Meredith (n.d.)
Introduction to the Bon Accord Lagoon
Bon Accord Lagoon is considered a saltwater swamp or mangrove swamp found along the leeward coastlines of Tobago, surrounded by mangrove forests. It connects to the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool area. making it an important part of Tobago’s marine and coastal ecosystem.
Location
Bon Accord Lagoon is located on the southwest coast of Tobago, near Crown Point and close to popular beaches like Pigeon Point and Store Bay.
Wild Life
Bon Accord Lagoon is rich in wildlife, with mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs supporting many species. Birds like herons, egrets and pelicans are common. The lagoon’s calm waters shelter young fish, blue crabs, mangrove crabs, spiny lobsters and seahorses. Critically endangered Hawksbill turtles and endangered green turtles also feed here. Seagrass beds provide food and shelter for queen conch, rainbow parrotfish and Nassau groupers, making the lagoon an important nursery for marine life.
Importance
Bon Accord Lagoon is part of one of the best examples of a connected coral reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp in the south-eastern Caribbean. It protects the coastline from erosion, provides a safe nursery for young fish and marine life, while supporting endangered species like Hawksbill turtles and Nassau groupers. The lagoon also supports eco-tourism, scientific research and helps maintain healthy coastal ecosystems that are important for both the environment and the economy of Tobago.
Conservation
It is protected as part of the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Lagoon complex, a designated restricted area under the Marine Area (Preservation and Enhancement) Act. Conservation efforts include limits on fishing, mangrove cutting and boat activity to prevent damage.
This site is also being declared an Environmentally Sensitive Area to strengthen protection. Organizations like the Tobago House of Assembly and the Buccoo Reef Management Committee work together to promote conservation, manage tourism impacts and educate the public about preserving the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem.
Fun Fact!
The Ramsar Convention is the only global treaty that focuses on protecting wetlands like lagoons, swamps and marshes.
Because of Ramsar, special places like Bon Accord Lagoon are recognised as important to the whole world, not just Tobago!
References
Meredith, M. (n.d.). Mark Meredith. https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?sort=mostpopular&phrase=Bon%20Accord%20Lagoon&license=rf%2Crm
Ramsar Site – Buccoo Reef Bon Accord Lagoon. (n.d.). https://www.biodiversity.gov.tt/index.php/protected-areas-and-species/ramsar-sites/buccoo-reefbon-accord-lagoon.html
Turtle Watching | Tobago. (n.d.). https://visittobago.gov.tt/eco-adventure-nature/turtle-watching
UN Atlas of the Oceans: Subtopic. (n.d.). https://www.oceansatlas.org/subtopic/en/c/137/#:~:text=The%20extensive%20seagrass%20community%20in,even%20seahorses%2C%20can%20be%20found
Trinidad Swamps and Ranges 