During the second term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, Cari-Bois partnered with the Scotiabank Foundation to empower ten (10) students with climate journalism skills as part of the third edition of Cari-Bois’ Youth Journalism Project. For their third assignment, students wrote an article about the effects of climate change on biodiversity. This story was written by Jenissa Lawrence of Fyzabad Secondary School.
I once heard my grandmother say that “if you eat the cascadu, you will die in Trinidad or return here to die.”
The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago describes the cascadu as a nocturnal organism that thrives in freshwater.
In Trinidad, the cascadu is found primarily in the south and central parts of the country.
In a feature article titled The cascadu: How climate change affects Trinidad’s prehistoric fish, that was published in the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, it was explained that the cascadu is only found in the waterways of central and south Trinidad because these waterways have similar characteristics to those found in South America, which the fish prefers.
In a telephone interview with local cascadu farmer, Nirmal Ramoutar, on April 10, Ramoutar acknowledges that climate change has affected the cascadu in its natural habitat because it thrives best in cool water.
He explained that because the cascadu respires bimodally, it must come to the surface to breathe.
When the temperatures are very high, the cascadu will not surface and this can kill them because they need oxygen to survive.
Oxygen is also important for the survival of the eggs.
According to Ramoutar, both the male and female cascadu build the nest.
The top of the nest is made of grass or straw, and the bottom looks like froth because it contains oxygen.
He added that from his observation, up to fifteen females can lay eggs in one nest but after laying, only the male remains to take care of the thousands of eggs.
Reproduction is vital for the survival of the species.
The cascadu will mate and build their nests at the start of the rainy season and, as a result, successful reproduction is dependent upon a distinct end to the dry season and a distinct start of the rainy season.
Thus, the unpredictable weather patterns that are now experienced in Trinidad and Tobago due to climate change has the ability to hamper the reproduction process.
In his opinion, Ramoutar thinks that climate change has negatively affected the cascadu but he is hopeful that rearing cascadu in ponds and providing a suitable environment for them to thrive can replenish their population.
In his efforts to mitigate the effects of higher temperatures, Ramoutar grows lilies and water hyacinth to keep the water cool.
However, he stresses that he must ensure that these plants do not overcrowd the pond because they can become thick and prevent the cascadu from surfacing for air.
In addition to high temperatures, significant rainfall also affects the cascadu population.
Ramoutar explains that floods can wash away nests, affect the cascadu’s ability to surface for air and lower the oxygen content in the water making it harder for the fish to breathe.
We must be mindful of the damaging effects of climate change which, if left unchecked, can lead to the extinction of this unique freshwater fish and by extension, eradicate part of our rich cultural heritage.
By protecting its habitat, monitoring water quality, and promoting sustainable practices, we can help to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the taste and keep the legend of the cascadoux alive.
A very special thank you to the Scotiabank Foundation for supporting the development of young people through initiatives like the Cari-Bois Youth Journalism Project.
