• Submitted by: Camila
• Science and Technology
• 10 / 22 / 2014

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A delegation of experts and executives from the Florida Aquarium met in Havana with counterparts from the National Aquarium of Cuba to assess the possible collaboration between both to help restore coral reef. 

Margo McKnight, vice president of biological resources of the Florida Aquarium, said the visit has exceeded their expectations because the exchange of information has been very productive. Both Aquariums decided to work together on the project but did not sign any formal agreement. 

The expert said that the main focus of the conversation was the research collaboration in restoring coral reefs, which, according to scientists, are under serious threat of pollution and changes in sea temperatures.

In this regard, Florida's coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate, while for its side, Cuba retains in southern provinces of Camaguey and Ciego de Avila the "most pristine coral reef in the world", called "Gardens of the Queen" she said. One goal of the collaboration is to learn some steps that can be applied to American shores to improve the conditions of their reefs.

Coral reefs protect shorelines not only from the effect of erosion from storms reducing the impact of the waves, but are the natural habitat for over 4,000 species of fish and many marine plants.

Source: Diario de Cuba