The central focus of this study is on wetland communities in
two geographic regions of Trinidad and Tobago. One is on the sheltered
west coast of the island of Trinidad, the Caroni Swamp, while
the other is on the eastern Atlantic coast of the island, the Nariva
Swamp. The different socio-economic and developmental context
of each area allows for spatial comparative analysis. The Caroni
Swamp is located on the Gulf of Paria, 3.5 km from the Port of
Spain. It is the largest mangrove swamp in Trinidad, accounting
for 60% of the country’s total mangrove area and draining approximately
675 km2 in catchment area. its ecology is diverse, consisting
of marshes, mangrove swamp, brackish and saline lagoons, and
tidal mudflats. The swamp has been modified by attempted reclamation,
and there is seasonal cultivation on the landward fringe.