Institute of Marine Affairs

Institute of Marine Affairs To foster research & provide advice for the sustainable management of the coastal & marine areas

Fields of Activity:
Marine Fisheries
Aquaculture
Marine Geology/Sedimentology
Pollution Studies
Marine and Wetlands Ecology
Physical Oceanography
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
Marine Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Management and Planning

📣 Calling all Citizen Scientists:Join us for the largest global marine litter data collection exercise 🌊The Ministry of ...
10/09/2026

📣 Calling all Citizen Scientists:
Join us for the largest global marine litter data collection exercise 🌊
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, through the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) with the IMAgovTT and the Environmental Management Authority, in collaboration with the country coordinator CNIRD-ICCTT, invites you to be part of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026.

📅 Date: September 12 2026
📍 Location: Foreshore, Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain
🕗 Time: 9:30am

Whether you're participating as an individual, family, school, community group, or corporate team, your contribution matters.
Help collect valuable data on marine litter while supporting healthier ecosystems, more resilient coastlines and environmental sustainability for future generations.

👉 Register today via the link below. 👈
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfN1Bg5.../viewform

KeepTTClean VolunteerTT ProtectOurOceans TurntheTide SeatheChange
Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Environmental Management Authority ICare TT Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea Environmental Policy and Planning Division TT UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme

Spotlight on Hex and Bute: Two Persistent Pollutants​​As part of our mission to protect the environment from Unintention...
02/09/2026

Spotlight on Hex and Bute: Two Persistent Pollutants​

​As part of our mission to protect the environment from Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs), two characters deserve special attention: Hex (Hexachlorobenzene, HCB) and Bute (Hexachlorobutadiene, HCBD). Both represent serious environmental and health challenges, but with informed action we can reduce their impact.​

​Who Are They?​

​Hex: Once widely used as a fungicide, Hex is now found mainly in soil and water. His persistence threatens agricultural health and water quality long after his intentional use ended.​

​Bute: A by-product of industrial processes, Bute contaminates air and water around manufacturing sites, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.​

​Fighting Hex.​

​Support organic and sustainable farming to reduce chemical runoff.​
Participate in soil and water conservation efforts.​
Advocate for stronger monitoring and regulation of agricultural chemicals.​

Battling Bute.​
✅Promote greener industrial practices and cleaner production technologies.​
✅Choose products from companies committed to environmental responsibility.​
✅Support community and policy initiatives to control industrial pollutants.​

Your Role Matters​

Every conscious choice—whether it’s selecting organic produce, reducing chemical use, or supporting eco-friendly industries—contributes to reducing the influence of Hex and Bute. Collective action is key to safeguarding our health and environment.​

​Stop the POPs. Together we can limit the damage of persistent pollutants and work toward a cleaner, safer planet.​

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/

Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh GEF Small Grants Programme Trinidad and Tobago UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme IDB Invest Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Basel Convention Regional Centre - Caribbean

UPOPs are toxic, hard-to-degrade by-products of industrial and combustion processes. Here is where these hidden hazards ...
02/09/2026

UPOPs are toxic, hard-to-degrade by-products of industrial and combustion processes. Here is where these hidden hazards thrive:​

​Soil & Water: Hex [Hexachlorobenzene] (from agricultural burning) and Pent [Pentachlorobenzene] (from waste incineration) contaminate ecosystems and agriculture.​

Industrial Zones: Bute [Hexachlorobutadiene] (from chemical runoff) and Nap [Polychlorinated Naphthalenes] (from high-temp refining) leave lasting toxic footprints.​

​Urban Air: Diox [Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins] and Tox [Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans] spread through vehicle exhaust, traffic congestion, and improper waste burning.​

​Oceans: Polly [Polychlorinated Biphenyls] (from dye manufacturing) bioaccumulates in marine food webs.​

​The Fix: Mitigating these pollutants requires systemic change. By adopting Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP), we can eliminate them at the source.​

​ ​

​Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/​

Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh GEF Small Grants Programme Trinidad and Tobago UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme IDB Invest Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Basel Convention Regional Centre - Caribbean - UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme

🇹🇹 Happy 64th Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago! 🇹🇹On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine ...
31/08/2026

🇹🇹 Happy 64th Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago! 🇹🇹

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), we extend warm Independence Day greetings to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Happy Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago!
❤️🤍🖤



Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development

Spotlight on Nap: Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we introdu...
31/08/2026

Spotlight on Nap: Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we introduce Nap, a character representing Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). Once widely used in industry, PCNs highlight the lasting environmental impacts of historical industrial practices.​

​Who is Nap?​

​Role in Pollution: Nap personifies PCNs, chemicals previously used in a range of industrial applications. Though their intentional production has stopped, they continue to appear as unintentional by-products of high-temperature industrial processes.​

​Where Found: Nap is often present in areas with a history of industrial activity, as well as in ecosystems impacted by legacy contamination.​

The Dangers of Nap​

​Despite being phased out, Nap persists in the environment, accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms. Exposure to PCNs has been linked to skin disorders and liver disease in workers, making Nap a continuing concern for both public health and ecosystems.​

Addressing the Threat​

​✅Acknowledge the Legacy: Understanding the impacts of past industrial activity is essential to addressing pollutants like Nap.​
✅Cleanup and Remediation: Support initiatives that restore areas historically contaminated by PCNs.​
✅Safer Industry: Encourage modern industrial practices that prevent the future creation of similar pollutants.​
✅Community Education: Raising awareness helps communities protect themselves and advocate for a safer environment.​

Stop the POPs: By recognizing Nap’s enduring legacy and taking action, we can reduce the impact of PCNs and ensure a cleaner, healthier future.​

​

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/

Congratulations!On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), I wish to extend our war...
30/08/2026

Congratulations!

