The Marine and Environmental Sciences (MAES) introduces UTTs Advanced Centre for Coastal and Ocean Research and Development (ACCORD)
Vision
All stakeholders have increased appreciation and understanding of the importance of the coastal and oceanic environments and their resources, thereby enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurial, technological, socio-economical and policy developmentMission
To become the premier Caribbean centre for applied research and development, education, training and outreach in coastal and oceanic sciences
We have many natural resources...
Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic State. Our rich biodiversity is influenced by the presence of estuarine, coastal and oceanic environmental conditions. We have sensitive coastal and oceanic ecosystems of national and international importance. Our larger wetlands (Nariva and Caroni) and coral reefs (the Buccoo Reef Complex and Speyside marine area) are internationally acclaimed. We also boast abundant turtle populations, habitat for migratory species (e.g. Scarlet Ibis, flyingfish and associated species, cetaceans), rich fishing and shrimping grounds, bathing beaches, a host of natural products (e.g. sea moss, sponges), deposits of crude oil and vast natural gas reserves. These are all contained in a marine area which is 15 times greater than our land territories.
...and they are utilized by many
We have exploited these resources to support our economic, social, and cultural activities. Energy exploitation comes mainly from the marine areas and currently supplies approximately 60% of our nation’s GDP. Fisheries provides a livelihood as well as supplies many coastal communities with dietary protein. In the absence of large public parks, the beaches and coral reefs have been providing nationals and visitors alike a recreational outlet. We are also a major trans-shipment point, with multiple ports of entry on Trinidad’s west coast alone.
...But ACCORD aims to address the issues!
Given the value of these resources and their exploitation, it is inevitable that user conflicts have arisen, and without adequate management there will be unsustainable use and eventual degradation of the environment. ACCORD aims to address these salient issues through offering applied taught-research combination degrees, which can then be applied towards management, other research and teaching opportunities, and consultancies, innovation and entrepreneurial prospects.
SUCCESS STORIES
Oct 12, 2023
Aimee Boisselle, final year Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Ocean Management student of UTT’s Centre for Marine and Ocean Studies (CMOs) Sciences programme, recently presented...
May 3, 2019
"Marine and environmental conservation is imperative in order to ensure a sustainable future for all." This is the strong belief of Nikkolai Dubisson who graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Coast and Ocean Sciences from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Nikkolai describes his experience in the programme as "eye-opening", and one which greatly assisted him in understanding the impact of climate change, the effects of our contributing actions and the urgent need to engage in environmental conservation. For Nikkolai, with a balance of practical work supported by theoretical concepts, the Bachelor programme provided a holistic approach to teaching and placed him at the centre of the learning process.
Oct 10, 2018
Ms. Terisa Reid, a 2017 graduate of UTT's Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Coast and Ocean Sciences will deliver an oral presentation at the 71st Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Conference, in San Andres, Colombia from November 5-9, 2018.
UPCOMING EVENTS
RESEARCH
Jan 28, 2020
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.
Dec 11, 2017
The IOCCG is an international committee of experts including scientists, academics and managers that are dedicated to the study of ocean colour properties from satellite data....
Dec 11, 2017
The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), hosted its 8th biennial Caribbean GIS conference at the Hilton, Barbados from September 5th - 8th 2016. The conference...
Dec 11, 2017
Mr. Deanesh Ramsewak - Senior Instructor (Marine Sciences Programme) attended the 3rd International Ocean Colour Science (IOCS) meeting in Lisbon, Portugal during 15th to 19th May 2017.
Dec 11, 2017
The Ocean Teacher Digital Repositories training course was hosted by the international oceanographic data and information exchange (IODE) at its regional training centre in Santa Marta, Colombia from November 27th-30th 2017.
PROGRAMMES
