Caribbean coral reefs critically endangered

The reefs around TT, as well as throughout the Caribbean, are critically endangered said coral reef ecologist at the Institute of Marine Affairs and weekly columnist for Tobago Newsday Dr Anjani Ganase.

Ganase said although coral reefs were vital to a country’s economy, people did not pay enough attention to how they were treated.

Ganase was addressing a small group of marine stakeholders today at the second seminar on modern Caribbean seascapes/coral reefs, held at the Institute of Marine Affairs auditorium, Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas.

“Don’t walk on it. We depend on the reefs for food. Buccoo Reef is a classic example of a reef that has been well-visited but well-destroyed because we physically touch it too much.

“We intend to use scientific research and innovative communications to connect people to the marine world, inspiring them to be responsible, by encouraging the implementation of environmental management policies.”