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to Permanent Secretaries Mrs. Aarti Bedassie-Maharaj (right) and Mr. Sanjay Singh (left) on your formal appointments within the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.

The IMA has long valued its relationship with the Ministry, recognising your pivotal role in steering national development, strategic planning, and sustainable resource management.

As a multidisciplinary research organisation, we remain fully committed to supporting your mandate. Please accept our best wishes for a successful tenure.

In photo, IMA Director, Dr. Ava Maxam (center)

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development

📣 Calling all Citizen Scientists:Join us for the largest global marine litter data collection exercise 🌊The Ministry of ...
28/08/2026

📣 Calling all Citizen Scientists:
Join us for the largest global marine litter data collection exercise 🌊

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, through the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) with the IMAgovTT and the Environmental Management Authority, in collaboration with the country coordinator CNIRD-ICCTT, invites you to be part of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026.

📅 Date: September 12 2026
📍 Location: Foreshore, Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain
🕗 Time: 9:30am

Whether you're participating as an individual, family, school, community group, or corporate team, your contribution matters.
Help collect valuable data on marine litter while supporting healthier ecosystems, more resilient coastlines and environmental sustainability for future generations.

👉 Register today via the link ibelow. 👈
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN1Bg5_vhcHqgg-90bvzm7noQvsXBjSvc_9exGVsEEna01ZQ/viewform

KeepTTClean VolunteerTT ProtectOurOceans TurntheTide SeatheChange
Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh Environmental Management Authority ICare TT Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea Environmental Policy and Planning Division TT UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme

Spotlight on Tox: Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we introdu...
28/08/2026

Spotlight on Tox: Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we introduce Tox, a character representing Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). These compounds are not intentionally produced but are formed during combustion processes, often alongside dioxins.​

Who is Tox?​

Role in Pollution: Tox personifies PCDFs, which emerge from activities such as open waste burning, vehicle exhaust, and certain industrial processes.​

Where Found: His presence reflects the pervasiveness of combustion in daily life, making him a constant, though often overlooked, pollutant.​

The Dangers of Tox.​

Tox persists in the environment and accumulates in the food chain, particularly in animal products. Exposure to PCDFs is linked to cancer and other serious health effects, threatening both wildlife and human health.​

Addressing the Threat.​

​✅Reduce Combustion: Limiting waste burning and fossil fuel use lowers PCDF formation.​
✅Cleaner Technologies: Transitioning to efficient, sustainable energy and waste management practices reduces Tox’s impact.​
✅Policy and Regulation: Stronger controls and monitoring of industrial and vehicular emissions are essential.​
✅Awareness and Action: Educating communities about Tox empowers informed choices and drives environmental protection.​

Stop the POPs By working together, we can reduce Tox’s presence in our environment. Collective awareness, innovation, and action are key to building a safer and healthier future.​

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/​

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development GEF Small Grants Programme Trinidad and Tobago UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat & Caribbean Environment Programme IDB Invest Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Turtles, Wildlife & a Whole Lot of Ocean LearningOver the weekend of August 21st and 22nd, 2026, the Institute of Marine...
26/08/2026

Turtles, Wildlife & a Whole Lot of Ocean Learning

Over the weekend of August 21st and 22nd, 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) joined Tourism Trinidad Limited and the Turtle Village Trust at Trincity Mall to celebrate the close of turtle nesting season with a day of ocean education and fun!

Through our booth—in partnership with the PROMAR project—the IMA engaged approximately 336 visitors of all ages, with interactive activities highlighting marine conservation, pollution impacts, coastal protection, and turtle conservation. The outreach involved hands-on challenges designed to build awareness of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine environment and practical ways we can all help protect our coasts and seas.

We were joined by some incredible partners showcasing our nation’s biodiversity, including the Serpentarium, the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division, who brought birds, mammals, and reptiles for the public to admire and learn about their importance.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, played, and left a little more ocean-aware! 💙

Protecting our marine environment starts with awareness—and events like these remind us just how much our community cares.

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Turtle Village Trust Serpentarium

"Spotlight on Diox: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we i...
26/08/2026

"Spotlight on Diox: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we introduce Diox, a character representing Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs). These compounds are not intentionally produced but arise as by-products of incomplete combustion in waste burning and industrial activities.​

​Who is Diox?​

​Role in Pollution: Diox symbolizes PCDDs, formed during processes such as open burning of waste and certain industrial operations.​
​
Where Found: Though invisible, Diox is widespread, contaminating air, soil, and water with far-reaching effects.​

​The Dangers of Diox​

​Highly persistent in the environment, Diox accumulates over time and causes long-term ecological harm. Exposure is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, immune system damage, and developmental effects in both humans and wildlife.​

​Addressing the Threat​
✅Cleaner Practices: Reducing waste burning and incomplete combustion lowers PCDD formation.​
✅Technology and Innovation: Cleaner industrial and waste management technologies can curb emissions.​
✅Policy Action: Stronger environmental regulations are vital for controlling these pollutants.​
✅Awareness: Educating communities about the dangers of Diox empowers informed choices and protective action.​

Stop the POPs. By taking collective action, we can reduce Diox’s presence and safeguard the health of both ecosystems and people. Awareness and advocacy are key to building a safer future.​
​

Find Out More: https://www.stopthepops.com/​

Kennedy Swaratsingh Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation - Jordan

Address

Hilltop Lane
Chaguaramas

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

868-634-4291/4

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