The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Trinidad and Tobago

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO / TRINITE-ET-TOBAGO / TRINIDAD Y TABAGO

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Trinidad and Tobago on 21 April 1993. Trinidad and Tobago presently has 3 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 15,919 hectares.

National Policy and Programmes on Wetland Conservation, 2001

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Buccoo Reef / Bon Accord Lagoon Complex. 08/07/05; Tobago; 1,287 ha; 11°10'N 060°57'W. Restricted Area (in the process of being designated as Environmentally Sensitive Area). Located on the southwestern coast of Tobago near Scarborough, this site contains several under-represented wetland types such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Endangered and vulnerable species in the area include various types of coral (Acropora palmata, Diploria labyrinthiformis, D. strigosa and Siderastrea siderea) as well as the critically endangered Hawkbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and at least 119 fish species. As the major tourist attraction in Tobago, the reef continues to be adversely affected by intense tourist activity and pollutant discharges. So far the restricted area status and existing management plan have been unable to prevent these impacts. Ramsar site no. 1496. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Caroni Swamp. 08/07/05; Trinidad; 8,398 ha; 10°34'N 061°27'W. Protected Area. An extraordinarily important wetland near the capital Port of Spain, since it is ecologically diverse, consisting of marshes, mangrove swamp (5,996 ha), brackish and saline lagoons, and tidal mudflats in close proximity. A total of 20 endangered bird species have been recorded in the site, including the Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Comb duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), Snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), and the severely threatened Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The swamp has been modified by attempted reclamation, and there is some seasonal cultivation on the landward fringe. Caroni Swamp is important economically for oyster and fish harvesting, for hunting and for ecotourism. Ramsar site no. 1497. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Nariva Swamp. 21/12/92; Trinidad; 6,234 ha; 10º23’N 061º04’W. Added to the Montreux Record, 16 June 1993; removed from the Record, 7 January 2002. Forest Reserve. Extensive complex of freshwater swamp forest, permanent herbaceous swamp, seasonally flooded marshes, and mangrove forest. The area supports a rich fauna: at least 13 species of birds, notably Ara ararauna (at least highly endangered; probably extinct); various mammals, including Trichechus manatus (endangered), and reptiles. The fishery provides a livelihood for local people. Human activities include rice, watermelon and marijuana production, felling of mangroves to supply bark to the tanning industry. Subject of a Ramsar Advisory Mission in 1995. Ramsar site no. 577. Most recent RIS information: 1997.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 25 January 2000, updated 26 September 2005, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.