Tobago’s spectacular underwater world is undoubtedly one of the treasures of this beautiful tropical island, and whether you’re a visitor or a resident in Tobago you should make every effort to experience its amazing variety and colour. The number of species found on coral reefs is estimated to be in excess of one million, making them the second most biodiverse habitat on earth after rainforests.
With over 350 million years of evolution behind them, coral reefs are truly breathtaking monuments to life’s almost infinite variety and complexity. But coral reefs are not just beautiful natural wonders designed to provide people with a relaxing distraction while bobbing around on a boat or with a snorkel. They are a vital part of the ecological fabric and economic activities of small Caribbean islands. They are the backbone of Tobago’s two largest industries; tourism and fishing, providing both jobs and food. They also protect the coastline from erosion by breaking ocean swells. They produce the sand on our beaches. In fact, the whole of South-west Tobago rests on ancient coral limestone deposited over hundreds of thousands of years by the tiny coral polyps that make up coral reefs.Tobago’s fringing coral reefs are some of the best in the region, and because of its nutrient-rich coastal waters, they are also home to an impressive abundance of marine life, ranging from the microscopic to the huge. Located close to the South American Continent, Tobago is washed from the south by the Guyana Current which carries nutrients from the Orinoco River.
These nutrients produce an abundance of plankton which often gives a green or brown tint to the surface waters during the rainy season (June to December). This plankton is the primary food for a thriving f
ood web of marine life of all shapes and sizes. Much of it ends up as food for the massive shoals of small fry, which in turn feed large predatory fish, such as jacks, barracuda, wahoo, tarpon and tuna. Other large animals frequently seen are sea turtles, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, groupers, eagle rays and manta rays. The rich waters are also the reason for the massive size of some of the hard corals - such as the giant brain coral off Speyside which is over 6 meters wide - and the huge barrel sponges that can be seen in the Columbus Passage south of Tobago at Arnos Vale Hotel. This is perhaps why Conservation Cay Foundation signed a two year lease to find out what makes ArnosVale Reef so special.
ood web of marine life of all shapes and sizes. Much of it ends up as food for the massive shoals of small fry, which in turn feed large predatory fish, such as jacks, barracuda, wahoo, tarpon and tuna. Other large animals frequently seen are sea turtles, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, groupers, eagle rays and manta rays. The rich waters are also the reason for the massive size of some of the hard corals - such as the giant brain coral off Speyside which is over 6 meters wide - and the huge barrel sponges that can be seen in the Columbus Passage south of Tobago at Arnos Vale Hotel. This is perhaps why Conservation Cay Foundation signed a two year lease to find out what makes ArnosVale Reef so special.
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