent entry into sensitive areas at specific times of the year. Increasingly used to protect nesting animals and Forest Reserves from fires.

Wildlife sanctuaries

An interest in the protection of wildlife began to take shape in Trinidad and Tobago as early as 1928, when the first game sanctuary was established. Subsequent designation of wildlife sanctuaries continued from 1933. The Conservation of Wildlife Act (67:01) was enacted in 1953 with the aim of protecting the wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago.

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Between 1928 -1968, thirteen (13) Game Sanctuaries were declared to prohibit hunting in specific locations. It is interesting to note that of the thirteen areas, six (6) were specifically dedicated to the protection of nesting or roosting bird species. Five are in fact small islands, islets and rocks where breeding colonies of seabirds were to be protected from poaching and hunting.

1. Kronstadt Island 5 Hectares 2. Little Tobago 101 Hectares 3. Saut d'eau 10 Hectares 4. Soldado rock 6 Hectares 5. St. Giles Islands 29 Hectares 6. Caroni Swamp 200 Hectares

Of the seven remaining Game Sanctuaries, three were located in the hilly and mountainous terrain of the island, also representing a geographical spread, i.e. the Northern Range, Central Range and Southern Range. Although the selection of sanctuaries appears to have been partial to bird habitat, the value of wildlife was recognised and an effort made to have a geographical spread of habitats and diversity12.

Forest Reserves Between 1922 and 1960 a series of 43 Forest Reserves were declared in the country. Although Forest Reserves are for the management and exploitation of forest resources, some of these reserves have also been about the conservation and sustainable utilization of the forest resources. Trinidad and Tobago has actually developed forest management systems that are world renowned for their sustainability. While exploitative of the forest resources, biodiversity values were recognised early, and efforts were made in some Forest Reserves to conserve habitats.

Prohibited Areas More recently, during 1987 - 1997, nine (9) prohibited areas under the Forest Act were declared (see Table 1 below).

Key objectives for declaring Prohibited areas during this period were:

1. To confer added protection by restricting entry without a permit;

2. The protection of an individual species, e.g. the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacaea) during their nesting season on selected beaches on Trinidad. This latter reason accounts for three of the prohibited areas13.

12 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 13 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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Table 1: Prohibited Areas in Trinidad and Tobago 14

Prohibited Previous Date Declared Area Designation Prohibited Aripo Savannas Long Stretch Reserve 1987 Caroni Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary and Caroni Swamp 1987 Reserve Northern Range Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 Matura Beach Manzanilla Windbelt Reserve 1990 Fishing Pond Manzanilla Windbelt Reserve 1990 Nariva Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary and Windbelt Reserve 1993 Grande Riviere 1997 Beach 23 Forest Forest Reserves 1998 Reserves Wildlife Wildlife Sanctuaries 1999 Sanctuaries Protected Marine Areas There has only been one such area, declared thus far, Buccoo Reef. This area was declared in 1973 under the Marine Preservation and Enhancement Act. The Fisheries Department of the Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for the management of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.

2.4 Efforts to protect Buccoo Reef

Buccoo Reef has been the subject of a number of studies and research programmes over several years, however the implementation of the management plan (IMA 1995) is largely outstanding. The area will be proposed as a Ramsar site under the Articles of the Ramsar Convention (International Convention on the Importance of Wetlands Especially as Waterfowl Habitats)15.

Buccoo Reef is complex ecosystem of seagrass beds, mangrove, and coral, is home to a vast array of life forms and is considered to be among the more outstanding corals in the

14 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 15 http://www.ramsar.org/index_about_ramsar.htm

The Administrative Record for the Designation of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 9 country16. A number of the species that thrive on the coral reefs are listed on the SPAW Protocol (The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartagena Convention)17. In recognition of the importance of Buccoo Reef, it was selected for the designation as an “environmentally sensitive area” under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001 (ESA Rules).

The designation will be the culmination of work and planning that began decades ago. Under the ESA Rules, another foundation will be laid for the protection and rehabilitation of the Reef and the protection of species whose declining population levels have made them threatened in Tobago.

