These days, the world celebrates Coral Reef Week, and we were excited to visit one of the most famous Caribbean coral reefs in Tobago Cays. We had been here in 2015 and enjoyed the vibrant beauty of the coral reefs. However, this time the underwater scene was quite sad—almost a lifeless population of corals in a desolate underwater space.
In addition to warming waters in the Caribbean (according to my measurements then and now, the water temperature in Tobago Cays has risen by 2 degrees, now reaching 29.5°C), this area was recently hit by Hurricane Beryl. Significant storm waves battered the barrier reefs, destroying existing corals.
I found in my archives photos of our visit to Tobago Сay in 2015 and put them here for comparison.
The global community should understand that rebuilding island communities must go hand-in-hand with restoring the biodiversity of coral reefs. Save the coral reefs—save the biodiversity in the coastal zone—save the source of life for island communities. Save beauty, and beauty will save the world!
Broken corals after passing Hurricane BerylBroken corals after passing Hurricane BerylBroken corals after passing Hurricane BerylSnorkeling in Tobago Cays coral reefs in 2015Corals in 2015Corals in 2015Corals in 2015CTD cast in Tobago Cays in 2015
Nestled in the heart of the Grenadines, the Tobago Cays are a stunning archipelago of five small, uninhabited islands surrounded by coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. This secluded paradise, part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, is a haven for sailors, divers, and nature enthusiasts alike. The Cays’ unspoiled beauty and rich biodiversity make it a quintessential Caribbean destination.
The Tobago Cays are renowned for their pristine environment and the breathtaking underwater world that lies beneath the surface. The Marine Park encompasses the islands of Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Jamesby, and Petit Tabac, each boasting its own unique charm. The shallow, protected lagoon formed by the Horseshoe Reef is a snorkeling and diving paradise, home to a plethora of marine species, including corals, majestic sea turtles, and schools of vibrant fish.
Sea turtles are particularly abundant in the area, and it’s not uncommon to find them gliding through the water or munching on seagrass in the shallow bays. The sight of these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors, offering a profound connection to the wonders of the ocean.
While the underwater spectacle is undoubtedly a major draw, the islands themselves offer plenty of allure. Each cay has its own distinct personality. Petit Bateau and Petit Rameau are lush and green, with palm-fringed beaches and serene picnic spots. Baradal is a turtle sanctuary, providing nesting grounds for these ancient mariners. Jamesby, with its rocky outcrops and secluded coves, offers a sense of untouched wilderness. Petit Tabac, famous for its appearance in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, is a slice of cinematic history set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and powdery sands.
Despite their beauty, the Tobago Cays face significant environmental challenges. Rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and the impacts of hurricanes pose threats to the delicate ecosystems that thrive here. Hurricanes like Beryl have left their mark, damaging coral reefs and affecting marine life. The rising temperature of the waters around Tobago Cays, now reaching 29.5°C, has exacerbated these issues, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Visiting the Tobago Cays is not just an opportunity to witness unparalleled beauty but also a chance to reflect on our role in preserving the natural world. By embracing sustainable practices, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for climate action, we can ensure that the Tobago Cays—and places like them around the world—continue to inspire and enchant for generations to come.
A lot of broken treesRuins of the Park RangersWhat’s left after the Big Mama Lobster BBQ Rocking benchTiki Bar
Today we celebrate the anniversary of our Sail for Science expedition – exactly one year ago we sailed from Ottawa and during this time we traveled a long way to the Caribbean Windward Islands. Much has been achieved, but much remains to be done – our family crew of two retired Oceanologists has survived two post-hurricane storms, engine breakdowns and overcame many other challenges associated with the invaluable experience of cruising and life on a sailboat. Carrying out CTD measurements along the route of our voyage was the main priority of the expedition – if there is no data, then there is nothing to talk about; we were able to make more than 165 CTD profilings at depths of down to 120 m. There is still a lot of work to be done to prepare data for transfer to the Ocean Databases, to work out methodological issues of quality control and calibration.
We also consider one of our main achievements to be the launch of the Argo Float in the Caribbean Sea – an assignment that we received at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Canada. Now this float helps scientists collect oceanographic data in the area of ​​possible hurricane passages and better predict these natural disasters. This is especially felt, being now at the epicenter of Hurricane Beryl’s passage in the Grenadines. Our thoughts and good wishes for a speedy recovery to the residents of the affected islands.
A huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters, especially Frank Johnson and Steve Brindamour, who made our dream come true!
