Characterisation and Ecology of the Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago, West Indies

Study Extent

Bon Accord Lagoon is a mangrove-fringed lagoon with a seagrass community, found landward of the Buccoo Reef. Buccoo Reef is a major tourist attraction with great economic and cultural significance. Previous studies conducted in this area have focused on the reef, and while the scientific literature suggests that reef ecological processes may be influenced by adjacent wetlands, an ecological characterization of the lagoon has not been undertaken. This study characterizes the ecosystems within the Bon Accord Lagoon and the hydrological and hydrodynamic processes that influence them.

Sampling

Quadrats plots were used in the mangrove area, gill and trammel nets were used around the mangrove, beam trawls were used over the seagrass beds, and aerial photography was also used in the surveys.

Quality Control

Data was transcribed into Microsoft Excel using the Darwin Core event template and the species names were checked in WoRMS and then the data was run through GBIF validator and Open Refine to check for any errors.

Method steps

1. Data was transcribed into Microsoft Excel using the Darwin Core event template and the species names were checked in WoRMS and then the data was run through GBIF validator and Open Refine to check for any errors. Once errors are corrected the data is published in GBIF and IMAs MDH.

The Bon Accord Lagoon/Buccoo Reef ecosystem is located at 11' 10'N, 60'57' W, on the southwest coast of Tobago, which is located 32 km northeast of Trinidad, in the southeast Caribbean. This ecosystem covers an area of 7 km2