In selecting areas in need of protection, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules of 2001 identify certain criteria that proposed areas should fulfil that make it worthy of protection. The ESA Rules criteria, include:

. Uniqueness, rarity or important biological features; . Habitat of any environmentally sensitive species; . Meeting the Government’s international obligations under any of the International Conventions; . Good representation of a naturally-occurring ecological system or type; . Particularly good representative of an ecosystem characteristic of one, or common to more than one biogeographical region; . Rare or unusual habitat, ecosystem, or community attributes in a biogeographical region; . Critical importance to the survival or recovery of endangered, endemic or vulnerable species/communities of plants or animals; . An appreciable or significant assemblage of endangered, or threatened species of plants or animals; . Special value as a habitat for plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycle; . Provision of appreciable social recreational or economic benefit to local communities or to wider areas; . Forest for purely conservation purposes; . Unique geological features; . High in aesthetic value; . Regarded by the scientific community as having significant value for non- destructive research; . Potential for fostering environmental awareness, appreciation or education; . Performing an integral role in the functioning of the wider ecosystem; . Representative example of coastal and marine ecosystems18.

16 Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980a. System of National Parks and Other Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 17 SPAW Protocol is further explained in Section 3.1.3

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. Representative example of all wetland types19.

See Appendix I for the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 2001.

3.0 DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE PROPOSED BUCCOO REEF NATIONAL PARK

3.1 Geomorphological Features

The south-western portion of the island of Tobago consists of Pleistocene limestone, covering an area of about 27km2. The proposed ESA, Buccoo Reef lying just north of this platform, and west of the village of Buccoo. The skeletal material making up this limestone is mainly coral and calcareous algal material. Much of the sediment in the area is calcareous in nature, and the offshore reefs themselves are a great source of sedimentary material. The sediment is deposited on the sea floor as well as the surrounding beaches, producing alluring white sand beaches20.

3.2 Oceanographic Parameters

3.2.1 Tidal Influence

Trinidad and Tobago has a complex oceanographic system, thus is does not show a homogenous pattern around the islands. In Tobago, the Orinoco River also has a great deal of influence of the water currents, and sediment load of the water around the northern and southern coasts of the island. The flow from the Orinoco, brings a great degree of nutrients and fresh water, in addition to sediment (as described above). These all affect coral growth by inhibiting it. Trinidad is more greatly subjected to the influences of the Orinoco, hence there is only limited coral growth around the island. Tobago, because less influenced, has a greater degree of coral growth21.

3.3 Biological Features of Buccoo Reef

The marine life of Buccoo Reef and Bon Accord Lagoon are constantly undergoing stress from anthropogenic and natural reasons. One of the natural causes of the stress for the

18 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 2001. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. The Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Government Printery, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 19 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 2001. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. The Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Government Printery, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 20 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs. 1995. IMA/ THA Coral Reef Project Phase Two. The Formulation of a Management Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park: Volume II – The Management Plan. Final Report, Document prepared for the Tobago House of Assembly. 21 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs/ UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme. 1999. CEPNET/ IDB Project. State of the Marine Environment Report: Trinidad and Tobago.

The Administrative Record for the Designation of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 11 organisms of the reefs is the influence of the Orinoco River on the oceanographic systems of the island of Tobago.

3.3.1 Bon Accord Mangrove Swamp

Although the Bon Accord swamp is an integral part of the ecological complex of Buccoo Reef, it lie4s outside of the proposed boundaries of the ESA. The proposed boundaries lie entirely in the marine area.

The mangrove of the Bon Accord swamp is predominantly Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), with White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) interspaced. It forms a wide belt several hundreds of meters wide. The root system of the mangrove is the home to a wide variety of organisms. Some of the species that are found within this habitat includes sponges, hydroids, algae (Dictyota sp., Ulva sp. or “Sea lettuce”, Padina sp.,), anemones (Aiptasia sp.), and bivalve molluscs (Isognomon alatus, Pinctada radiata)22.

Higher groups of organisms are also found. These include the crabs (Cardisoma guanhumi, Aratus pisonii and Uca sp. There are a wide variety of fish, and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) has been observed there. There is also a fairly good representative bird population, including the brown pelican (Pelicanua occidentalis), green heron (Butorides virescens), snowy egret (Egretta thula), common gallinule (Gallinula chloropus) and night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea)23.

