Degradation of Coral Reefs in the Tobago Cays

Candidate’s Name: Omari James

Candidate’s Number: 150015
School: St. Vincent Grammar School
Centre Number: 150015
Territory: St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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 CARIBBEANEXAMINATIONSCOUNCIL
SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT
GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY
STRATEGY SHEET

To be completed by March 15 of the year of the examination. Insert at cover of field study
report. Make a duplicate copy of this sheet. Your teacher will return a copy to you.
CANDIDATE’S NAME: Omari James .
REGISTRATION NUMBER: ______________________
GENERAL TOPIC OF INTEREST: Degradation of Coral Reefs .
POSSIBLE QUESTION TO BE INVESTIGATED: .What are some causes of the Degradation of
Coral Reefs in the Tobago Cays Marine Park

STRATEGY
(A) What is the purpose of your study? To investigate the causes of degradation and give an
account of the measures used to protect the Southern Grenadines Tobago Cays Marine Park, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines.

(B) How will you obtain data? Interviews, Online Data

(C) How do you intend to present the data and findings in your report? By using graphs and
maps, Analyzing Data, and discussing the findings
LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA: Southern Grenadines, Tobago Cays Marine Park
EQUIPMENT/RESOURCES REQUIRED: Stationery, Printer, Scanner
ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES: Write up of SBA
NAME OF TEACHER: Mrs. Tucker Baisden
SIGNATURE OF TEACHER: _______________________________________
DATE: September 23 2019

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 Table of Content

Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Aim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Location of Study -----------------------------------------------------------------------5

Methodology -----------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Analysis and Discussion ----------------------------------------------------------------8

Conclusion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

Appendix --------------------------------------------------------- 15

Introduction

Coral Reefs are offshore ridges made up of mainly calcium carbonate and are formed by

secretions of small marine animals  As the corals grow and expand, reefs take on one of three

major characteristic structures fringing, barrier or atoll. Coral reefs are important because they

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help to protect the coast by acting as a natural breakwater, they are also used at habitats for

marine life such as fishes and shellfishes and is a recreational resource for local people and

tourism.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park located North East of Union Island in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines is a popular tourist site in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Known as the “Jewel in

the Crown” of the Southern Grenadines, Tobago Cays Marine Park comprises five picture-

perfect, uninhabited islands surrounded by a clear lagoon. Here, you’ll find sea turtle nesting

sites and feeding areas, small systems of mangroves, and the most well-developed coral reef

complexes in St. Vincent. This is a major attraction to the many tourists that visits the park along

with the clear white sand beaches and having the opportunity to snorkel with the marine animals

or look at the coral reefs.

It is an idyllic yachting paradise for an estimated 3000 visitors per year and as a result of this the

coral reef is under constant degradation by both natural and manmade causes. Some of these

damages are coral bleaching and algal growth.

The researcher is conducting research on this topic to investigate the causes and effects of the

degradation of the Coral Reefs and what measures are in place to protect and prevent further

degradation to the coral reef.

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 Aim

To investigate the causes of degradation and give an account of the measures used to protect the

Southern Grenadines Tobago Cays Marine Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Location of Study

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 Methodology

How:

Primary methods of data collection was used where an interview with the manager of the Tobago

Cays Marine Park, (ref to appendix) and Eleven of the questions were open-ended type, while

seven were closed-ended type. Data was also collected using secondary methods such as reading

books, articles, and the internet were used to collect more information about the topic.

When:

The researcher conducted a meeting with the manager of the Tobago Cays Marine Park on the

19th of August 2019 at approximately 2pm where a total of 18 questions (ref to appendix) were

given to the manager to complete.

Where:

Data was collected from the Tobago Cays Marine Park’s main office, Clifton Union Island,

approximately 66 kilometers South-West away from Kingstown.

