Reef distruction in Tobago

A part of Tobago’s fragile reef system has been damaged after a piece of machinery was dumped onto the reef by a survey vessel. Member dive shops of the Association of Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO) have discovered what is believed to be part of a seismic testing device in between the dive sites cove and Cove Crack in the Columbus Passage on the Atlantic seaside of the island. It has already damaged sponges and corals, which will take years to grow back. This in turn, will affect the crustaceans and fish which depend on coral and sponges for survival.

 

Tobago’s reefs are fragile and any damage harms the underwater eco-system. It is constantly in delicate balance. If this delicate balance is upset then it could be detrimental to the waters around Tobago. This will not only affect the niche market of diving that is promoted by the Government but everyone who makes their living from the sea. ATDO understands that seismic testing is being carried out around the coast of Tobago. Seismic testing is an exploration technique used by oil and gas companies to explore the ocean for oil and gas sediments. The impact of seismic testing on the fish and sea creatures have already been felt, and  can be verified by the fisherman whose livelihood is already being affected.

 

ATDO has written about its concerns to the secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing & the Environment, Gary Melville, the chairman of the Board of directors of the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago (E-IDCOT) Ltd, and the secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Oswald Williams. President of ATDO Alice Darwent says, “Scuba diving is a vital part of Tobago’s tourist industry. If you destroy our natural underwater heritage then we will loose these visitors. The industry employs many people on this island. We need to protect what we have at all costs. The authorities need to act to prevent any further damage happening on our reefs.”

 

For further information visit the Association of Tobago Dive Operators Web site at http://www.tobagoscubadiving.com  or contact ATDO’s president Alice Darwent on 704 -8668.