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Institute of Marine Affairs

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Institute of Marine Affairs

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To foster research & provide advice for the sustainable management of the coastal & marine areas

Fields of Activity:
Marine Fisheries
Aquaculture
Marine Geology/Sedimentology
Pollution Studies
Marine and Wetlands Ecology
Physical Oceanography
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
Marine Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Management and Planning

09/11/2026

Turning Sargassum - a Coastal Challenge into a Blue Economy Opportunity

If you have visited the beach recently, you have likely seen thick mats of Sargassum seaweed along the shoreline. While excessive blooms pose a real challenge to our coastal communities, tourism and fisheries, they also open the door for incredible innovation!
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced plans to establish a commercial arm to drive a local and regional Sargassum industry, with the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) spearheading the initiative.

In his contribution to the Budget 2027 debate, Senator Dr. The Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development stated, "The Honourable Prime Minister has directed, and Cabinet has agreed, that a commercial arm be established to licence its development from joint ventures and attract private capital."

Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), stated this initiative is rooted in cutting-edge marine scientific research and technology, driven by a partnership to build a value chain that enhances resilience and protects our marine ecosystems. Trinidad and Tobago provides the perfect environment for Sargassum industrialization akin to our development of Pt. Lisas Industrial Park, where the necessary engineering resources and hub already exist. This marks a pivotal step in resource mobilisation and solutions positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a leader in Sargassum innovation.

This strategic move marks a vital shift from viewing Sargassum seaweed purely as an environmental hurdle to managing it as a high-value commercial resource. By scaling up research and processing capabilities, this initiative focuses on turning it into eco-friendly, commercially-viable products such as Biochar, Biostimulants, Alginates and Fucoidans. These can be created in a more cost-efficient manner, enabling Trinidad and Tobago to tap into the lucrative global nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets.

This forward-thinking project is a massive step toward protecting our beautiful coastlines while creating new jobs, attracting investment, and building a sustainable circular economy for Trinidad and Tobago!

By bridging scientific expertise with commercial venture, this model is set to attract new investment, foster green innovation, and diversify the region's economic landscape.

Check out the full story in the following:
1. https://www.planning.gov.tt/newsite/cabinet-approves-commercial-arm-to-develop-sargassum-industry/

2. https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/cabinet-approves-commercial-arm-to-develop-sargassum-industry-6.2.2695504.000ed6b93d

3. Read more about how the Sargassum Valorisation Industry in our latest IMA News issue - www.ima.gov.tt

Kennedy Swaratsingh
Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
UNDP Trinidad and TobagoUNDP
Environmental Management Authority
UWI St. Augustine
UTT - The University of Trinidad and Tobago
ODPMTT
CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research InstituteIRI
Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism

08/11/2026

Best wishes to the Hindu Community from the Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine Affairs - Shubh Divali 2026

06/11/2026

A Wake-Up Call for T&T: We Can’t Have the Scarlet Ibis Without Its Mangroves!

The stunning crimson of our national bird is iconic, but the reality behind its survival is critical. The historic Mille Fleurs recently provided a magnificent backdrop for the premiere of the powerful new documentary, Plight of the Ibis, produced by Gideon Hanoomansingh.

The film features expert insights from a distinguished panel, including Dr. Rahanna Juman and Mr. Hamish Asmath from the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), Dr. Ryan Mohammed (UWI), and former Miss Universe 1998, Ms. Wendy Fitzwilliam.

The takeaway? To protect the Scarlet Ibis, we must first protect its home.

Dr. Juman emphasised that mangroves are not just coastal trees, they are dynamic ecosystems that serve as absolute life support systems for the Ibis. They provide nesting sites and shelter the quiet tidal flats where the birds forage.

Education is our strongest tool. By consistently educating the public on how mangroves shield our coasts from storm surges and act as fish nurseries, we can shift mindsets from viewing wetlands as "barren wastelands" to seeing them as economic and environmental lifelines. Continuous learning empowers our communities to stop illegal clearing and dumping, and start restoring!

Let's heed this call to action. Protecting mangroves secures the ecological foundation of Trinidad and Tobago for generations to come and enhances Scarlet Ibis populations.

We invite you to watch an excerpt from the premiere of Plight of the Scarlet Ibis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9BEWeKs8wQ

Ibis

National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago
UWI St. Augustine
Environmental Management Authority
SpeSeas
The Cropper Foundation
Nature Seekers
Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute

04/11/2026

Your voice matters in shaping the future of the Gulf of Paria!

Join us on Wednesday 11th November, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at SDMS Hindu School, Felicity, Chaguanas, to share your ideas, experiences and perspectives at our Community Workshop.

Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh Environmental Science and Management - ESM - NSU Environmental Management Authority CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute Procaribe Plus UNOPS UNDP Trinidad and Tobago Alliance of Small Island States Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Trinidad Express Newspapers Trinidad and Tobago Association of Local Government Authorities CNC3 Television, Trinidad and Tobago Mangrove Action Project (MAP) Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI)

14/10/2026

Expressions of Interest

Eligible consulting firms are invited to submit Expressions of Interest for the development of a Framework for Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Services in Trinidad and Tobago.

Submission Deadline: Monday, 19 October 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time).

For project details and submission requirements, visit: https://www.iadb.org/en/project/TT-T1181

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development IDB Invest

02/10/2026

Everyday Actions Against Hidden Pollutants

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are toxic by-products that linger in soil, water, and air, posing lasting risks to health and the environment. But individual choices matter. Each action, no matter how small, can contribute to reducing their impact.

Our interactive carousel highlights practical steps you can take: minimize waste, support clean energy, choose eco-friendly products, join community clean-ups, and embrace sustainable transportation. We also emphasize the importance of educating others and supporting strong environmental policies.

