Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) Trinidad & Tobago: @IMAgovTT

Stay informed with the latest updates from the IMA! Click on the following link to read our latest newsletter and discover what's happening in marine research. https://buff.ly/3wSQxkr

Protecting the Greater Caribbean’s beaches The Association of Caribbean States (ACS), working with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), chose three beaches to study for future coastal restoration projects: Viento Frio in Panama, Runaway Bay in Antigua and Barbuda, and Bonasse in Trinidad and Tobago. The Greater Caribbean region has a mix of different coastal landscapes, each facing challenges such as strong winds, ocean currents, rising sea levels and hurricanes. Click on the following link to learn more: https://buff.ly/3CucBHW Photo courtesy: Sandee

Tackling Coral Disease: IMA Researchers Train in SCTLD Identification and Treatment Researchers Dr Anjani Ganase and Hannah Locah of the IMA participated in a training workshop from January 6th to 8th to learn how to identify and treat Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). Held in San Andrés, Colombia, the workshop was hosted by the Institute’s Project Partners, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (@perryinstituteformarinescience) SCTLD is a virulent, highly transmissible disease that has decimated reefs in the Caribbean region since it was first observed in Florida in 2014. It has since spread throughout the Caribbean, reaching as far south in Grenada where the disease is present. SCTLD can infect many of the commonly found coral species in Tobago, such as brain corals and star corals. Infected corals develop lesions and suffer rapid tissue death. Infected corals can die in a matter of days or weeks. While SCTLD has not yet been reported in Tobago, building capacity to manage the disease is critical as it is expected to spread to our marine and coastal resources. Anjani and Hannah learned how to prepare the antibiotic treatment, identify SCTLD, and apply the treatment to infected corals. This project, Building Preparedness Against Coral Disease for the Preservation of Tobago's Coral Reefs, is funded by a SPAW RAC small grant. The next phase of the project will focus on raising awareness about SCTLD and building capacity of key local marine resource users and partner organizations. On behalf of the IMA, we would like to thank Dr. Valeria Pizarro (@santa_marte) and Julianna Vanegas (@julivanegasg) for hosting and teaching us the essentials of coral disease management and capacity building. PHOTO CAPTIONS: Photo 1: From left to right: Juliana Vanegas, Scientist, Perry Institute for Marine Science; Anjani Ganase, Coral Reef Ecologist, Institute of Marine Affairs; Dr. Valeria Pizarro, Scientist, Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS); and Hannah Lochan, Research Officer, Institute of Marine Affairs Photo 2: Massive starlet coral with a lesion of dead coral tissue indicating it is infected with SCTLD (San Andrés Island) Photo 3: Antibiotic treatment applied around the infected lesion to prevent the spread of the SCTLD disease to the rest of the coral (San Andrés Island) Photo 4: Infected area of mountainous star coral treated with antibiotics Photo 5: Applying treatment to infected coral #imagovtt #CoralDisease #SCTLD #CoralReefs #MarineConservation #IMAResearchers #Tobago #SanAndrés #PerryInstituteForMarineScience #SPAWProject #CoralBleaching #MarineScience #EnvironmentalAwareness #ReefRestoration #CaribbeanReefs #CoralHealth #ProtectOurOceans

Mussels, microplastics and corals Ocean research may seem irrelevant to our day-to-day lives, but the knowledge we obtain from studying the deepest darkest places and the teeny tiniest organisms have significant implications to our climate, health and well-being. Let’s delve into some of the latest research with Dr Anjani Ganase by clicking on the following link: https://buff.ly/3PNGRAJ #imagovtt #mussels #microplastics #corals #climatechange #scienceresearch #research #marineecosystem

Plastic waste is a major problem for our planet, impacting everything from the highest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches. It harms human health, destroys ecosystems, and threatens wildlife, especially marine animals. The issue has worsened as plastic use has increased over recent decades. Although plastic products are usually used for about 10 years, they can take up to 600 years to break down, depending on their type and disposal method. Check out the infographic to learn the lifespan of different plastics. #imagovtt #microplastic #plasticwaste #plastic #ocean #plasticpollution #pollution #ecosystem #wildlife #trinidadandtobago

🌊 The Wait is Over! Our 2025 Tidal Calendar is here! 🌊 Dive into a year of discovery, protection, and inspiration! 🌟 👉 Check out ad for details! #imagovtt #DiscoverProtectInspire #IMA2024TidalCalendar

The Shocking Truth About Microplastics Tiny plastic particles are everywhere—in the air you breathe, the water you drink, and even the food you eat. Scientists are uncovering startling connections between these invisible invaders and major health issues, from respiratory dysfunction to fertility challenges. But what makes these microplastics so dangerous, and why are they so hard to avoid? Click on the link to learn more: https://buff.ly/3E3Q7xY #imagovtt #microplastic #environment #humanhealth #marineenvironment

Jamaica has officially prohibited the importation, distribution, manufacture, and use of single-use plastic food containers, marking the end of a six-month transitional period on January 9, 2025. The ban includes items made wholly or partially from polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid, as part of the government’s continued efforts to safeguard public health and the environment. Click on the link to learn more: https://buff.ly/4h6AW60 #imagovtt #microplastic #TrinidadAndTobago #Trinidad #Tobago #plastic #plasticban #environment

Did you know? Deep-sea sponges store carbon and hold secrets about the Earth’s climate history! Let’s learn more. #imagovtt #sponges #coralreef #TrinidadandTobago #Trinidad #Tobago

What do you know about sponges on our coral reefs? Let’s dive in and learn the fascinating role these underwater wonders play! 🌊✨ #imagovtt #sponges #coralreef #TrinidadandTobago #Trinidad #Tobago #RichardHubbard