Institute of Marine Affairs

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Join the discussion to help shape a Marine Spatial Plan that works for everyone. Together we'll capture priority areas, how the area is used, and key concerns.

This will support Marine Spatial Planning decisions.

🗓️ Thursday 25th June, 2026
🕔 5:00pm – 7:00pm
📍 Point Cumana Regional Complex, #14 La Horquette Bridge Road

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development UNOPS Global Environment Facility UNDP Trinidad and Tobago

Institute of Marine Affairs Mourns the Passing of Professor Emeritus John Agard

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) joins the national and international communities in mourning the loss of Professor Emeritus John Agard, who passed away on 19 June 2026.

Professor Agard was an internationally respected environmental scientist, a pioneering advocate for climate change action, and a steadfast champion of evidence-based sustainability management. His distinguished career began at the IMA in the mid-1980s, where he conducted foundational marine and ecological research before serving as Professor of Tropical Island Ecology and Head of the Department of Life Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine.

His academic leadership and scientific contributions profoundly shaped ecological research and policy across the Caribbean. In July 2020, he supported the IMA, in collaboration with Republic Bank Limited, by delivering his presentation titled, “The Blue Economy Driving Economic Diversification: Possibilities and Challenges for Trinidad and Tobago” at the Institute’s first Virtual Distinguished Lecture on the Blue Economy. His presentation underscored the vast potential of the fisheries, pharmaceuticals, eco-tourism, and transport sectors to drive sustainable economic growth while preserving marine and coastal ecosystems. He called on the business community to champion climate-resilient, sustainable practices that would deliver lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

His research work and teachings shaped national environmental legislation, established protected areas such as the Matura Natural Park, Nariva Swamp, and Aripo Savannahs, and advanced conservation policies as Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority. Globally, he served as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and co-chaired the United Nation’s 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report team.

He inspired generations of ocean and environmental professionals, strengthened regional partnerships, and championed sustainable development for the Caribbean and beyond.

The IMA extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking professional achievements, but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable environmental management. Professor John Agard’s legacy is one of integrity, vision, and mentorship, which will continue to guide efforts toward a climate-secure and sustainable future.

Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development
UWI St. Augustine UTT - The University of Trinidad and Tobago Environmental Management Authority Republic Bank The Cropper Foundation NIHERST Caribbean Natural Resources Institute Association of Caribbean States (ACS-AEC) UN Environment Programme Inter-American Development Bank Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The Institute of Marine Affairs extends warm greetings to all fathers and father figures across Trinidad and Tobago as we celebrate Father’s Day 2026

The Institute of Marine Affairs joins the national community in extending a safe, restful and enjoyable Labour Day 2026!

Today, on World Sea Turtle Day, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) joins the global community in honoring these ancient mariners of the sea. Sea turtles have graced our oceans for over 100 million years, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Through the Biodiversity Credits initiative, the IMA and the British High Commission, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), are pioneering innovative approaches to recognize and reward the value of nature. By linking sea turtle conservation to biodiversity credits, the IMA aims to create measurable benefits that support local communities, strengthen climate resilience, and safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations. Sea turtles, as keystone species, exemplify how biodiversity underpins climate resilience, coastal protection, and sustainable livelihoods. This innovative approach ensures that the survival of sea turtles is recognised as both a global responsibility and a local opportunity where conservation translates into real economic and environmental gains for present and future generations. Protecting sea turtles is not only about saving a species, it is about preserving the balance of our oceans, ensuring biodiversity endures for generations to come, while generating tangible credits that support sustainable development and deliver benefits to local communities.

Let's work together to;

1-Reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and waters clean.

2-Support conservation initiatives that protect nesting sites.

3-Spread awareness of the importance of these remarkable creatures.

Together, we can ensure that sea turtles continue to thrive at home and in the region. The IMA is committed to conserving our marine environment for a sustainable future.

