The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) has launched the second edition of the book ‘Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago.’
The official launch, held at the Shaw Park Complex, highlighted the importance of coral reefs and the dangers Tobago’s reefs face.
The second edition, authored by Institute of Marine Affairs’ Coral Reef Ecologist Dr. Anjani Ganase, comes thirty years after the first edition of ‘A Simple Guide to the Coral Reefs of Tobago’ was written by the late Richard Laydoo.
Dr. Ganase said the second edition includes underwater photos and shares the story of a coral written in the first person, highlighting the history of Tobago’s coral reefs.
“Under the direction of Mr. Laydoo, the IMA created the first baseline mapping of coral reefs of Tobago, complementing the work being done at the University of the West Indies around the same time. This simple book, forty pages, provides a scientific understanding of our reefs. Today the second edition is a testament to the knowledge and the work in coral reef science in Trinidad and Tobago.”
IMA Director Dr. Ava Maxam said the publication is a timely and welcomed contribution to the national scientific literary landscape.
“Our full-colour book provides a comprehensive exploration of the biology, biodiversity, and ecological significance of reef-building corals across Trinidad and Tobago. Combining scientific precision with non-technical jargon while shedding light on the environmental, economic and societal importance of these delicate marine ecosystems, this publication, we know, will inspire hope for coral reef resilience.”
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine applauded the IMA and the book’s author for the project, as he stressed there is an urgent need to protect Tobago’s blue economy. He noted the efforts of the IMA will assist the Tobago House of Assembly.
“I am concerned that we have not taken very good care of our blue assets all of the time. This latest edition is another vital resource that will assist in informing policy and informing stewardship. It draws on 40 years of scientific research and updated imagery, and this book most definitely will become highly sought after as a reference point.”
The Chief Secretary urged policymakers to make use of the publication.