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 Analysis and Discussion

Causes of Degradation of Coral Reefs in Tobago Cays

Too much sediments in water

Surface runoff from the erosion of topsoil from heavy rainfall runs off from the inhabited

neighboring island of Mayreau which makes up part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, runs into

the sea. Mayreau has a lot of surface runoff because it has no farms or vegetation holding the

soil, this soil is then washed away into the water and eventually travel to the Tobago cays by

means of water currents. When the sediments arrive in the Tobago cays it causes a cloudy

suspension in the water, depriving the corals from there sunlight which they need to grow. As a

result coral bleaching occurs making the corals die because of the growth of algae

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Improper Disposal of Sewage/Bile

Muddy Water

Oil from Engine/Bildge

Evidence of Temperature Change

Sewage/Wastewater disposal

Careless Tourism

Fertilizers/Pesticides

Oxygen Stravation

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Three yachters and tourist ships were caught in the space of a month seen docking in the Tobago

Cays, and illegally empty their sewage into the open water were reefs are located. (Shown in

Figure 2)

(Figure 2) Bar graph showing factors contributing to coral degradation in the Tobago Cays
Marine Park.

These elements can end up changing the chemical makeup of the water, but the waste can also

block life-giving sunlight to the reef which is a major factor of degradation of Coral Reefs and

contributes to algae growth. The farmers on Union Island also uses fertilizers that are harmful to

the coral reefs, seeing that the island does not have a proper drainage system, the heavy rainfall

from December to January will wash all the fertilizers in the sea. This will cause the growth of

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algae, starving the coral reef from oxygen. The fertilizers will then be caught in the underwater

currents that pass through the Tobago cays from the islands and the coral will trap it

Careless Tourism

When tourist enter the Tobago Cays whether by Boats and other vessels used for recreational

activities they damage coral reefs by carelessly dropping anchors or boats, accidentally hitting

coral reefs which damages the Coral. Tourist who seeks activity such as divers, snorkelers, and

other sea lovers who has no knowledge of the rules often damage the reef by playing on them,

stepping or sitting on them to rest which also slowly damages the coral. They also damage the

reef when they enter the water and the insect repellent starts to come off their skin and enter the

water which can be very poisonous to the coral.

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 Measures used to reduce the rate of Degradation in the Tobago Cays

The installation of Moorings away from the coral reefs

The park provide anchorage zones and moorings for cruise ships, yachts and dinghies. These

mooring areas are sandy areas of the lagoon, away from the reefs and sea-grass beds (shown in

figure 2.1),

(Figure 2.1) Picture showing anchorage zones in the Tobago Cays Marine Park.

Which are located approximately 700 yards North-West of Petit Rameau (one of the islands in

the Tobago cays). The island of Baradal is also surrounded by yacht anchorage areas which also

stretch down to James Bay and between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau. All these areas are well

away from the coral reefs.

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Yachtsmen who anchor their crafts elsewhere are first warned, redirected to stipulated area for

anchorage and are also reminded of fines that can be imposed for future violations.

By Educating the visitors and tourists

To further reduce damage to the reefs users are educated about a set of rules and regulations of

activities they can do and what not to do and regarding park activities. These include: dive with a

certified and registered dive operator and don’t stand on or touch the corals, and to also rinse

their skin with fresh water before entering the water.

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Impose fines on people who empty in the Marine Park

There are regulations against vessels emptying their bilge and sewage while at anchorage. They

are advised to do so in open waters outside of the park. These regulations are enforced through

education (brochures with park rules), guidelines are handed out to visitors, surveillance: patrols

by park rangers as well as fines imposed on offenders. Offenders can be fined up to EC$5000.00;

as well as suspension from the park.

The Measures used to protect the degradation of the Tobago cays Marine Park had a significant

change in the number of violations committed in the Marine Park dropped significantly in July

2019 compared to August 2019 (shown in Figure 2.2)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

(Figure 2.2) showing amount of violations in the Tobago Cays Marine Park between July 2019

and August 2019

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 Conclusion

This research was conducted with the help of the manager of the Tobago Cays Marine Park who

was interviewed and answered 18 questions.

