report on commercial fisheries within the gulf of paria and the ...

REPORT ON COMMERCIAL FISHERIES 

WITHIN THE GULF OF PARIA AND THE 

IMPACTS OF PROPOSED PORT DEVLOMENT 

ACTIVITIES ON FISHERIES IN THE CLAXTON 

BAY AREA 

Prepared For 

Rapid Environmental Assessments (2003) Limited 

Prepared by 

Erin Mangal 

December 2008

NEC Proposed Construction & Establishment 

Fisheries Report of Industrial Port Facilities at Claxton Bay, Trinidad 

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Table of Contents 

1. Overview of Fisheries in Trinidad ....................................................................... 1 

2. Overview of Fisheries in the Gulf of Paria .......................................................... 3 

3. Commercially Species Targeted in the Gulf of Paria ......................................... 13 

4. Fishing Activities at landing Sites within the Study Area ................................. 23 

5. Management Status of Commercial Fisheries .................................................... 31 

6. Incidental Catches along the West Coast and other Aquatic Fauna ................... 37 

7. References .......................................................................................................... 43 

List of Tables 

Table 1 : Fish Landings, value by species .......................................................................... 1 

Table 2 Description of the most common gear types used within the Gulf of Paria 

Trinidad (Fisheries Division, 2002). ................................................................................... 5 

Table 3 Number of Vessels by Home Port (Fisheries Division 2003) ............................. 11 

Table 4: Commercial Marine and Estuarine Fish (Fish and Shellfish) Species Caught in 

2007/2008 along the Claxton Bay Coast. (Wider Study area) .......................................... 16 

Table 5 Showing 2007 Fishing Statist tics for the Claxton Bay Landing Site ................. 24 

Table 6 Showing the Status of Commercial Fisheries ..................................................... 32 

Table 7 International and national conservation status of marine turtles in Trinidad and 

Tobago (from EMA, 2004). .............................................................................................. 38 

Table 8 International and National Conservation Status of Endangered Marine Mammals 

in Trinidad and Tobago(Source EMA, 2004). .................................................................. 39 

Table 9 Cetaceans thought to occur in waters of Trinidad and Tobago ........................... 40 

List of Figures 

Figure 1 Line Fishing Areas Around Trinidad…………………………………...... 6 

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Figure 2 Gillnetting Areas Around Trinidad……………………………………… 6 

Figure 3 Fishpotting Areas Around Trinidad……………………………………... 6 

Figure 4 Seining Areas Around Trinidad…………………………………………. 6 

Figure 5: Location of Trawling Sites within the Gulf of Paria…………………..... 7 

Figure 6: Map Showing the Location of Fish Landing Sites and Markets and the 

Location of Marine Sample Points…………………………………….. 12 

List of Plates 

Photograph 1: Representative Commercial Species in Claxton Bay………………….. 22 

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1. Overview of Fisheries in Trinidad 

The 1994 draft policy for marine fisheries in T&T (Fisheries Division 1994 in EMA 

2000) estimated an annual production of landings at approximately 14, 000 tonnes, with 

80% of this coming from trawling and gill netting (EMA 2000). Earnings was estimated 

at TT$100 million annually and this represented 13% of the agricultural contribution to 

Gross Domestic Product. However, the total contribution of the Fisheries Sector to GDP, 

was less than 1% including all ancillary activities. The policy further noted that marine 

fisheries was very important to social welfare and stability in T&T, especially in rural 

areas, and estimated that there werre 8000 fishermen with up to 50,000 dependents in 

Trinidad. A 1997 Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources document states 

that the fisheries sector employs over 13,000 persons. Table 1 shows fish landings in 

1997 broken down by fish species or groups: 

Table 1 : Fish Landings, value by species 

Species Landings (Tonnes) Value TT$ 

(x 1000) 

Carite 1372 13526 

Shrimp 946 15026 

Croaker 915 3942 

Kingfish 496 6005 

Shark 488 2799 

Snapper 467 7097 

Cavali 328 2578 

Sea Trout 262 1798 

Total 5274 52771 

(Adapted from the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago(NBSAP) by 

the Environmental Management Authority 2000) 

In a Country Profile of Trinidad and Tobago (FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 491), the 

total annual landings for the fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago for 2003 were estimated at 

11 000 tonnes with an ex-vessel value of US$6.75 million (Fisheries Division 

unpublished data in Soomai 2004). In addition, fish exports for 2003 were estimated at 

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3082 tonnes, valued at US$8.1 million. International trade in fish and fisheries products is 

based mainly on the export of shrimp, snappers, swordfish, tuna, flyingfish and other 

pelagics (Soomai 2004). Fisheries products are exported mostly chilled or frozen and are 

limited to primary processing and packaging. Approximately 4 000 tonnes of fish valued 

at US$10 million (TT$62 million) was exported in 2000, of which over 40 percent in 

revenue terms went to CARICOM markets, 30 percent to the United States of America 

and 22 percent to Canada. Trinidad and Tobago has not been eligible to export to the 

European Union since 1999 and is at present taking measures to meet the required 

quality-control criteria (Soomai 2004). 

Kenny & Bacon (1981) estimated that 300 species of fish are likely to exist in the waters 

of Trinidad & Tobago, but that the bulk of commercial fisheries production was from no 

more than two-dozen species. They distinguished between pelagic fish (which live in 

mid-water and are generally powerful swimmers) and demersal species (which live on or 

close to the bottom and are not powerful swimmers). As a consequence of the lower 

salinity conditions around Trinidad, fish found in Trinidadian waters tend to include more 

estuarine species, while those found in the Tobago waters tend to be those associated 

with oceanic conditions. 

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2. Overview of Fisheries in the Gulf of Paria 

The waters around Trinidad are mainly estuarine in nature especially in the Gulf of Paria 

(Heileman and Ramsaroop, 1990), a semi enclosed body of water between Trinidad and 

Venezuela with a connection to the North to the Caribbean Sea and south to the 

Columbus Channel. This body of water is basically a shallow sedimentary basin with a 

maximum depth of 0f 30m (16 fathoms) and a smooth substratum of fine mud with 

patches of shell debris and sand (Kenny and Bacon, 1981). The proximity of the Orinoco 

Delta to the Gulf suggests that these waters are strongly influenced by fluvial discharges 

from the Amazon and Orinoco River systems, with the intensity of these discharges 

varying with the seasons (van Andel and Postma, 1954; Gade, 1961). These rivers are 

thought to be important effectors of nutrient enhancing upwelling currents on the adjacent 

continental shelf and sources of primary and secondary productivity for the water around 

Trinidad, especially in the Gulf (Farbes, 1983). As such, Trinidad supports a more 

productive and diverse exploitable fish and invertebrate resource base than most of the 

Eastern Caribbean islands (Agard et al. 1996), the Gulf of Paria being the most important 

fishing ground for shrimp and finfish in Trinidad. 

