On Friday, 21 August, and Saturday, 22 August 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), through the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project, joined Tourism Trinidad Limited for a Turtle Tourism Awareness and Outreach event, held alongside the Serpentarium Caravan at Trincity Mall. The two-day engagement also brought together representatives from the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division, the Turtle Village Trust, and the Serpentarium, uniting key marine conservation partners under one initiative.

 

As the marine turtle nesting season drew to a close for 2026, the event offered a timely opportunity to connect with the public and raise awareness about marine turtles and the growing impacts of marine pollution, particularly single-use plastics. In total, 336 people engaged with the PROMAR exhibit across the two days, with 128 visitors on Friday and 208 on Saturday, reflecting strong public interest in marine conservation and turtle protection.

 

Throughout the event, the PROMAR team shared important information with visitors about the harmful effects plastic pollution can have on marine turtles and other marine life, along with simple, practical ways individuals can help reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

Visitors were invited to test their knowledge through an engaging quiz covering marine biodiversity, including marine turtles, human activities within the marine environment, and the impacts of marine pollution. Others took on the challenge of completing a 24-piece puzzle in under two and a half minutes. Participants received tokens for taking part, adding an extra element of fun to the educational activities.

 

Through these interactive activities, the PROMAR team highlighted the vital role marine turtles play in Trinidad and Tobago's marine ecosystems, while connecting the conversation to the broader issue of single-use plastics polluting the country's marine areas.

 

The two-day engagement provided a meaningful opportunity for PROMAR to connect with children, families, and members of the public, sharing an important message about the impacts of single-use plastics and marine pollution on marine turtles and the wider marine environment. Visitors were encouraged to consider how reducing their reliance on single-use plastics and making more environmentally responsible choices could help protect marine turtles and preserve the long-term health of Trinidad and Tobago's oceans.