Macqueripe Bay on the north coast of Trinidad is a special place that needs your help:
· It is home to a wide variety of marine life: over 160 species have been recorded there including algae, corals, sponges, crabs, snails, fish, turtles and dolphins
· It is sheltered, usually has relatively calm, clear water, and attracts many individuals and families who engage in a range of recreational pursuits
The bay is threatened by unregulated fishing (spearfishing and fishing from shore), litter (e.g., food containers, fishing lines, bottles), pollution (waterborne pathogens and nutrients), and the unregulated operation of motorised recreational craft in the bay. These activities can pose a threat to both human and marine life, and the quality of experience had by recreationists. Unless properly regulated or stopped, there is the risk that someone could get seriously hurt or killed, and that some species that are key to the stability of the bay’s ecosystem could be decimated.
There is evidence from studies by The University of the West Indies and the Institute of Marine Affairs, that by the 1990s the bay had lost some of the biodiversity observed and recorded in the 1970s–1980s.
The Trinidad & Tobago Eco Divers Club therefore seeks the assistance of the public in safeguarding Macqueripe Bay by supporting our request to the Environmental Management Authority to give the bay protected status that would prohibit the extraction of wild life, and safeguard water quality.
Please sign the petition below to help us preserve this beautiful, national treasure. You support is greatly appreciated.
Updates
July 1, 2014
The research findings from the Institute of Marine Affairs highlight a clear decline in biodiversity that we must address. I am currently compiling these scientific reports to present a formal case to the authorities regarding the urgent need for protected status.
July 1, 2014
The reach of this petition has surpassed my initial expectations and confirms that many people care deeply about the ecological health of Macqueripe Bay. This momentum indicates that the time is right to present our formal request for protected status to the Environmental Management Authority.
9 Comments
There are signs about no spear-fishing but they are ignored. At the minimum, the CDA should have some kind of guard to monitor this. What is the $20.00 parking fee used for? There is no supervising presence in the car park!
about time someone took action, the bay isnt what it was 20 years ago
PLEASE STOP THE SPEAR FISHING. My kids swim there and i am always worried about hooks and people with poles moving around in the water
The amount of trash left on the beach every weekend is just sad. We need to stop people from leaving plastic everywhere before it all ends up in the water
Used to love taking the family here but lately its just too messy and unsafe with the boats coming in so close. Hope this works
It's about time something like this is done
We should preserve what's left of T&T's natural reserves and beauty spots!
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Macqueripe Bay on the north coast of Trinidad is a special place that needs your help:
· It is home to a wide variety of marine life: over 160 species have been recorded there including algae, corals, sponges, crabs, snails, fish, turtles and dolphins
· It is sheltered, usually has relatively calm, clear water, and attracts many individuals and families who engage in a range of recreational pursuits
The bay is threatened by unregulated fishing (spearfishing and fishing from shore), litter (e.g., food containers, fishing lines, bottles), pollution (waterborne pathogens and nutrients), and the unregulated operation of motorised recreational craft in the bay. These activities can pose a threat to both human and marine life, and the quality of experience had by recreationists. Unless properly regulated or stopped, there is the risk that someone could get seriously hurt or killed, and that some species that are key to the stability of the bay’s ecosystem could be decimated.
There is evidence from studies by The University of the West Indies and the Institute of Marine Affairs, that by the 1990s the bay had lost some of the biodiversity observed and recorded in the 1970s–1980s.
The Trinidad & Tobago Eco Divers Club therefore seeks the assistance of the public in safeguarding Macqueripe Bay by supporting our request to the Environmental Management Authority to give the bay protected status that would prohibit the extraction of wild life, and safeguard water quality.
Please sign the petition below to help us preserve this beautiful, national treasure. You support is greatly appreciated.
Updates
July 1, 2014
The research findings from the Institute of Marine Affairs highlight a clear decline in biodiversity that we must address. I am currently compiling these scientific reports to present a formal case to the authorities regarding the urgent need for protected status.
July 1, 2014
The reach of this petition has surpassed my initial expectations and confirms that many people care deeply about the ecological health of Macqueripe Bay. This momentum indicates that the time is right to present our formal request for protected status to the Environmental Management Authority.
9 Comments
Macqueripe Bay is a unique treasure that is easily accessible for all to enjoy. It's a very special portal to the wonders of the underwater world for new snorkelers and divers alike and folks who just enjoy a beautiful beach. Such a small reef community depends on all species to play their role to ensure survival of the ecosystem. We humans have our role to play too.
There are signs about no spear-fishing but they are ignored. At the minimum, the CDA should have some kind of guard to monitor this. What is the $20.00 parking fee used for? There is no supervising presence in the car park!
about time someone took action, the bay isnt what it was 20 years ago
PLEASE STOP THE SPEAR FISHING. My kids swim there and i am always worried about hooks and people with poles moving around in the water
The amount of trash left on the beach every weekend is just sad. We need to stop people from leaving plastic everywhere before it all ends up in the water
Used to love taking the family here but lately its just too messy and unsafe with the boats coming in so close. Hope this works
It's about time something like this is done
We should preserve what's left of T&T's natural reserves and beauty spots!
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Macqueripe Bay is a unique treasure that is easily accessible for all to enjoy. It's a very special portal to the wonders of the underwater world for new snorkelers and divers alike and folks who just enjoy a beautiful beach. Such a small reef community depends on all species to play their role to ensure survival of the ecosystem. We humans have our role to play too.