The fishing grounds around Trinidad are located in fishing area 31 of the FAO major 

fishing area coding system (FAO 1972). The numerous fisheries found in the Gulf of 

Paria differ in many aspects such as the species involved, fishing intensity, seasonality 

and gear type used. This serves to make management in the area very difficult. Current 

fishing practices in the Gulf of Paria include commercial, recreational and subsistence 

operations. Fleet types currently operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Trinidad 

consist of local and foreign (Venezuelan) operations. Fishing activities in Trinidad and 

Tobago are generally described as open-access, multi-species and multi-gear consisting 

of the following: 

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• Artisanal (multigear trawl); 

• Semi-industrial (multigear trawl, longlines); and 

• Industrial (trawl). 

• Recreational/part-time fishing 

The majority of fisheries information for Trinidad is available for the Gulf of Paria, 

which accounts for more than 60% of all fishing activity (Boodoosingh et al. 1996). 

Venezuelan fleets comprise semi-industrial and industrial operators. The artisanal, semiindustrial 

and industrial trawlers largely target prawns with mostly groundfish 

constituting by-catch. The artisanal and semi-industrial fleet largely target pelagic 

resources using pelagic handlines and demersal resources using handlines and fishpots. 

Semi-industrial longliners target larger pelagics such as tuna, marlin and sailfish. 

Recreational fishing generally involves use of lines including such use in fishing 

tournaments administered by the Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association and 

subsistence fishing employs various techniques (lines, seine nets, pots and hand 

collection) mostly in near-shore operations. 

The most common gear types used in the Gulf of Paria include lines and longlines 

(palangue, trolling, switchering, a-la-vive and banking), trawl nets, gillnets (fillet, 

palangue and trans ‘p’), fish pots and seines (banking). 

Table 2 below provides a description of the common gear types used in within the Gulf of 

Paria and Figures 1 - 4 shows the distribution of activities associated with these within 

the Gulf. 

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Table 2 Description of the most common gear types used within the Gulf of Paria 

Trinidad (Fisheries Division, 2002). 

Line 

Fillet 

Trans “p” 

Fish Pot 

Seine 

Banking 

Palangue 

. 

Gear Type Description 

• Palangue 

• Trolling 

• Switchering (surface line fishing using dead bait with or without bait) 

• A-la-vive (live bait is used; mainly used to target Kingfish and Carite) 

• Banking 

• Multifilament nets (green twine) 

• 200 – 400 lbs; 4-4.25 inches mesh size 

• Used mainly at night 

• Set at the surface and maybe allowed to drift freely 

• Monofilament nets (transparent twine) 

• 200 – 400 lbs; 4-4.25 inches mesh size; transparent nylon twine 

• Used either by day or night 

• Set below the surface 

• Various sizes and types of construction materials 

• Multifilament gillnetting from the beach 

• Demersal longline operated at the artisanal level 

• Consists of a mainline which carries a number of branch lines with 

hooks 

• 150 – 300 baited hooks used to target snappers and sharks 

• 6-12 inch mesh 

• 30 m long (which may be joined in series), 

• Suspended from the surface to a depth of 6-8 feet. 

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Figure 1 Line Fishing Areas Around Trinidad Figure 2 Gillnetting Areas Around Trinidad 

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Figure 3 Fishpotting Areas Around Trinidad Figure 4 Seining Areas Around Trinidad 

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Figure 5 Location of Trawling Sites within the Gulf of Paria 

Formal surveys conducted within the Gulf of Paria and <strong>report</strong>s collated from the Fisheries 

Department (Ministry of Agriculture Land and Marine Resources) have identified 

trawling as an important activity within Trinidad in terms of landing and revenue. All 

types of trawling fleets operate in the Gulf of Paria on Trinidad's West Coast. In addition, 

the industrial fleet operates in the Columbus Channel south of the island, as well as on 

the north west of Trinidad. Trawling in the Gulf of Paria occurs all year round for 

artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial trawlers. Regulations specify the areas where 

trawl activity can occur with regard to depths and distance from the coastline as related to 

vessel type. The minimum mesh sizes in the codends of the trawl are 35 mm for shrimp 

and 75 mm for fish. The location of trawling areas within the Gulf of Paria is provided in 

Figure 5 

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Species targeted by shrimp trawlers are Penaeus brasiliensis (hoppers), P. notialis (pink 

shrimp), P. schmitti (white/cork shrimp), P. subtilis (brown shrimp) and Xiphopenaeus 

kroyeri (honey/jinga shrimp). Fish is targeted by artisinal shrimp trawlers when there is 

demand from the market or during the wet season when shrimp abundance decreases. A 

significant quantity of finfish, squid and crabs are caught as by-catch, and some species 

of finfish may be targeted according to market demand. Generally the by-catch landed is 

only a portion of that captured, the rest is discarded at sea: according to several recent 

studies, smaller trawlers are discarding almost all, semi-industrial trawlers about 60% and 

the industrial outrigger trawlers about two thirds by weight (Kuruvilla, 2000). 

For industrial vessels the y2859e fishing season runs from May to August. Vessels 

operating in the coastal waters of Trinidad trawl both day and night. For artisanal vessels, 

an average fishing trip lasts for eight hours but is recorded as one day. The average 

artisanal vessel has a crew for the day operations and another for the night. The average 

fishing trip for a semi-industrial vessel is 21 hours and is also recorded as a one-day trip. 

The average fishing trip for industrial vessels is fifteen days of which two days are used 

for traveling to and from the fishing grounds (Kuruvilla, 2000). The trawl fleet comprises 

a total of 112 vessels: 84 artisanal (based on a vessel census conducted in 1998 by the 

Fisheries Division of Trinidad (Chan A Shing, 1999); 8 semi-industrial and 20 industrial 

(based on Fisheries Division records as at 1999). 

The artisanal gill net fishery of Trinidad is another important fishery on the island and it 

is second only to the trawl fishery. This activity is particularly important within the 

proposed study area and historical information indicates that the small scale inshore 

artisanal Mullet fishery one of the primary pursuits along the west coast of Trinidad 

(Ramjohn 1999). The main landing sites associated with artisanal gill netting are; Claxton 

Bay, Cali Bay and Orange Valley, all within a 20Km radius of the proposed project 

location. There are two basic types of gill nets used in Trinidad the transparent or 

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monofilament gillnetted and the braided nylon or multifilament gillnet. The 

monofilament gill net used in Trinidad is a modification of the net that was introduced 

under the FAO shark project through the Fisheries Division in the late 1980’s. (Nagassar 

2000). 

Interviews conducted with fishermen at various landing sites in 2005 identified that 

most of the fishermen along the west coast operated out of established landing sites 

through out the area, such as Orange Valley, Claxton Bay and Otaheite. All were 

registered and have been in the business for a number of years (epas 2005). A total of 680 

fishing vessels operate out of landing sites along the west coast (Fisheries Division 2003). 

Table 3 below provides the break down of vessels per landing site and Figure 6 below 

shows the location of these primary landing sites in relation to the proposed PLSEI Port 

project. 

