The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has taken action to stop the planned “Caroni Krab Dash – Flat Bottom and Small Boat Race” following an investigation into its potential environmental impact on the Caroni Swamp.
The event, originally scheduled for 25 October 2025, prompted several complaints from the public about risks to biodiversity in the area. In response, the EMA met with organisers, D Krab House Barge, to assess possible threats. Officers from the EMA’s Environmental Police Unit, along with game wardens and Praedial Larceny officers from the Forestry Division, conducted a site assessment of the proposed racecourse from the Maritime Drain to the El Socorro Ext. Rd #1 Drain.
The investigation examined possible effects on the Caroni River and its drainage system, which form part of the Caroni Swamp, a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site). The swamp is one of the few known breeding habitats of the Scarlet Ibis, an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS). The main concern identified was the noise the race would generate and its potential disturbance to the Scarlet Ibis.
After evaluation, the EMA concluded the event posed serious environmental risks and communicated these concerns to the organisers, who subsequently cancelled the race to protect the ecosystem.
The EMA reminded the public that the Scarlet Ibis is protected by law as an ESS. Habitat preservation is vital, and enforcement action will be taken against anyone carrying out unauthorised activities that may harm environmentally sensitive species or areas under Section 62(d) of the Environmental Management Act, Chap. 35:05.
Under the Act, anyone who knowingly or recklessly undertakes or allows an activity that could harm an environmentally sensitive area or species commits an offence. Those found guilty may face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.