3.3.2 The Bon Accord Lagoon

This lagoon is bordered by mangrove swamp to the south and reef lagoons to the northern portion. The sea floor reaches a maximum depth of 6m. The type of substratum on the floor varies from mud in its eastern end to muddy sand in its western end. The organisms inhabiting the eastern portion is predominantly macroalgae (i.e. large forms of algae which is visible to the naked eye), in particular, Acetabularia sp. To the west, sea grass beds dominate the sea floor. The sea grass species, Thalassia testudinum is extensive. Within the sea grass community, there are also algal associations consisting of Bryopsis sp., Dictyota sp., and Chaetomorpha sp. In addition, there are sea urchins (Lytechinus variegatus), molluscs (Strombus sp.), Atlantic pearl oysters (Pinctada radiata) and sea cucumbers (Holothuria mexicana)24.

22 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes. 23 Agard, J. 1994. 24 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes.

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3.3.3 The Reef Lagoon

The majority of the shallow areas of the Buccoo Reef complex occurs within this lagoon. A broad arc of reef flats exists on its seaward side. This particular lagoon has three main features:

1. Sediment substratum; 2. Reef patches; and, 3. the Blue Hole25.

3.3.4 Sediment substratum

Most of the sea floor is made up of sediment. The sediment is carbonate in nature and came from corals, molluscs and calcareous algae (particularly Halimeda sp.). The sea floor has the appearance of white sand that is best typified by Nylon Pool26.

3.3.5 Patch Reefs

In the reef lagoon, there are formations of corals. There are to date, four identified reef patches.

In the south, and the Bon Accord lagoon, the reefs consist of Finger coral (Porites porites) and coral rubble covered by the alga Halimeda sp.

In the west, the predominant coral is the Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).

In the east, the reef flat consists of Staghorn coral and Fire coral (Millepora sp.).

In the north, the coral formations are much larger. The coral life there includes “boulder- type formations”. These are actually referred to as Star coral (Montastrea sp.) and brain coral (Diploria sp.). This reef also has sea-fans (Gorgonia sp.). There are colourful species of fish, and other types of smaller corals. The whole area, is remarkably beautiful and is referred to a “Coral Gardens”27.

25 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes. 26 Agard, J. 1994. 27 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes.

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3.3.6 The Blue Hole

This “Blue Hole” is located at the eastern end of the reef lagoon, between Nylon Pool and the Coral Gardens. It may be a relict of an earlier channel from the lagoon. The channel is postulated to have closed up by reef proliferation. It has a depth of 10m at its deepest points, and has a sandy sea floor bed. Different types of corals characterise the channel, including Brain coral (Diploria sp. and Colpophyllia sp.), Porous coral (Porites astreoides) and Starlet coral (Siderastrea siderea)28.

3.3.7 The Reef Flats

There are five reef flats, which form an arc from Pigeon Point to Buccoo Bay. These reefs are known as: . Pigeon Point Reef; . Western Reef; . Northern Reef; . Outer Reef; and, . Eastern Reef.

The reefs are subject to extensive wave action, and as such, the coral species present are only wave-resistant species, particularly Stony corals. Star coral is dominant on Pigeon Point, Western and Northern Reef flats, while Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) occurs on all of the reef flats29.

3.3.8 The Fore Reef Slopes

The western portion of the arc of reef flats is referred to as the fore reefs. The fore reefs, gently slope to a depth of about 20m. This area of the reef is home to a number of different species of corals. The species grow at different depths along the reefs. In the shallow part of the fore reef, Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is common. In the deeper portions of the reef, Brain coral (Diploria sp.), Starlet coral (Siderastrea sp.) and Star coral (Montastrea sp.) thrive30.

3.3.9 Socio-Economic Features

28 Agard, J. 1994. 29 Agard, J. 1994. 30 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes.

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Income received by residents in Tobago from tourism-generated opportunities is significant. Within close proximity to the proposed National Park is Buccoo Village. This village is predominantly a fishing village. Many of the traditional methods of fishing are still employed, such as line fishing, fish pots and seines. It is in this village that glass- bottoms operated tours began in the 1930s. Today, this trade has been expanded and now Store Bay and Pigeon Point act as original points of embarkation31.