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Table 3 Number of Vessels by Home Port (Fisheries Division 2003) 

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Figure 6 Map Showing the Location of Fish Landing sites 

and Markets and the location of Marine Sample Points. 

Proposed Project Site 

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3. Commercially Species Targeted in the Gulf of Paria 

Most commercially important species fall into two orders, the Clupeiformes (herring-like 

fish) and the Perciformes (perch-like fish). Within the first order, two families are 

important – the Clupeidae (herrings and sardines) and the Engraulidae (anchovies, 

joshua), while six families in the second order are important – the Scombridae (mackerels 

and tunas), the Carangidae (jacks, cavali), the Lutjanidae (snappers), the Haemulidae 

(grunts), the Sciaenidae (sea trouts and croakers) and the Serranidae (groupers). 

The Gulf of Paria is home to many economically important fisheries such as the Carite 

(Scomberomorus brasiliensis) and Kingfish (S. cavalla) fisheries as well as many smaller 

fisheries of lesser importance (Solomon 2002). It also severs as a nursery ground for 

some species of commercially important fishes such as Salmon (Cynoscion jamaicensis), 

Lane Snapper or Red Fish Lutjanus synagris and Crocro (Micropogonias furnieri 

(Manckchand-Heileman and Julien –Flus, 1990). 

Historical studies on commercial fisheries of Trinidad’s Gulf of Paria have described the 

dominant ‘continental pelagic species’ found in the area as Spanish Mackerel 

(Scomberomomus brasiliensis), Kingfish (Scomberomomus cavalla), Bluefish or ‘ancho’, 

(Pomatomus saltatrix), Spotted Bonito (Euthynnus alletteratus), Common Crevalle or 

‘Cavalli’ (Caranx hippos), Spadefish or ‘Paoua’ (Chaetodipterus faber), Leatherjacket or 

‘sapate’ (Oligoplites saurus), Pompano (Trachinotus spp.), and Sennet or 

‘bechine’(Sphyraena guachancho) (Whiteleather and Brown 1945). At the time, the 

‘Carite’ was the most abundant in commercial landings of all species in the group, with 

the ‘Kingfish’ the only other species approaching in importance. This is a trend that 

continues to hold in terms of commercial importance of fin fisheries. The important 

commercial species are all predators and their status and abundance relies on the 

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availability of prey, “smaller pelagic fish such as thread herring (Opithonema oglinum), 

sardines and anchovies (Engraulidae) which occur in estuarine waters” in the Gulf of 

Paria (Boodoosingh 1992). 

Within the estuarine waters of the Gulf of Paria, the dominant family of estuarine 

demersal species was the Sciaenidae, which includes the weakfish (Cynoscion 

jamaicensis), croakers (Micropogon furnieri), and Corvinas (drums; L. breviceps, 

Stellifer stellifer); with other common species including the Lane Snapper (or ‘Redfish’ 

{Lutjanus synagris}) and mojarras or ‘blanche’ (Gerres cinerus), with the latter making 

up a considerable proportion of the small fish in the otter trawl (Boodoosingh 1992). 

It has been suggested that the Gulf of Paria may be an important breeding ground for 

commercial species such as ‘Carite’ (Sturm 1974), with peak spawning during the dry 

season when the salinity is highest. Another species that has been suggested as having a 

major breeding ground in the Gulf of Paria is ‘Salmon’ (Cynoscion jamaicensis), though 

it could not be said that spawning activity was concentrated in the Gulf of Paria, as it was 

found that ‘the Gulf population consisted mainly of juveniles (of this species)’ (Shim 

1981). 

As mentioned in the previous section shrimp trawling is one of the more commercially 

important fishing activities and according to Fabres (1989) ‘demersal trawl fisheries 

represent marginally the most important and valuable industry, in terms of volume of 

landings, dollar value and foreign exchange earnings’. The principal species exploited 

are Farfantepenaeus schmitti, Farfantepenaeus subtilis, Farfantepenaeus notialis, 

Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri. 

While much of the research on commercial activities in the Gulf of Paria has been on the 

marine fisheries of this area, there are other ‘open access’ subsistence and commercial 

activities that include the harvesting of invertebrates. Oysters are regularly harvested 

throughout Trinidad; La Croix (1971) <strong>report</strong>ed that the major collecting beds are on the 

West Coast. With the decline in Oyster production due to exploitation over the years, 

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Swamp Mussels (Mytella sp. and Perna sp.) are now of increased importance as a form 

of invertebrate harvesting (Rambharose 2003). Shellfish consumption in Trinidad has not 

been assessed for its commercial importance and data such as production, harvest rates 

and consumption patterns have not been quantified. The economic importance of this 

resource to the Trinidad fisheries may be underestimated, as data is not formally captured 

by any State Agency. 

Similarly, the Blue Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) and Hairy Land Crab (Ucides cordatus) 

are another ‘open access’ resource exploited in coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago. 

‘Crab-catching’ tends to be an informal activity that may be subsistence in nature with 

people freely moving into the activity or where those involved have the activity as their 

sole source of income. Both species are commonly sold along major roadways and in 

markets as fresh ‘live’ specimens and can fetch prices of $30 - $50TT per kilogram. The 

importance of the resource has not been assessed in terms of production, carrying 

capacity and consumer patterns as an economic venture. In addition, neither shellfish 

(oysters and mussels) nor ‘crab-catching’ have been assessed to ascertain the number of 

people involved the activity. However, this may not give the full resource use as there is a 

large number of recreational harvesters that exploit these commodities at times, such as 

‘seasonal’ crab runs in coastal areas of Trinidad. 

A list of all the commercially important spies observed within the proposed project area 

during aquatic faunal surveys conducted in September /October 2007 and May 2008 is 

presented in Table 4 below. 

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Table 4: Commercial Marine and Estuarine Fish (Fish and Shellfish) Species Caught in 2007/2008 along the Claxton Bay Coast. (Wider Study area) 

Family Species Common Names 

Centropomidae 

Mugilidae 

Sciaenidae 

Centropomus 

undecimalis 

Centropomus 

ensiferus 

Mugil curema White mullet 

Mugil incilis Parassi mullet 

Stellifer sp. drum, croaker 

Stellifer griseus Grey stardrum 

Sampling Method for Present Maturity 

Survey (and Area collected) Phase 

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Commercial Method of Harvesting 

(Marketing of Species) 

Seining (Marsh Pond, River mouth, 

Common snook, man made island); Trawling 

Saltwater Brochet (Coastal Nearshore), J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Seining (Marsh Pond, River mouth, 

Swordspine snook, man made island); Trawling 

Salt water Brochet (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Seining (marsh pond, man made 

island) J, SA Seining, hook and line, fresh market 


island) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Seining (River, river mouth, manmade 

island); Trawling (Coastal 

Nearshore) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Seining (River, river mouth, created 

island) and trawling, J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Menticirrhus 

littoralis Gulf King Croaker Beach seining (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Larimus breviceps Shorthead drum Beach seining (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

