UTT Marine Sciences Ph.D. student Shivonne Peters

Seeing below the Surface

As the global community grapples with the adverse effects of plastic pollution, Shivonne Peters delves deeper into this pressing environmental issue, with a mission to protect and preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s precious marine environment.

To achieve this, Shivonne is completing her doctoral studies in Marine Sciences at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), with her research focusing on developing “A model Marine Spatial Plan for the Buccoo Reef Marine Park based on ecological and socio-economic considerations.’ This allows her to utilise impactful research and quality data in a real-life setting.

From 2011 to 2018, Shivonne’s duties as the Marine Park Manager at the Tobago House of Assembly provided her with first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing Tobago’s marine parks. To address these, Shivonnne implemented educational and conservation strategies on the importance of the ecological environment. After reading for the Master of Science in Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management at UTT in 2016, and being exposed to a wealth of information, she was decidedly resolute in her resolve to preserve the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, which she describes as “the place I treasure the most”.

However, pursuing the programme was not without its challenges, as she was based in Tobago, with classes being held in Trinidad. Additionally, her formal requests for time-off to attend classes were not always granted. Shivonne overcame these challenges via distance learning and the assistance of the University’s helpful academic and administrative staff. She also acknowledges the support of her family and mentors, who continuously helped her throughout the difficult moments.

Shivonne credits the programme for igniting her entrepreneurial spirit as she is the Managing Director/Owner of three small-scale enterprises; Seven Environmental, Top Catch High Speed Catamaran and Padee Again Fishing Charters. These companies, offering a range of services, were established to support the developments in Tobago’s marine sector. Shivonne believes Trinidad and Tobago has far to go, with respect to recycling and disposal methods. “Although legislative and policy mechanisms exist, enforcement still remains an issue.”

While conserving our marine environment may seem a daunting task, the combination of Shivonne’s experience, qualifications and determination has placed her on a clearly defined path to success.