4.0 THE MAJOR THREATS TO THE ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF BUCCOO REEF

The threats to the reefs illustrated in this section, have severe ecological implications and also reduce the amount of income the island receives through tourism. A decline in the attractiveness of Buccoo Reef, a popular tourist destination can have serious implications for the Tobago’s gross income. Loss of the ecological integrity of the reefs will be detrimental to vast number of people in Tobago who receive their incomes from tourism- derived opportunities.

4.1 Reef Walking and Uncontrolled Recreational Activities

Some of the most serious threats to the reef include uses that are in conflict with the recommendations of the management plan as designed by IMA (1995)32. The Outer Reef flat and Coral Gardens at Buccoo are currently being used for reef walking, anchoring of boats, collection of species. The corals area killed and broken, and can quite often become overgrown with algae. These activities result in the death of coral, and can ultimately reduce the diversity of corals in the reefs33.

The reefs are stressed naturally because of the type of environment in which they survive; however, additional stress is added by the numbers of tourists and recreational activities that occur in the Buccoo Bay. The other communities such as the sea grass beds, coastal lagoons and mangroves, which are all ecologically interdependent are also suffering. The over-exploitation of the reefs, will lead to a decline in the associated fisheries, since,

31 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs. 1995. IMA/ THA Coral Reef Project Phase Two. The Formulation of a Management Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park: Volume II – The Management Plan. Final Report, Document prepared for the Tobago House of Assembly.

32 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs. 1995. IMA/ THA Coral Reef Project Phase Two. The Formulation of a Management Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park: Volume II – The Management Plan. Final Report, Document prepared for the Tobago House of Assembly. 33 Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes.

The Administrative Record for the Designation of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 15 these ecosystems all serve as nurseries for species, at varying points in their development34.

4.2 Over-exploitation of Fisheries

In the coastal of islands, fisheries are important for the livelihoods of residents. Such is the case of the villages that surround Buccoo Bay and Bon Accord Lagoon. Assessments of resources of finfish show that they either are being optimally- or over-exploited. The mollusc fishery is already over-exploited, with oyster fishery having collapsed some time ago, and the Queen conch (Strombus gigas) fishery is over-exploited35. The fishes of the reefs are being removed unsustainably, and this will ultimately reduce the biodiversity of fishes that inhabit the reefs. In addition to the fishes, turtles are also being killed when they reach the shores of Tobago or they are caught in the trawling lines/net of shrimp trawlers.

4.3 Decreasing Water Quality

Partially treated or untreated domestic waste water is discharged into the Buccoo Bay and Bon Accord Lagoon from malfunctioning water treatment plants. Other sources of wastewater are from neighbouring farms and fish-processing facilities36. In Buccoo Village, many residents have soak-away septic systems, which was built into the coralline limestone which is present in that part of Tobago. This limestone is porous, and nutrients from sewage filter down through the rocks into the water table and then enter the water Buccoo Bay37. In addition to grey water, these sources have contributed to the poor water quality and high quantities of faecal coliforms recorded for Buccoo Bay by the IMA (1995).

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems and require clear water so that light can penetrate the water column and can be utilised for photosynthesis. Sewage will lead to algal blooms in a process known as eutrophication, and will reduce the amount of light that is received by the reefs, causing death of the corals.

Sedimentation is also another important consideration. High levels of sediment, reduces the amount of light that can penetrate the water, to reach the photosynthesising coral. High sediment load can occur, naturally as described in the previous sections, or through activities of man, for example, through the construction phase of developmental operations on the land offshore of Buccoo Bay and Bon Accord Lagoon.

34 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs/ UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme. 1999. CEPNET/ IDB Project. State of the Marine Environment Report: Trinidad and Tobago.

35 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs/ UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme. 1999. CEPNET/ IDB Project. State of the Marine Environment Report: Trinidad and Tobago. 36 IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs. 1995. IMA/ THA Coral Reef Project Phase Two. The Formulation of a Management Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park: Volume II – The Management Plan. Final Report, Document prepared for the Tobago House of Assembly. 37 BRT: Buccoo Reef Trust. 2004. Threats. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.buccooreeftrust.org/threats.htm

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4.4 Coastal Development

As mentioned above, coastal developments have reduced the quality of the water entering the Bay. In Bon Accord, there exists the potential for impending hotel developments to further threaten stressed sea grass beds, and coral reefs.