16




Ariidae 

Engraulidae 

Clupeidae 

Gerridae 



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Protosciaena 

trewavasae New Grenada drum Seining (river mouth) J, SA Seining, hook and line (fresh market) 

Selanaspis herzbergii Pemecou sea catfish 

Arius grandicassis Thomas sea catfish 

Seining River (river mouth, created 

island); trawling (Coastal 

Nearshore) J, SA 

Seining (River, river mouth, created 

island); trawling (Coastal 

nearshore) J, SA 

Seining, hook and line (fresh market, 

Salted) 

Seining, hook and line (fresh market, 

Salted) 

Anchoviella 

guianensis Guiana anchoovy Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish) 

Atlantic thread 

Opisthonema oglinum herring Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish) 

Sardinella aurita Round sardinella Beach seining (Coastal Nearshre) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish) 

Sardinella 

brasiliensis Brazilian sardinella Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA, A 

Boat Seining (bait fish) 

Diapterus auratus Irish mojarra Seining (river mouth) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish)) 

Eucinostomus gula Jenny mojarra 

Seining (river mouth, man made 

island) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish) 

17






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Eucinostomus 

argenteus Spotfin mojarra Seining (man made island) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish, fish meal) 

Eugerres brasilianus Brazilian mojarra 

Seining (man made island); 

Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA, A Boat Seining (bait fish, fish meal) 


Megalopidae Megalops atlanticus Tarpon, Gran E'Caille island) J, SA, A 

Hook and line, trolling (Game fish, 

fresh market) 

Elopidae Elops saurus Ladyfish Seining (river mouth, marsh pond) J, SA, A Hook and line (fresh market) 

Carangidae 

Caranx hippos Cavali, Crevalle jack 

Seining (man-made island) 

Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Hook and line (fresh market) 

Chloroscombrus 

chrysurus Atlantic bumper Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Hook and line (fresh market) 

Haemulidae Genyatremus lupeus Torroto grunt Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA Hand lines, Trawls (fresh market) 

Pomadysys 

corvinaeformis Roughneck Grunt Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA 

Lutjanidae Lutjanus synagris 

Sparidae 

Archosargus 

rhomboidalis 

Lane snapper, Red 

fish Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) J, SA 

Western Atlantic 

seabream Seining (man made island) J, SA 

Seining, trawls, handlines, traps, (fresh 

market) 


market) 


market) 

18






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Calamus leucosteus Whitebone porgy Seining (man made island) J, SA Seining, trawls, traps, (fresh market) 

Pagrus pagrus Red porgy Beach seining J Traps, (fresh market) 

Gecarcinidae Cardisona guanhumi Blue Land crab Hand collected (mangrove swamp) SA, A 

Ocypodidae Ucides cordatus Hairy Land Crab Hand collected (mangrove swamp) A 

Hippolytidae 

Penaeidae 

Land traps, Hand Collecting (fresh 

market) 

Land traps, Hand Collecting (fresh 

market) 

Exhippolysmata 

oplophoroides Cock shrimp Beach seining J, SA, A Trawling, (fresh market) 

Farfantepenaeus 

notialis Souther pink shrimp 

Seining (river mouth, coastal 

nearshore, man made island) SA, A Trawling, (fresh market) 

Southern white Seining (river mouth, coastal, man 

Lithopenaeus schmitti shrimp 

made island) SA, A Trawling, (fresh market) 

Farfantepenaeus 

subtilis 

Souther brown Seining (river mouth, coastal 

shrimp 

nearshore, man made island) SA, A Trawling, (fresh market) 

Atlantic sea bob Seining (river mouth, coastal 

Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (shrimp) 

nearshore, man made island) SA, A Seining,Trawling, (fresh market) 

19




Portunidae 

Mytilidae 

Callinectes bocourti 

Callinectes 

exasperatus 

Callinectes sapidus Cirrique, blue crab 

Callinectes sp. Cirrique 

Callinectes danae 

Mytella guyanensis 

Perna viridis 



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Blunt tooth nearshore, man made island); 

swimcrab, Cirrique Trawling (Coastal Nearshore) SA, A Seining,Trawling, (fresh market) 


Cirrique, Rugose nearshore); Trawling (Coastal 

swimcrab 

Nearshore) SA, A Seining,Trawling, (fresh market) 


nearshore); Trawling (Coastal 



nearshore); Trawling (Coastal 



Dana swim nearshore); Trawling (Coastal 

crab,Cirrique Nearshore) SA, A Seining,Trawling, (fresh market) 

Mok, Guyana swamp Hand collected (Rivermouth , 

mussel 

coastal mangrove) SA, A Hand collected, (fresh market) 

Mok, Green lip Hand collected (Rivermouth , 

mussel 

coastal mangrove) SA, A Hand collected, (fresh market) 

Melongena West Indian Crown Hand collected (coastal mangrove) 

SA, A 

Hand collected, (fresh market, shell 

20




Ostreidae 



melongena conch Seining (man made island); 

Trawling, (Coastal Nearshore) 

Crassostrea 

rhizophorae 

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used as ornament 

Mangrove cupped Hand collected (River mouth, 

oyster 

coastal mangrove ) SA, A Hand collected, (fresh market) 

Maturity Phase: J – Juvenile, SA – Sub-Adult, A – Adult 

Commercial Method of Harvesting: Adapted from FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes (2002), and observed Local Techniques of Fishing 

Marketing: ‘fresh market’ refers to the sale of freshly caught fish at open-air markets by fishermen or retailers. 

21



Photograph 1: Representative Commercial Species in Claxton Bay (Source Present Survey) 

Juvenile Cavalli (captured in Trawl) Investigating Oyster Bed near ‘LNG’ River mouth 

Hairy Land Crabs caught in a discarded fishing net Crab catcher on ‘LNG’ River 

Collection of Hairy Land Crabs and Blue Crabs 

captured from Claxton Bay Mangrove 

Crab Trap from Marsh near Southern Main Road 

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4. Fishing Activities at landing Sites within the Study 

Area 

The closest landing site to the proposed project is Claxton Bay. It is located between Cali 

Bay and St. Margret on the west coast (Solomon 2002). Facilities at the site include. 

o Two sheds made of metal sheet and concrete for repair of boats. 

o A salting shed equipped with stainless steel tables. 

o An ice trailer 

o Stalls oriented towards the road for fish vending 

o Plastic and galvanize water storage tanks 

o Parking facilities. 

The shallow muddy nature of the landing area make landing at lowtide virtually 

impossible. A Temporary jetty was built with spoil and rubble material to the north of the 

landing site. 

Fishing in Claxton Bay is artisanal in nature and there are three main types of gears used; 

fillet nets, monofilament and banking. These gears yielded a total of 168,669.86 kg in 

2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). In 2007 a total of 104, 855.20 kg was captured a significant 

decline from that <strong>report</strong>ed in 2004(Fisheries data, 2007). The main species caught using 

the fillet nets included Carite, Sea Catfish, Crocro and Mullet. These accounted for the 

majority of the total landings (35,148.86 kg in 2004 and 100, 273.8 kg in 2007), 

(Fisheries Division 2004; 2007). The monofilament nets also targeted the same types of 

fish as the fillet nets; however it yielded a greater catch of 133,343.27 kg for 2004 and 

103947.70 kg for 2007 (Table 3). Carite and Crocro were caught through out the year in 

addition to Red Fish (Lutjanus synagris) and Salmon (Cynoscion spp.), though to a lesser 

extent. Banking was also used at this site, though it did not appear to be very common. 

