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BUCCOO REEF

Buccoo Reef

Buccoo Reef
Buccoo Reef is a largest coral reef in Tobago and was
designated as a marine park in 1973. Its massive
proportions contain a reef system of five reef flats that
are separated by deep channels. An associated lagoon,
the Bon Accord Lagoon, is almost completely enclosed by
Sheerbirds Point and a dense mangrove belt.
The succession of fauna and flora, from the dense
mangrove to the outer reef, is a biologists delight. This
reef complex is also more accessible to the non-diver, as
snorkeling and glass-bottom boats offer an easy way to
observe the many habitats and species it contains. The
reef flats have wave-resistant species adapted to
turbulent waters, such as elkhorn coral, while the reef
crests are dominated by the star coral. At greater depths
in the Coral Gardens the benthic fauna changes and is
made up of large colonies of brain coral, starlet coral and
star coral, with many waving soft corals.
This is one of the best examples of a reef complex in the
region, but tragically, the Buccoo Reef is a shadow of

BUCCOO REEF
what it once was. A combination of pollution from land
run-off and physical damage from reef walking and
anchors has degraded much of this once magnificent reef.
There is hope to restore this magnificent reef and a
concerted effort from the community, the private sector
and government can make it happen. The Buccoo Reef
Trust is playing an active role in this process and is
initiating a Restoration Program with the relevant
agencies. A film called Buccoo Reef: To Rescue and to
Restore has recently been produced by the Buccoo Reef
Trust in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly
which explains some of the approaches that are being
taken.

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