5.0 EXISTING LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR BUCCOO REEF NATIONAL PARK

5.1 Local Legislation

Formal protection was afforded to Buccoo Reef in 1973, under the Marine Areas (Restricted Area) Order. This Order is subsidiary legislation to the Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement Act) Chap 37:02. The Marine Areas (Restricted Area) Order was made under Section 3 of this Act.

The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001, were made under Sections 26 (e) and 41 of the Environmental Management Act, 2000 (EM Act). Under the EM Act, Rules may be passed for protection of different aspects of the environment.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules, 2001, can also afford protection to the species that are deemed threatened. These species often occupy habitats which are themselves undergoing some state of degradation due to various undesirable activities. Recent media attention to the plight of marine turtles in Tobago demonstrated the need for legislation and enforcement to protect these species. Marine turtles occupy the waters of Buccoo Bay, including the Green turtle, and the Hawksbill turtle. Designation of Buccoo Reef as an ESA will assist in protecting them within the boundaries of the Park.

5.2 Policy and Management Challenges

The boundaries of Buccoo Reef to be declared under the ESA Rules, does not include privately held lands, thus, the mangrove forests will not be declared as part of the ESA. The surrounding land is now owned by CLICO, Angostura Limited, Ansa McAl, Mt Pleasant Credit Union and the National Housing Authority (NHA)38.

The management now lies with the Department of Fisheries of the THA, Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of the Public Utilities and Environment in Trinidad and Tobago39. The role of NGOs expanded in Tobago in the 1990s, with Environment Tobago (ET), and the Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) emerging in environmental

38 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 2003. Buccoo Reef Dossier. Unpublished Report. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 39 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 2003. Buccoo Reef Dossier. Unpublished Report. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The Administrative Record for the Designation of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 17 education, protection and conservation of the island’s ecosystems. They have been highly successful in highlighting the challenges facing Buccoo Reef, and have conducted scientific research in the area. In meeting the challenges of management of Buccoo Reef, interested stakeholders need to be involved in a formal and substantial way to enhance the resources available for management.

5.3 International Agreements

Being signatory to various international treaties and conventions confers upon Trinidad and Tobago national obligations to develop and enact national policy guidelines and legislation. Some of these treaties have been reflected in the ESA and ESS Rules of 2001. These actions assist the country in fulfilling agreements for the protection of biodiversity

This Section looks at some of the more important International Agreements.

5.3.1 The Ramsar Convention40 The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat – reflects its original emphasis on the conservation and wise use of wetlands primarily to provide habitat for waterbirds. Over the years, however, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. The Convention entered into force in 1975 and as of September 2003 has 138 Contracting Parties. The Nariva Swamp is the country’s only Ramsar site, however there are plans to include the Buccoo Reef and the Caroni Swamp as Ramsar sites.

Wetlands are defined as:

"areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres".

"may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands".

40 http://www.ramsar.org/index_about_ramsar.htm

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5.3.2 CITES Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and it entered into force in the country in 1984. Its primary goal is to provide protection for plant and animal species that may become threatened due to the activities of international trade by controlling the international trade of specimens of certain species of wildlife. The species listed under the CITES Convention require a Licence for export, import, re-export and introduction into a new area. The species of CITES are listed in three Appendices:

Appendix I is inclusive of all species that that are threatened with extinction, and trade is completely restricted and allowable only in exceptional circumstances; Appendix II are those species that are vulnerable or rare and as such their trade is incompatible with their survival; and Appendix III covers the species that are protected in at least one country, the CITES Parties are asked to help control their trade41.

The signatories to CITES are mandated to set up Management Agencies that administer the licences needed for species trade, and Scientific Authorities to act as advisors on the effects of trade on the status of certain species. Under this treaty, funding was provided for conservation projects. Although the Forestry Division is the Management Agency for CITES, the designation of protected species often requires the coordination of more than one governmental department. Many of the species that warrant protection under CITES are yet to be safeguarded nationally. The proposed Buccoo Reef ESA is the habitat for species that fall under the CITES listing of threatened and endangered species, including the Queen Conch, and species of stony corals.