REAL Feb 2009 

23



Red Fish yielded the largest catch with this gear (57.41 kg) and this was limited to 

January and March 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). Table 5 below provides the most recent 

2007 fish landing statistics for the Claxton Bay site as <strong>report</strong> by the Fisheries Division of 

Trinidad and Tobago. 

Table 5 Showing 2007 Fishing Statist tics for the Claxton Bay Landing Site 

GEAR/SPECIES/MONTH RAISED LANDINGS & VALUES (KG & TT$) REPORT FOR FISHING 

DAYS FOR 2007 FOR BEACH CLAXTON BAY 

GEAR SPECIES Landings/Value TOTAL 

FILLET SIERRA MACKEREL (CARITE) LAN 26.51 

VAL 589 

SEA CATFISH LAN 438.75 

VAL 1237.5 

SNAPPER (RED FISH) LAN 3.49 

VAL 77.5 

MULLET, LARGE LAN 438.75 

VAL 1950 

GEAR TOTAL LAN 907.5 

VAL 3854 

MONO FILAMENT MULLET LAN 80467.89 

VAL 181299.5 

MULLET, LARGE LAN 3103.15 

VAL 16350.48 

SUBTOTAL: GROUP MULLET LAN 83571.04 

VAL 197650 

ANCHO LAN 156.16 

VAL 3932.03 

BACHIN LAN 41.15 

VAL 717.65 

CREVALLE JACK (CAVALLI) LAN 204.14 

VAL 2514.01 

BONITO LAN 19.53 

VAL 86.8 

SNOOK/BROCHET LAN 1792.25 

VAL 23798.7 

SIERRA MACKEREL (CARITE) LAN 8266.49 

VAL 195526.3 

SEA CATFISH LAN 620.12 

VAL 1901.37 

WHITEMOUTH CROAKER (CRO-CRO) LAN 5119.9 

VAL 45114.12 

KINGFISH LAN 24.36 

VAL 850.1 

REAL Feb 2009 

24



GEAR/SPECIES/MONTH RAISED LANDINGS & VALUES (KG & TT$) REPORT FOR FISHING 

DAYS FOR 2007 FOR BEACH CLAXTON BAY 

GEAR SPECIES Landings/Value TOTAL 

SNAPPER (RED FISH) LAN 639.66 

VAL 14244.45 

WEAKFISH (SALMON) LAN 2291.83 

VAL 34087.46 

JACK (PALOMET) LAN 7.34 

VAL 65.2 

POMPANO (ZELWON) LAN 373.84 

VAL 4729.57 

PARROTFISH (PORGY) LAN 37.8 

VAL 336 

SHARK LAN 75.24 

VAL 836 

MARLIN (BLUE),(OCEAN GUARD) LAN 83.48 

VAL 1298.5 

GRUNT (TORROTO) LAN 623.4 

VAL 5415.69 

GEAR TOTAL LAN 103947.7 

VAL 533103.9 

GRAND TOTAL LAN 104855.2 

VAL 536957.9 

Claxton Bay is the main site involved in the Mullet fishery. It is basically a semi-enclosed 

bay surrounded by mangrove. Although fishermen at this site fish for a variety of species 

including Carite (S.brasiliensis), King fish (S. Cavalla), Salmon (Cynoscion spp.), and 

Crocro (M. furnieri), Mullet was the most important catch in terms of the number of 

fishermen that target this group (Solomon 2002). Species caught include M. cephalus, M. 

curema and M. incilis (Solomon 2002). 

In 1998-1999 approximately 50 individuals were involved in the mullet fishery at the 

Claxton Bay landing site. Fifteen were registered boat owners, while the remaining were 

crew and other individuals involved in the repair of nets and boats. The degree of 

involvement in the mullet fishery was subdivided into part-time and full time. Those 

involved part-time fished for mullet only during the months of highest abundance 

(January to April). During the other months they were engaged in other fisheries found in 

REAL Feb 2009 

25



the Gulf of Paria. Full time fishermen on the other hand targeted mullet all year round: 

this however did not mean that they were not engaged in other fisheries during the 

months of low abundance in order to subsidise their income (Solomon 2002). 

During the months of highest Mullet abundance Solomon (2002) noted that fishing was 

most intense occurring regularly both during the day and night. This period coincided 

with favorable weather conditions. Approximately 10 hours per day were spent out to 

sea. Fishing occurs at least four days a week, Monday thru to Thursday. Friday to Sunday 

were rest days. 

In 1998-1999 90% of the fishermen at the Claxton Bay landing site interviewed by 

Solomon (2002) indicated that fishing was their only source of income. It was mainly a 

family affair and most persons got involved at an early age as skills were passed down 

from father to son. The remaining 10% indicated that they had several forms of low 

income alternative employment on an irregular basis. Only 25% of the fishermen 

interviewed indicated they had a secondary level of education and the remaining had only 

primary level education. None were tertiary educated. The age of fishermen operating out 

of Claxton Bay at that time ranged from 15-55. The highest percentage (30%) occurred 

between the ages of 20-30 (Solomon 2002). Based on the findings Solomon (2002) 

surmised that many of the fishermen involved in the Mullet fishery had extended families 

and in some instances more than one member of the household was involved with 

fishing. 

Other Landing sites within close proximity to the proposed PLSEIP which may be 

affected by port operations include: 

Brickfield 

Data obtained from the Fisheries Division for the Brickfield area indicated that 

fishers use different types of gear such as monofilament, palangue and a la vive. 

The most predominant type of fish caught using the monofilament nets is Crocro 

REAL Feb 2009 

26



(Micropogon furnieri), with an estimated landing of 1,662.8 kg in 2004 (Fisheries 

data, 2004). This accounted for approximately 63% of the total landings using 

monofilament nets in 2004. 

Carli Bay 

Fishing in this area is artisanal in nature and is characterized by small pirogues. 

Fishing used to be very popular in the Carli Bay area, however there is a high 

incidence of crime in the area which resulted in most of the fishermen moving to 

the Orange Valley landing site. Three fishermen were operating out of this 

landing site in 2005 (epas, 2005). 

Transparent monofilament nets are typically used in this area. This type of net 

targets pelargic species such as Crocro (Racando) (Micropogon furnieri), which is 

exported, Carite (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) and Salmon (Cynoscion acoupa). 

Fishing occurs all year round at Cali Bay from Monday to Saturday. The boats 

usually depart between 3- 4pm and return between 2-3am. On average 

approximately 20lbs of fish is caught on each trip, (epas 2005, Fisheries Division, 

2004). 

