As part of their core curriculum, The University of Trinidad and Tobago's (UTT) Marine Sciences students from the Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies (CMOS) recently ventured into the Caroni Swamp for a hands-on field session under the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Coastal and Ocean Management. The activity, led by Dr. Reia Guppy, Associate Professor, CMOS, formed part of the Marine Botany class’s ongoing practical training in studying and understanding coastal ecosystems.

During this exercise, students created several plots within the mangrove environment, each ranging from fifty to one hundred square meters. Within these plots, they conducted growth and productivity measurements such as recording the diameter at breast height (DBH) for red mangrove, as well as population density of various life stages (propagules, seedlings, and adult mangroves). Students also observed and recorded the various organisms associated within the mangroves, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich biodiversity that thrives in these ecosystems.

Such exercises are conducted beyond demonstrating data collection methods. These field sessions also emphasise and train marine sciences students on how to work safely and efficiently within challenging coastal landscapes, primarily mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. Students learned how to manoeuvre through muddy terrain and standing water while maintaining accurate and consistent measurements. Later in the semester, the class intends to go to Tobago, where they will conduct underwater assessments, this time with a focus on seagrass health and ecosystem productivity, and collect data on mangrove and seagrass function as nursery habitats.

These fieldwork experiences, across many of their courses, help prepare B.Sc. in Coastal and Ocean Management students for future research and professional work in the marine and coastal sciences. They also build much needed capacity in marine and coastal protection, conservation, and aquatic food security, towards sustainable use whilst promoting Blue Economy opportunities.