Every Action Counts.

Together, these individual efforts form a collective force for change. By adopting cleaner habits and advocating for safer practices, we can reduce the presence of UPOPs and safeguard our environment for future generations.

Stop the UPOPs. Explore the steps, take action, and be part of the movement for a healthier planet.

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/

30/09/2026

From Spelling to Marine Trivia: PROMAR Takes the Message to San Fernando

On September 5th, 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), through the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project, joined the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) Hive Five Spellbound Caravan at Gulf City Mall, San Fernando.

Hosted by Guardian Media Limited (GML), the event brought together IMA, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Central Statistical Office (CSO) for a day of activities, challenges and community engagement.

At the IMA booth, visitors tested their marine knowledge through trivia questions, took on the challenge of completing a 24-piece puzzle in under 2½ minutes, and joined discussions about practical ways to reduce single-use plastics and address marine litter in Trinidad and Tobago.

Representing IMA were Anastacia Auguste, Nanyamkah Thomas, Jada Megan-Ramnath (PROMAR), Daniel Suite (PROMAR) and Keith Bartholomew, who kept the activities moving and the conversations flowing throughout the day.

It was another opportunity for PROMAR to take the message into the community — one conversation, one game and one interaction at a time. Want to learn more about what IMA is doing to reduce marine litter? Click here: https://www.ima.gov.tt/promar-project/

Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh Guardian Media Limited CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute Environmental Management Authority Central Statistical Office Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea Institute of Marine Affairs

30/09/2026

Today, we focus on Nap, a character representing Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). Once widely used for their chemical stability and heat resistance, PCNs now symbolize the lingering challenges of industrial pollutants that persist long after their production has ended.

Who is Nap?

Chemical Profile: Nap embodies PCNs, historically used in applications such as electrical insulation, wood preservation, and industrial coatings.

Industrial Legacy: Although intentional production has stopped, Nap persists in the environment, particularly near former industrial sites.

Why Nap Matters.

Health Risks: PCN exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including skin disorders and liver disease, particularly among workers.

Environmental Persistence: Nap highlights how PCNs remain in soil, water, and ecosystems for decades, contaminating wildlife and entering the food chain.

Complex Clean-Up: Their stability makes remediation of contaminated areas technically challenging and resource-intensive.

Addressing the Challenge

Support Remediation:

✅ Advocate for clean-up and restoration of contaminated industrial sites.

✅ Promote Safer Industry: Encourage modern practices that prevent the creation of persistent pollutants.

✅ Raise Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and history of PCNs helps identify and manage legacy pollution.

✅ Strengthen Oversight: Push for monitoring and regulation to prevent further exposure.

Stop the POPs. Confronting Nap’s legacy is essential to safeguarding both human health and ecosystems. Together we can break free from the shadow of past industrial practices and build a cleaner future.

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/

30/09/2026

Protecting Caribbean Biodiversity Takes Regional Action

In the Caribbean, biodiversity is not something distant from everyday life. It includes the coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and other ecosystems that support marine life, protect coastlines and contribute to the livelihoods of people.

The CARICOM Secretariat has begun national consultations on a Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy. The process brings together representatives from the environmental, financial, tourism, agricultural, fisheries and marine sectors to identify shared priorities and practical ways to protect the region’s biodiversity.

Importantly, the discussions are not only about setting goals, they address how biodiversity initiatives will be financed, implemented, monitored and strengthened through regional cooperation.

As one participant stated, “Climate resilience cannot be separated from biodiversity conservation.”

This regional effort connects closely with the work of the Institute of Marine Affairs. Through its Biodiversity and Ecology Research Programme, the IMA studies important coastal and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. This research provides the scientific information needed to support their conservation and sustainable management in Trinidad and Tobago.

Our ecosystems do not recognise national borders and neither do many of the threats facing them. A shared Caribbean strategy can help countries combine research, resources and experience to address challenges that no nation can solve alone.

What should be the Caribbean’s most urgent biodiversity priority?

Read the full update from CARICOM:
https://caricom.org/consultations-underway-on-draft-caricom-biodiversity-strategy/

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development CARICOM: Caribbean Community Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy

29/09/2026

IMA’s ‘Keep Moving’ Exercise: I Am a Walker 2026

Did you know that extended periods of sitting can slow down metabolism and adversely impact human health? In today’s sedentary corporate world, combating "sitting disease" is essential because a healthy team is a stronger team. Health first, productivity follows!

At the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), we believe your desk shouldn't be your finish line! Led by the Institute’s Project Implementation Officer, Mr. Lester Doodnath, the IMA is actively making movement part of its corporate culture by incorporating periodic walking breaks and exercises for staff to boost energy and well-being.

To kick off this initiative, Mr. Doodnath launched the “I AM A WALKER 2026” campaign on Friday, September 4th, 2026. IMA staff members Paul Nelson and Lorraine Barrow joined Mr. Doodnath for the hike up to the famous "Weather Ball" on Mount St. Catherine in Chaguaramas. Rising 1,768 feet as the highest peak in western Trinidad, this historic site dates back to mid-20th-century military use. While fondly nicknamed the "Weather Ball" by locals, it actually serves as a vital air traffic control and radar tracking station managed by the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.

Owing to failing evening light, the team was only able to complete a challenging 1.5-mile trek up the paved Cano Ventura Road (halfway to the 3-mile summit). It was a fantastic first step toward building a culture that walks.

Small steps, big impact. Let’s keep moving!

Kennedy Swaratsingh
Ministry of Health - Trinidad and Tobago
North West Regional Health Authority
Trinidad & Tobago Road Runners Club

Address

Hilltop Lane
Chaguaramas

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

868-634-4291/4

Website

http://www.ima.gov.tt/, https://linktr.ee/imagovtt

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