Orange Valley 

Fishing in Orange Valley is characterized by small pirogues and trawlers. In this 

area the different types of fishing gear used are mainly fillet nets and trawling. 

Fishing using the fillet nets had an estimated total landing of 49,516 kg in 2004, 

while trawling had an estimated landing of 687,128 kg in the same year (Fisheries 

data, 2004). 

Carite, Crocro, Jack and Silver Salmon, all commercially important species of fish 

were caught through out the year using the fillet nets. Shrimp was also caught 

using this method, but this is limited to July and December. Transparent 

REAL Feb 2009 

27



monofilament nets are also used in this area to target the pelagic species. Crocro, 

Salmon (Cynoscion sp.), Carite (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) and Red Fish are 

usually caught with this method. 

However, trawling appears to be the method of choice for fishermen in the area. 

A greater number of species are caught by the trawlers. Targeted species include 

Red Fish, Salmon, Crocro, Bechin (Sphyraena guachancho) and shrimp. 

Fishing occurs all year round and the departure time varies, with some boats 

leaving in the afternoon and returning in the morning, while others leave in the 

morning and return in the afternoon. The small pirogues catch approximately 

30lbs of fish per day, while the small trawlers catch approximately 60lbs of 

shrimp and 20lbs of fish (epas, 2005). 

San Fernando 

This site is one of the more popular and diverse areas in terms of the gear types 

used. These included fillet, monofilament, palangue, banking, switchering, a la 

vive, trawling, tuck seine and fish pots. 

Commercially important fish such as Carite, Crocro, Silver Salmon and Snook are 

the main species caught through out the year using fillet. The total landing 

yielded by this gear type was 12,299.42 kg in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). The 

monofilament nets also targeted commercially important fish such as Carite, 

Crocro, Mullet and Snook. These contributed a greater percentage to the total 

landings of 13,460.04 kg in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). Palangue is used in the 

earlier and later months of the year, with Crocro being the main species of 

commercial importance that was caught. A significant amount of Sea Catfish was 

also caught (7,527.93 kg) in 2004; however this had little commercial value. Red 

Snapper along with Crocro are the main species targeted by banking and 

accounted for approximately 56% of the total landings in 2004 with this gear type. 

REAL Feb 2009 

28



Bachin is the predominant type of fish caught using switchering. This fish is 

caught through out the year except in February and March and yielded a total of 

31,910.96 kg in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). A la vive is also used in this area 

though to a lesser extent. Carite and Kingfish are the predominant types of fish 

caught with this method and contributed approximately 90% of the total landings 

by this gear type in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). Tuck seine targets fishes such as 

Carite, Herring and Kingfish. Grouper and Red Snapper are targeted by the use of 

fishpots. 

Trawling is also a popular method used in this area. It mainly targets the shrimp 

industry, which accounted for approximately 50% of the total landings by this 

gear type in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). Herring, Silver Salmon and Sardine 

were also caught with the trawlers. Trawling had the greatest landings of 

44,696.52 kg at this site in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004). 

Otaheite 

Fishing in this area is characterized by pirogues and small trawlers. The fishing 

methods at this site included diving, a la vive, banking and trawling. In 2005 

there were approximately 46 trawlers located at this landing site, an increase from 

the 38 <strong>report</strong> by the fisheries division in 2003. Fishing occurs throughout the year 

and the boats usually depart between 3-4am and return in the early afternoon. 

Trawling in this area and targets species such as Red Snapper, Salmon, Crocro, 

Butterfish, Bechin and shrimp. The average catch per day is 20lbs in this area 

(epa, 2005). Data collected from the Fisheries Division indicate the types of gear 

used in this area were switchering, trawling and beach seine. The total landings at 

this site was 161,807.58 kg in 2004 (Fisheries data, 2004), with a greater 

percentage of the catch originating from the trawlers (approximately 54%). 

REAL Feb 2009 

29



REAL Feb 2009 

30



5. Management Status of Commercial Fisheries 

In 2005 interviews conducted with fishermen along the west-coast indicted that they were 

all concerned with the future state of the fish stock within Trinidad and Tobago waters 

have noted a significant decline in yields per fishing effort in area (epas 2005). Another 

cause for concern was the apparent pollution problem in some areas. Fishermen in 

Claxton Bay <strong>report</strong>ed damages to their nets from occasional oil spills. Declining fish 

stocks within the immediate areas of Orange Valley and Carli Bay were also thought to 

be a result of pollution problems from the near by industrial estate. With respect to the 

existing fish stock for commercially viable species, Table 6 below provides a listing of 

the status of select species of fish. Based on the statistics provided the majority of 

commercial species including Carite or Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), 

Kingfish or King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), Crocro or Croaker (Micropogonias 

furnieri), Lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris), Ground Fishery and the Shrimp fishery are 

being fully to over exploited in Trinidad waters. 

REAL Feb 2009 

31



Table 6 Showing the Status of Commercial Fisheries 

Species Data used in Study Status of Stock Management 

Recommendations 

Carite or Spanish 

Mackerel 

(Scomberomorus 

brasiliensis) 

Kingfish or King 

Mackerel 

(Scomberomorus 

cavalla) 

Cavalli 

(Caranx hippos) 

1991-1992 (Trinidad: artisanal 

gillnet & 

line) 

1987 (Trinidad: artisanal 

gillnet & line) 

1995 to 2007 (Trinidad 

artisanal multigear fleet) 

Fully exploited 

Fully exploited 

The catch per unit 

of effort has 

remained stable 

between 1995 and 

2007 suggesting 

similar stability in 

population size 

REAL Feb 2009 

• No increase in fishing 

effort; 

• Gillnet mesh size 

should not be less than 

4.75” (12.1 cm) 

stretched mesh; 

• Line fishing to be 

encouraged over the 

use of gillnets. 

• No increase in fishing 

effort; 

• Gillnet mesh size 

should not be less than 

4.75” (12.1 cm) 

stretched mesh; 

• Line fishing to be 

encouraged over the 

use of gillnets. 

• Fishing pressure 

should not be allowed 

to increase until the 

dynamics of the stock 

are better understood; 

• Management 

measures proposed for 

Current Management in Plan 

for each Fishery 

• Minimum diagonal stretched 

mesh of 4.25” (10.8 cm) for 

gillnets (except where 

mullet and flyingfish are 

targeted). 

• [Note: Minimum diagonal 

stretched mesh of 3.5” (8.9 

cm) for monofilament 

gillnets catching mullet. (No 

species, other than mullet, 

may be landed in excess of 

15% of the total catch.)] 

Gear regulations (length, 

width, mesh size of fillet 

nets and seines). 

• No carite or kingfish less 

than 12” (30.5 cm) shall be 

taken, sold, or be exposed 

for sale. 

• Gear regulations (length, 

width, mesh size of fillet 

nets and seines). 

32





Herrings, 

anchovies, sardines 

TRAWL FLEET (Artisanal, Semi-industrial and Industrial trawlers) 

All shrimp species: 

Brown (Farfantepenaeus 

subtilis); White 

(Litopenaeus schmiti); 

Pink (F.notialis); Honey 

or Seabob (Xiphopenaeus 

kroyeri); Redspotted (F. 

brasiliensis). 

