Virtual Tours
Buccoo Reef is a largest coral reef in Tobago and was designated as a marine park in 1973. Its massive proportions contain a reef system of five reef flats that are separated by deep channels. An associated lagoon, the Bon Accord Lagoon, is almost completely enclosed by Sheerbird's Point and a dense mangrove belt.
The succession of fauna and flora, from the dense mangrove to the outer reef, is a biologist's delight. This reef complex is also more accessible to the non-diver, as snorkeling and glass-bottom boats offer an easy way to observe the many habitats and species it contains. The reef flats have wave-resistant species adapted to turbulent waters, such as elkhorn coral, while the reef crests are dominated by the star coral. At greater depths in the Coral Gardens the benthic fauna changes and is made up of large colonies of brain coral, starlet coral and star coral, with many waving soft corals.
This is one of the best examples of a reef complex in the region, but tragically, the Buccoo Reef is a shadow of what it once was. A combination of pollution from land run-off and physical damage from reef walking and anchors has degraded much of this once magnificent reef. There is hope to restore this magnificent reef and a concerted effort from the community, the private sector and government can make it happen. The Buccoo Reef Trust is playing an active role in this process and is initiating a Restoration Program with the relevant agencies. A film called "Buccoo Reef: To Rescue and to Restore" has recently been produced by the Buccoo Reef Trust in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly which explains some of the approaches that are being taken.
