Mote scientists to attend conservation meetings in Cuba

Mote Marine Laboratory researchers will give keynote talks and help spearhead Gulf of Mexico conservation efforts at two international marine science meetings in Cuba this week.

From Oct. 25 through Oct. 30, six Mote scientists and a marine policy expert will work with delegates from the United States, Mexico and Cuba at a Havana workshop to set a five-year action plan for joint marine research.

Discussions will address fisheries, coral reefs, marine mammals, sea turtles and sharks, building on progress from prior workshops co-organized by The Ocean Foundation, the Center for International Policy and the Harte Research Institute.

“International teamwork is what is needed for species conservation throughout the Gulf of Mexico,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, in a prepared statement. “These workshops will lead to the creation of a five-year plan that will provide a crucial framework for how we will move forward with these efforts.”

Mote scientists have visited Cuba over the past five years, with legal approval from the U.S. Department of Treasury, to plan and conduct conservation-oriented marine research.