Pink shrimp (F. 

notialis); Honey or 

seabob (X. kroyeri) 

1992-2002 (Trinidad: trawl) 

Fully exploited to 

overexploited 

REAL Feb 2009 

other important 

commercial species in 

this multi-species 

fishery should also 

promote long-termed 

sustainability of C. 

hippos resources. 

• Do not increase 

fishing effort; 

• Attempt to reduce 

fishing effort; 

• Target larger shrimp 

as catch is 

predominantly young 

shrimp. 



No sardine shall be sold except to 

bona fide fishermen for the purpose 

of bait. 

• Controls on entry to the 

fishery, of industrial and 

semi-industrial trawlers. 

Zoning of areas of operation 

of trawl fleets in Gulf of 

Paria: artisanal trawlers 

permitted outside one 

nautical mile (1.85 km) from 

the coast; non-artisanal 

trawlers with engine size 

180Hp 

permitted outside the 10 

fathom (18.3 m) isobath. 

• Trawling is permitted: 

outside of 2 nautical miles 

33





Brown shrimp (F. 

subtilis) 

Shrimp fishery 

Cro-cro or Croaker 

(Micropogonias 

furnieri) 

. 

Salmon or Weakfish 

(Cynoscion 

jamaicensis) 

. 

1988-2001 

(Trinidad: 

trawl); 1973- 

2001 (Venezuela: 

trawl) 

1988-1996 (Trinidad: trawl); 

1973- 1996 (Venezuela:trawl) 

1995-1996 (Trinidad: trawl); 

1995-1998 (Venezuela:trawl) 

1987, 1989-1997 

(Trinidad: artisanal trawl, 

gillnet & line; Venezuela: 

trawl) 

1989-1997 (Trinidad: 

artisanal trawl, gillnet & line) 

Severely 

overfished, with 

overfishing taking 

place since the 

1970s. 

REAL Feb 2009 

• Introduce measures to 

reduce fishing 

mortality; 

• Adopt a common 

strategy for effort 

control by both 

countries targeting the 

resource. 

Overfished Fishing effort should remain at 

or below the 1996 level (9,000 

days at sea) for a few years to 

allow the stock to rebuild. 


overfished, 

overcapitalised 


overfished 


overfished 

20% reduction in existing 

levels of effort would improve 

profits to the fishery by 12% 

and reduce the probability of 

the biomass falling below 

sustainable levels. 

No increase in fishing effort 

No increase in fishing effort 



(3.7 km) on the South coast 

of Trinidad; outside of 

2nautical miles (3.7 km) on 

the North coast of Trinidad, 

West of Saut D’eau, Nov 

15-Jan 15 between 6am and 

6pm. Trawling is prohibited: 

off the East coast of 

Trinidad; between 12 

nautical miles (22.2 km) and 

the coast of Tobago. 

• Minimum stretched mesh of 

cod-end (bag) of trawl net is 

7.5 cm (3”) for fish and 3.5 

cm (1.5”) for shrimp. Use of 

TEDs (Turtle excluder 

devices) by the industrial 

and semi industrial 

fleets. 

34





Lane Snapper 

(Lutjanus synagris) 

Groundfish fishery 

1963, 1975, 1995 - 2004 

(Trinidad: artisanal gillnet, 

line, fishpot & all trawl fleets) 

1989-1997 

(Trinidad artisanal trawl & 

gillnet) 

Overall stock - biomass 

does not appear to be 

affected by the high local 

fishing mortality. It is 

theorized that this may be 

due to relatively constant 

recruitment to the fishery 

in Trinidad from an 

external source of the 

stock in the region. 


overfished 

REAL Feb 2009 

No specific management 

advice at this time; 

Fishing effort should be 

monitored and, pending further 

research, a precautionary 

approach to management is 

recommended. 

Limit effort for all fleets. 

ARTISANAL FLEET / SEMI-INDUSTRIAL MULTI-GEAR FLEET / RECREATIONAL FLEET 

(Fishpot, Demersal line) 

Lane snapper 

(Lutjanus synagris) 

1980-1981 

(Trinidad: artisanal fishpot 

on North & East coast) 

Underutilised but the 

species may be 

currently fully exploited 

to overexploited 

Increase the age of first capture 

of species. 



• No snapper under 8” (20.3 

cm) in length should be 

taken or sold. 

35



REAL Feb 2009 

36



6. Incidental Catches along the West Coast and other 

Aquatic Fauna 

Marine Reptiles 

The incidental catch of sea turtles is important in Trinidad and Tobago waters. Fishermen 

within the study area have <strong>report</strong>ed that sea turtles occasionally become entangled in their 

nets in the vicinity of the Claxton Bay seagrass beds. If they are pulled up alive they are 

released. Turtle excluder devices are available, but not used regularly except for shrimp 

trawls (epas, 2003). There are eight species of marine turtle, in the families Cheloniidae 

(turtles with hard shells) and Dermochelyidae (turtles with soft shells). Sea turtles are 

adapted for aquatic existence, coming to land only to nest, with limbs modified for 

swimming that cannot support body weight on land. Five species of marine turtles occur 

in Trinidad, all of which are included in the Environmental Management Authority 

(EMA) list of environmentally sensitive species (EMA, 2004). All have been marked as 

priority species for the EMA, and all receive both national and international protection 

(Table 7). 

Leatherbacks are often caught during the nesting season as incidental catch in fillet nets 

and trawls. Most fishermen recognize the need to conserve these turtles, and attempt to 

release them unharmed from nets. Lee Lum (2003) <strong>report</strong>ed 2902 incidental catches on 

the north coast and 851 on the east coast, compared to only 32 on the south coast and 11 

on the west coast. Hawksbill and Green turtle incidental catches were <strong>report</strong>ed to be rare 

(Lee Lum, 2003). Pritchard (1984) noted that the incidental catch of the rare Olive Ridley 

turtle might be proportionately important, as this slow-swimming species is easily caught 

in trawls. 

Leatherbacks are principally caught in green multifilament gill (fillet) nets set for 

Kingfish (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) and Carite (S. cavalla) when the turtles approach 

nesting beaches. Lee Lum (2003) estimated that more than 3000 Leatherbacks were 

caught by the gillnet fishery in Trinidad in 2000, mostly on the north and east coasts from 

REAL Feb 2009 

37



January to August when turtles were arriving to nest. The west coast of Trinidad is not 

known as a nesting ground for marine turtles. This fact is supported by a low number of 

<strong>report</strong>s of incidental catches along the west coast. 

Table 7 International and national conservation status of marine turtles in Trinidad 

and Tobago (from EMA, 2004). 

