ARC Arrives - Caribbean Compass

—Continued from previous page
Part of the problem here is that, at the moment, the users have little or no idea
what is expected of them. I have no doubt this water-skier thought what he was
doing was okay. The park clearly needs a leaflet, given out when you pay your fees,
that informs visitors of the park regulations — including the speed limit. I understand
that the park used to have such brochures but has now run out of them. In
the meantime, in the spirit of trying to help, I have included some park regulations
and expected behavior in a sidebar.
Always stunning from the air, the Tobago Cays are trying to regain their pristine
state at sea level and below
The small-boat passage in the reef has been well buoyed. More dinghy-mooring
buoys are needed on the outer reef, and I understand these are coming soon. The
reef, which has suffered considerable hurricane damage, still has lots of fish, and
the hard corals are beginning to make a comeback. I saw a lot of white sea urchins;
these, along with the reef fish, will help keep the algae growth down and allow the
reef to recover.
As a photographer and hiker, I love to be able to walk to a good viewpoint where I
can see the islands and yachts below. There are two good trails I know of in the Cays.
One used to lead to the high point on Petit Bateau, but now only goes as far as a
rock about halfway up. The other leads to a viewpoint on Jamesby. I think it would
CHRIS DOYLE
be excellent if these, and maybe one or two other footpaths, were maintained by the
park rangers in an ecologically friendly manner. It would enhance the experience of
the park users and all those photographs taken from on high would do much do
publicize the park.
The Tobago Cays were perhaps in their most perfect natural state before the early
1970s when they were barely visited. On this last visit I saw them closer to this original
state than they have been for very many years. I would like to say “thank you”
to the Tobago Cays Marine Park team for helping achieve this; also to the vendors
who are clearly cooperating and keeping the park attractive.
The Tobago Cays do not need “improving”, only a gentle managing hand. This is
exactly what is happening now. I hope the management team will keep this in mind
and consult with users before making any drastic changes, such as laying down a
large number of yacht moorings, which could potentially harm the appearance of the
area’s natural beauty.
TCMP Regulations and Etiquette
Please enjoy this magnificent park and help others to do so by obeying regulations
and being considerate.
• There is a five-knot speed limit in the park. This applies to all vessels, dinghies,
water taxis and sailing boats. Please obey it and keep a good look out for swimmers.
People swim throughout the area — among the anchored yachts, from yachts to the
reef and to the islands. The speed limit precludes water-skiing and many water
sports. (The use of jet-skis is illegal in all of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.)
• Please enjoy snorkeling and looking at the fish and turtles. They are here
because this is a conservation area and no fishing is allowed. You may not collect
or harm any kind of sea-creature including the corals. Do not take souvenirs in
any form including shells and rocks. Take only pictures.
• A turtle-watching area has been established around the beach at Baradel. It is
marked by a series of linked buoys. If you wish to snorkel in this area, either
anchor your dinghy outside the buoys or take it directly (and very slowly) in to the
beach and pull it up on the sand. No anchoring or drifting with your dinghy is
allowed in this area. Do not run your dinghy through this area except to go to and
from the beach.
• No fires may be made on the beaches. The vegetation ashore is part of the park
and should be left alone.
• Do not discharge any oil, chemicals or other waste into the water. Do not pump
your bilges in the park. Avoid using bleach and strong cleaners that get flushed
overboard in park waters.
• Those wishing to scuba dive in the park must only do so with a local dive shop.
• Be considerate. Some people get so excited at the beauty of the Tobago Cays,
they think the way to complete the experience is to play their favorite music at top
volume for the whole anchorage to hear. Cathartic as this might be for them, it
may not be what others want. Keep any noise you make on your boat from music,
generators and windmills low enough so it does not annoy your neighbors.
For more information on the Tobago Cays Marine Park contact tcmp191@hotmail.com.
JANUARY 2008 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 25