BUCCOO REEF Buccoo Reef Buccoo Reef Buccoo Reef is a largest coral reef in Tobago and was designated as a marine park in 197! "ts massi#e proportions contain a reef s$stem of %#e reef &ats t'at are separated b$ deep c'annels! (n associated lagoon) t'e Bon (ccord *agoon) is almost completel$ enclosed b$ +'eerbird,s -oint and a dense mangro#e belt! T'e succession of fauna and &ora) from t'e dense mangro#e to t'e outer reef) is a biologist,s delig't! T'is reef comple. is also more accessible to t'e non/di#er) as snorkeling and glass/bottom boats o0er an eas$ wa$ to obser#e t'e man$ 'abitats and species it contains! T'e reef &ats 'a#e wa#e/resistant species adapted to turbulent waters) suc' as elk'orn coral) w'ile t'e reef crests are dominated b$ t'e star coral! (t greater dept's in t'e Coral ardens t'e bent'ic fauna c'anges and is made up of large colonies of brain coral) starlet coral an star coral) wit' man$ wa#ing soft corals! T'is is one of t'e best e.amples of a reef comple. in t'e region) but tragicall$) t'e Buccoo Reef is a s'adow of
Buccoo ReefBuccoo 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 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.