Species IUCN Red CITES 2 SPAW 3 

CWA 4 CW Bill 5 

Leatherback 

Dermochelys 

coriacea 

Green 

Chelonia mydas 

Loggerhead 

Caretta caretta 

Hawksbill 

Eretmochelys 

imbricata 

Olive Ridley 

Lepidochelys 

olivacea 

List 1 

Critically 

Endangered 

A1abd 

Endangered 

A1bd 

Endangered 

A1bd (Not for 

T&T) 

Critically 

Endangered 

A1bd 

Endangered 

A1bd 

Appendix 

I 

Appendix 

I 

Appendix 

I 

Appendix 

I 

Protocol 

Annex II Protected 

animal 


animal 


animal 


animal 


animal 

Schedule IV- 

Part A 

Endangered 

Schedule IV- 

Part A 

Endangered 

Schedule IV- 

Part A 

Endangered 

Schedule IV- 

Part A 

Endangered 

Schedule IV- 

Part A 

Endangered 

1 

IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Critically Endangered = considered to be facing 

an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered = considered to be facing a very high risk of 

extinction in the wild. 

2 

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Appendix I = species 

that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. Threatened with extinction; 

commercial international trade prohibited. 

3 

Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartagena Convention for the 

Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region. Annex II = total 

protection and recovery required, by prohibition of trade or disturbance. 

4 

Conservation of Wildlife Act. Chapter 67:01 Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Protected 

animal = any animal not specified or mentioned in the Second or Third Schedule. 

5 

Conservation of Wildlife Bill 2003. Endangered = species at risk of extirpation from parts of its range or 

extinction from its entire range. 

Marine Mammals 

Marine mammals are an ecological rather than taxonomic grouping, including members 

of the orders Cetacea, Sirenia and Carnivora. The latter (seals and sea-lions) are not 

REAL Feb 2009 

38



present in Trinidad and Tobago waters and the West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus 

belonging to the order Sirenia is not thought to be present within the study area along the 

west coast of Trinidad. However, cetaceans may be forund within the Gulf of Paria 

represented by species of whales and dolphins. Marine mammals are highly mobile and 

capable of moving long distances, with many species showing seasonal migrations for 

food or breeding. Historically both cetaceans were abundant in Trinidad and Tobago 

waters, and were heavily exploited (Reeves et al., 2001a, b). Cetaceans can be forund on 

Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 

Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Table 6) and all species are protected in Trinidad and Tobago 

under the Conservation of Wildlife Act and the Conservation of Wildlife Bill (Table 8). 

Table 8 International and National Conservation Status of Endangered Marine Mammals in 

Trinidad and Tobago(Source EMA, 2004). 

Species CITES 1 CWA 2 CW Bill 3 

Cetacean 

species 

Appendix II (except species in 

Appendix I) 

Protected 

animal 

Schedule IV- Part 

A 

Endangered 

1 

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Appendix I = species 

that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. Threatened with extinction, 

commercial international trade prohibited. Appendix II = species that may become threatened with 

extinction unless trade is closely controlled. 

2 

Conservation of Wildlife Act. Chapter 67:01 Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Protected 

animal = any animal not specified or mentioned in the Second or Third Schedule. 

3 

Conservation of Wildlife Bill 2003. Endangered = species at risk of extirpation from parts of its range or 

extinction from its entire range. 

There are two suborders of cetacean. The Mysticeti (baleen whales) are large (6-30 m 

body length) whales that lack teeth and feed on relatively small prey using straining 

plates of baleen that hang from the roof of the mouth. The Odontoceti (toothed whales) 

are often small (from 1.5 m), including dolphins and porpoises and the sperm and killer 

whales, which have teeth and feed on relatively large prey. There are four species of 

Mysticete and 19 species of Odontocete likely to occur in Trinidad and Tobago waters 

(Ward and Moscrop, 1999; Ward et al., 2001) (Table 9). 

REAL Feb 2009 

39



Table 9 Cetaceans thought to occur in waters of Trinidad and Tobago 

Species Common name IUCN Red List 

Mysticeti 

Balaenopterus physalus Fin whale Vulnerable 

Balaenopterus borealis Sei whale Vulnerable 

Balaenopterus edeni Bryde’s whale Insufficiently known 

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback whale Vulnerable 

Odontoceti 

Physeter macrocephalus Sperm whale Vulnerable 

Kogia breviceps Pygmy sperm whale Insufficiently known 

Kogia sima Dwarf sperm whale Insufficiently known 

Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier’s beaked whale Insufficiently known 

Mesoplodon europaeus Gervais’ beaked whale Insufficiently known 

Orcinus orca Killer whale Insufficiently known 

Feresa attenuata Pygmy killer whale Insufficiently known 

Pseudorca crassidens False killer whale Insufficiently known 

Globicephala macrorhynchus Sort-finned pilot whale Insufficiently known 

Stenella attenuata Pan-tropical spotted dolphin Insufficiently known 

Stenella frenatus Atlantic spotted dolphin Insufficiently known 

Stenella longirostris Spinner dolphin Insufficiently known 

Stenella clymene Clymene dolphin Insufficiently known 

Stenella coeruleoalba Striped dolphin Insufficiently known 

Delphinus delphis Common dolphin Insufficiently known 

Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose dolphin Insufficiently known 

Grampus griseus Risso’s dolphin Insufficiently known 

Steno bredanensis Rough-toothed dolphin Insufficiently known 

Sotalis fluviatilis Tucuxi Insufficiently known 

The only Cetacean for which reliable data exists for Trinidad and Tobago waters is the 

Humpback Megaptera novaeanglia, which was surveyed by Swartz et al. (2001) using 

visual and acoustic methods. The Humpback was <strong>report</strong>ed to be commonly located off 

the north and east coasts of Trinidad, in waters 50-100 m deep, but not detected along the 

south and south-east coast. This species formerly gathered in large numbers in the Gulf of 

Paria, where they were hunted, and it has been suggested that they have declined in the 

region due to noise disturbance from commercial shipping and oil and gas exploration 

(epas, 2004). 

REAL Feb 2009 

40



Data for other species of cetacean are piecemeal in Trinidad and Tobago waters. The 

Short-finned Pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus is the most frequently sighted 

cetacean in Trinidad waters. There were strandings at Manzanilla in 1995 and 1999 and 

at Caroni in 2001, and a pod beached at La Filette on the north coast in 1987 (loc cite 

epas 2004). In addition to Pilot whales a pod of Killer whales Orcinus orca was observed 

in the Gulf of Paria, and a dead whale (probably Bryde’s whale, Balaenoptera edeni) was 

found at Pointe-a-Pierre in 1987 (Ottley et al., 1987). Gervais’ Beaked whales have also 

been observed in Trinidad waters (loc cite epas, 2004) and a pod of bottlenose dolphins 

Tursiops truncates was recorded off Port-of-Spain in 2001 (loc cite epas, 2004). 

There have been no specific sightings of whales within the immediate study area, but it is 

likely that one or more species of dolphin may enter the Gulf of Paria to feed on the rich 

fishing grounds. The bay is too small to support resident populations, so any disturbance 

would lead to relocation elsewhere, rather than loss of populations. 

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Web References 

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name=Anchoa&speciesname=trinitatis 

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