5.3.3. The Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) Trinidad and Tobago became signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity at the historic Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The CBD was the first convention that specifically addressed the issues of conservation and sustainable usage of the Earth’s biological diversity. It was formed out of a need for the provision of a broad approach to sustainable development. Sustainable development is the process whereby the needs of humans are met without sacrificing environmental integrity. The most important aspects of the Convention were the protection and conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the resources of the environment and the equitable division of the gains earned from the use of the earth’s genetic resource42.

41 CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2001b. How CITES Works. Geneva, Switzerland. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.CITES.org/eng/disc/how.shtml 42 CBD: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-Being. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp

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As a signatory Government, Trinidad and Tobago formulated the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)43 in 2001, in keeping with Article 6 of the convention44. The NBSAP was officially recognised by this country’s Cabinet and is freely available from the EMA. The NBSAP is a framework for enhancing the management of natural resources of the country and serves to effectively highlight the key issues involved in achieving these.

Article 8 of the Convention requires each party country to establish protected areas and prevent species eradication. Public participation and education and awareness are encouraged with regards to planning for and managing biological resources and diversity45.

5.3.4. The SPAW Protocol The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartegena Convention (the SPAW Protocol) was formulated to provide protection to the particular habitats and threatened species. It entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2000. It is a regional agreement that includes countries located in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. This Protocol specifies the protection of threatened and endangered wildlife species, the establishment and management of protected areas and species conservation through national, co-operative processes46.

As a contracting Party to the SPAW Protocol, the Government is obligated to protect areas of the country under its jurisdiction as specified by Article 4, and to enact national legislation to do so. There is also a mandate to prevent the trade in species that are included in its listing of threatened or endangered species, complementing the CITES agreement47.

Under Article 11 of the Protocol, there were three species Annexes and the contracting Parties are to adopt all necessary measures to protect and recover species listed in Annexes I, II and III. The Annexes are:

Annex I: includes floral species as identified by SPAW as requiring total protection and recovery;

43 EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 44 Refer to Appendix V 45 CBD: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-Being. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp 46 UNEP: The United Nations Environment Programme. 2000. International Trade in Species Listed in Both the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Ninth Intergovernmental Meeting on the Action Plan for the Caribbean Environment Programme and Sixth Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region. Kingston, Jamaica, 14-18 February 2000. 47 Refer to Appendix IV.

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Annex II: includes faunal species as identified by SPAW as requiring total protection and recovery;

Annex III: includes faunal and floral species whose usage must be regulated48.

5.3.5. The IUCN Red List

The IUCN has voluntary academic and technical contributions from a host of brilliant scientists and experts from more 180 countries. It has contributed to environmental conventions, global standards and disseminated a wealth of scientific of scientific knowledge49.

The IUCN formulated the renowned Red List to draw attention to the importance and vulnerability of the world’s biodiversity. The Red List is deemed by the IUCN as being the most exhaustive catalogue of the current status of plants and animals in the world. Criteria is generated for the evaluation of the status of a particular species with regard to its risk of extinction. It can be used to determine how threatened a particular species is, and identify the priority species that need to be elevated for dedicated conservation efforts and further protection. It is also used to provide information to the policymakers of the CBD and CITES50.

5.3.6 CARICOMP

The Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity (CARICOMP51) Programme was launched in response to the need for long-term, region-wide comparative studies of the biodiversity and productivity of Caribbean coastal ecosystems within the COMAR (Coastal Marine) project, established by the general Conference of UNESCO in 1980. CARICOMP is a regional scientific effort to study land-sea interaction process, to monitor for change, and to provide appropriate scientific information for management. The programme focuses on understanding the productivity, structure and functions of three important coastal ecosystems: mangroves, seagrasses and reefs, throughout the region.

48 UNEP: The United Nations Environment Programme. 2000. 49 IUCN: The World Conservation Union), 2003. What is IUCN? Available at the Internet URL: http://www.IUCN.org/about/index.htm 50 IUCN: The World Conservation Union), 2000a. 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Background. Gland, Switzerland. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.iucn.org/redlist/2000/background.html

51 CARICOMP website is access via www.ccdc.org.jm

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6.0 JUSTIFICATION FOR DESIGNATING BUCCOO REEF AS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA

Buccoo Reef is unarguably among the best reefs of Trinidad and Tobago. It has had a long history of poor management, and failed attempts of protection. It has been recognised as for its broader ecological aspects, its intrinsic values and functions as well as for its potential for direct material benefits.