After conducting this investigation it was discovered that the coral reefs in Tobago Cays were

being degraded by a number of causes. In the Tobago Cays there is a clearly defined area for the

mooring of small cruise ships; north-west of Petit Rameau, and the islands of Baradal is

surrounded by yacht anchorage areas which stretches down to James Bay between Petit Rameau

and Petit Bateau.

Perpetrators of offences in the park are usually first warned but persistent infringement of the

park rules may lead to suspension form the park and or fines. Violations involving waste disposal

and misuse of the park which could result in damage to the marine environment are quite

frequent in the Cays.

The management of the TCMP promotes widespread education with the hope of enlightening

park users of its principals of sustainable use of the environment and co-operation among

resource users. Some of the initiative’s management uses to get its message across includes

brochures rules handouts to visitors, media advertisement (radio, TV), school programs as well

as its website. The park management also partners with and obtain a variety of assistance from

several environmentally friendly organizations. Some of these agencies provide valuable advice

on principles and best practices as they relate to park management while others assist with the

more technical aspects of marine conservation.

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 Appendix
As a student of the St. Vincent Grammar School, I am carrying out an interview as a part of my
Geography CSEC SBA and I am asking you for your assistance in completing this interview. My
aim is to identify out what is being done to protect the coral reefs in the Tobago Cays from
degradation. Please assist me in my research by giving accurate answers to the following
questions.

1. How many moorings are there in the Tobago Cays?

________________________________________________________________________

2. How many moorings are placed at one time?

________________________________________________________________________

3. Is there a special area for yachts to anchor?

Yes  No 

4. Where is these area/ areas located?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Do you experience problems with anchors dragging and damaging corals?

Yes  No 

6. What is likely to happen to yachtsmen who moor their crafts outside of stipulated area(s)?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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7. From your observation, is there any sign(s) of coral reef degradation in the TCMP?
Yes  No 
8. If yes which of the following can you attribute it to; number the appropriate boxes in
order of importance.
Muddy water after heavy rainfall  Oxygen Starvation 
Sewage/Wastewater disposal  Growth of algae 
Chemical oils from engine/bilge  Fertilizers/Pesticides run-off 
Evidence of temperature (Global Warming) 

9. What is being done to address this or these problems that you know of?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

10. Do you think that the tourism product itself that is offered in the TCMP (snorkeling,
surfing, swimming etc.) leads to damages to the coral reefs in any way?
Yes  No  not sure 

11. Which of the following do you think are likely to happen as a result of tourist(s)
activities? Number the appropriate boxes in order of importance.

Souvenirs taking  Tampering of corals 

Kicking up sand on coral  Anchor dragging on reefs 
Boats grounding on reefs 

12. Do you have any regulations regarding yachts emptying their bilge as well as sewage
while at anchorage in the Tobago Cays?
Yes  No 

13. How do you ensure that these regulations are enforced?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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14. Are there penalties for yachtsmen who do not comply?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

15. What are some of these penalties?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

16. What provisions are made available for garbage/refuse disposal in the TCMP?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

17. What are the penalties for non-compliance or indiscriminate garbage disposal?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

18. How do you inform tourist/the community about the rules of being in the Tobago cays?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

19. What are some activities you will recommend to tourist and yachters to do while enjoying
their time in the Tobago Cays Marine Park?
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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 ________________________________________________________________________
Bibliography

Wilson .M, The Caribbean environment, Oxford university press, United Kingdom, 2016

Thornes .N, Geography for CSEC, Nelson Thornes Ltd, United Kingdom,2008

Karen Kirkpatrick, What if all the coral reefs disappeared?,

https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/what-if/what-if-all-coral-reefs-disappeared.htm

OCEAN RELATED NEWS, 5 Main Causes of Coral Reef Destruction,

https://www.leisurepro.com/blog/ocean-news/5-main-coral-reef-destruction/

Tobago Cays Marine Park, Map of Tobago Cays Marine Parkhttp://www.tobagocays.org/tcmp-

maps/

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