Warming US-Cuba relations could hold key to saving Florida's reefs

[Judi Lynn]

Warming US-Cuba relations could hold key to saving Florida's reefs
Eric Glasser, WTSP 5:23 p.m. EDT September 29, 2015

When we hear about these diplomatic meetings between the United States and Cuba, it conjures up images of President Obama meeting with Raul Castro. What you don't see or hear much about are some of the opportunities that those improved relations create. Opportunities, in this case, running much deeper than politics.

While Cuban and U.S. leaders try to improve relations - the Florida Aquarium has entered into a partnership with the Havana National Aquarium in Cuba.

"There's a suite of species we think are important to restore, to actually get healthy coral reefs back, and Cuba can show us that," said the Florida Aquarium's Margo McKnight.

In months leading up to the lifting of the U.S. embargo of Cuba, the two aquariums reached their own deal. In exchange for access to the Florida Aquarium's world renowned reef restoration research, Cuba will offer access to its coral reefs - which are considered some of the planet's most pristine.

More:
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/09/29/reef-species-cuba-havana-florida-aquarium-agreement-deal-sharing-information-access-diplomacy/73036942/

Environment & Energy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112791689

[marym625]

1. K&R

[SunSeeker]

2. Amazing that Cuba's reefs are still pristine, considering how polluted the Gulf is.

Coral reefs are near collapse elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, especially around Florida and Jamaica, both Cuba's neighbors. Anything we could learn from Cuba to help our coral would be wonderful.