The purpose of declaration will allow for the maintenance of the significance of the area in the national, regional and international context, as well as the preservation of the biological diversity of the ESA.

The declaration of Buccoo Reef fulfils some of the government’s mandates under various articles under international conventions and agreements. These specifically include the SPAW Protocol, the CBD and CITES. One, Buccoo Reef is declared an ESA.

ESA designation can allow for the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment, including the protection of species that are threatened and are listed under the Annexes of the SPAW Protocol and the Appendices of CITES. These species are:

(i) Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) (ii) Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) (iii) Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) (iv) Fire Coral (Milleporidae spp.) (v) Finger Coral (Porites spp.) (vi) Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals (Acropora spp.) (vii) Boulder Star Coral (Montastrea annularis) (viii) Brain Corals (Colpophyllia spp.; Diploria spp.) (ix) Leaf Coral (Agaricia spp.) (x) Gorgonians, Sea Fans (Gorgonia spp.) (xi) Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum) (xii) Black Corals (Antipathes spp.)

It will now be possible for the area to be managed, rehabilitated and the Management Plan as conceptualised by the IMA in 1995, can be updated, and used for management. This management will also mean that resources can be used in a sustainable manner so that human activities are regulated, and harmonised with economic needs of the island and its people.

The Administrative Record for the Designation of Buccoo Reef as an Environmentally Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 22

7.0 LITERATURE CITED

Agard, J. 1994. Implementing Management Plans for a Protected Area. The Case of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Complex in Tobago. Instructors Manual and Suggested Student Exercises. Resource Materials for Module on Parks and Protected Areas Management. Consortium of Caribbean Universities for Natural Resource Management Association of Caribbean University and Research Institutes.

BRT: Buccoo Reef Trust. 2004. Threats. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.buccooreeftrust.org/threats.htm

CBD: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-Being. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp

CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2001a. What is CITES? Geneva, Switzerland.Available at the Internet URL: http://www.CITES.org/eng/disc/what.shtml

CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2001b. How CITES Works. Geneva, Switzerland. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.CITES.org/eng/disc/how.shtml

CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2003. Priority Species Listing for Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

David Suzuki Foundation. 2004. Why Biodiversity is Important. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/WOL/Biodiversity/Importance.asp

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1997. State of the Environment Report 1997. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1998. State of the Environment Report 1998. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999b. The Administrative Record for Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 1999. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999c. State of the Environment Report 1999. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 2003. Buccoo Reef Dossier. Unpublished Report. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Hayes, F. E. 2003. Personal Communication.

IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs. 1995. IMA/ THA Coral Reef Project Phase Two. The Formulation of a Management Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park: Volume II – The Management Plan. Final Report, Document prepared for the Tobago House of Assembly.

IMA: Institute of Marine Affairs/ UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme. 1999. CEPNET/ IDB Project. State of the Marine Environment Report: Trinidad and Tobago.

IUCN (The World Conservation Union), 1992. Threatened Birds of the Americas. The ICPB/ IUCN Red Data Book. Third Edition. International Council for Bird Preservation (ICPB). Cambridge, United Kingdom.

IUCN (The World Conservation Union), 2000a. 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Background. Gland, Switzerland. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.iucn.org/redlist/2000/background.html

IUCN (The World Conservation Union), 2000b. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, United Kingdom. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.uicn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/equid/docs/appendix2.pdf

IUCN (The World Conservation Union), 2003. What is IUCN? Available at the Internet URL: http://www.IUCN.org/about/index.htm

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 2000. Environmental Management Act, 2000. The Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Government Printery, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 2001. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. The Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Government Printery, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 2001. Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules, 2001. The Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Government Printery, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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SPAW: The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartegena Convention (The SPAW Protocol). 2002. List of Species in the SPAW Protocol. The Secretariat of the SPAW Protocol, Kingston, Jamaica.

Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980a. System of National Parks and Other Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980b. Policy for the Establishment and Management of a National Park System in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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