CubaPLUS Magazine

Researchers from Cuba and the United States are close to completing their second joint marine scientific expedition to study the biodiversity of the archipelago's reefs, official sources said. According to a statement from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) the crossing will end on November 23. The same source said that the investigation is developed since the beginning of the month with specialists of both nationalities aboard the ship Alucia. The purpose of the trip is to study the biodiversity of the reef system of the Jardines de la Reina national park, the Citma confirmed. During the trip the experts carry out samples for the genetic analysis of coral species and other marine organisms. According to the statement, the first trip of this research cycle took place between May and June. Jardines de la Reina is an archipelago of the Caribbean Sea in the southeastern part of Cuba, located in the provinces of Camagüey and Ciego de &Aávila between the gulf of Ana María, the Guacanayabo gulf and the Caballones channel. According to Citma information, in the exchange the island is represented by experts from the Center for Marine Research of the University of Havana, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the National Company for the Protection of Flora and Fauna, and the division from Marine studies of the Geocuba business group, all coordinated by the National Center for Protected Areas. From the northern country, the main collaborator is the Woods Hole Institute.