reef off the southwestern coast of Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, southeastern West Indies. It consists of five reef flats surrounding Bon Accord Lagoon. Buccoo, noted for its submarine gardens, has long been a popular tourist attraction. However, pollution and years of abuse by visitors and locals have caused serious damage to the reef and its marine life. The reef system was designated a marine protected area in 1973. A trust was established in the late 1990s to preserve the reef environment and develop sustainable tourist activity.