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development UK in Trinidad and Tobago - British High Commission, Port of Spain Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Environmental Management Authority Nature Seekers

Today, as we join the global community in celebrating World Environment Day 2026, the call for urgent Climate Action resonates deeply within our oceans. The Earth is sending undeniable signals, rising sea levels, shifting marine temperatures, and ecosystem stress, reminding us that our response must be immediate, collective, and guided by science.

At the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), our mission is to conduct and foster research in coastal and marine policy, marine sciences and related areas. The IMA provides advice that supports the sustainable development and management of the Caribbean’s coastal and marine living and non-living resources. This year's theme, Climate Action - , serves as a powerful validation of our ongoing scientific research and localized initiatives which include the following:

a) Nature Markets: As nature-based solutions reshape the global economy, they are emerging as a critical economic framework. The IMA is positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a leader in nature markets, leveraging marine assets to secure sustainable investment for conservation. These economic platforms are tied to the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of natural ecosystems.

i) Biodiversity Credits - The IMA is leading a pioneering initiative to establish Trinidad and Tobago’s first regulatory and certification framework for biodiversity credits. This project introduces sustainable financing mechanisms dedicated to protecting and restoring the nation's coastal and marine ecosystems, initially focusing on the globally significant leatherback turtle nesting beaches of Grande Rivière and Matura. By aligning with international standards and emerging global environmental markets, the framework ensures Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity credit market is built upon verified conservation outcomes, transparent governance, and high-integrity financial mechanics.

ii) Blue Carbon Credits - Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Resilience: Our research staff are advancing critical research in blue carbon data to support climate-resilient mangrove and seagrass restoration in protecting vital coastal wetlands that buffer against severe weather.

b) Coral Reef Monitoring: Through targeted monitoring and restoration protocols in Tobago and across our islands, we continue to track and mitigate the impacts of climate-induced coral bleaching.

c) Digital and AI Innovation: By leveraging modern technologies, we are integrating satellite forecasting and AI data modeling to build real-world coastal adaptation frameworks and provide an enabling environment through our Blue Tech Project for modernizing our workforce to meet technical needs.

d) Combating Marine Litter: Through data-driven collaborations like the PROMAR initiative, we address land-based plastic pollution to protect fragile marine biological diversity while advocating for a circular economy.

e) Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): We are actively developing MSP frameworks to serve as a critical tool for climate action. By systematically mapping and managing human activities across our ocean space, MSP allows us to minimize ecological conflict, sustainably allocate marine resources, and design data-driven climate adaptation strategies for our changing coastlines.

Climate action is not about waiting for distant deadlines, it is about the decisive signals we choose to send back today. By translating rigorous marine science into actionable public policies and community engagement, the IMA remains at the absolute forefront of guiding sustainable development for our twin-island republic.
Let us choose to act to protect our oceans and preserve our rich marine heritage for generations to come.

Dr. Ava Maxam
Director, Institute of Marine Affairs

Photo 1: Caption: Inspired by WED Theme, ‘Climate Action’, Coral reefs embody both the beauty of nature and their critical role in climate resilienceCredit: Jonathan Gomez, IMA

Photo 2: Caption: School of Goat Fish in Kilgwyn Reef, Tobago – fish are critical to our marine ecosystems
Credit: Jonathan Gomez, IMA

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and DevelopmentCARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute Environmental Management Authority Caribbean Natural Resources Institute Environmental Policy and Planning Division TT Environment Tobago UK in Trinidad and Tobago - British High Commission, Port of Spain

The Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine Affairs extended joyous and peaceful wishes to all citizens on the occasion of Corpus Christi

Attention secondary school students (ages 11-16)!

We want to make sure everyone gets a chance to showcase their creativity. The IMA is extending the deadline for the Blue Tech Gamers online Video Development competition to give you more time to finish your entries.

New Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Don't miss out on your chance to win. Submit your videos before the new closing time!




Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development

The Institute of Marine Affairs extends warm greetings to the national community on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day 2026