The Trinational Initiative for Marine Science and Conservation in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean held its fifth workshop at the Acuario Nacional de Cuba on October 28th, 2012. The meeting brought together over forty scientists from Cuba, Mexico and the United States to discuss transboundary marine issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico.

It was determined that of critical importance is for the group to continue to meet and maintain regular communication. This is critical for keeping eachother abreast of project updates, exchange of data and as a means of maximizing collaboration within our projects. This website will feature updates from the six thematic groups representing scientists from the three countries. These thematic groups are: coral reefs, marine protected areas, sea turtles, fisheries, sharks and marine mammals. Each group is working on its own marine research projects in the region and reporting on these activities at group meetings.

It was decided that Fernando Bretos, Director of the Cuba Marine Research and Conservation Project of The Ocean Foundation would moderate the meetings and all communication materials among the group.

The partners of the Trinational Initiative for Marine Science and Conservation in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean are thrilled to announced our sixth annual meeting. Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies will be hosting the event in conjunction with their hosting of the 2013 Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Conference in Corpus Christi.

We expect over 35 scientists from Mexico, Cuba and the United States to attend our workshop which covers six research themes:

• Research and conservation of coral reefs
• Research and conservation of sharks
• Research and conservation of sea turtles
• Research and conservation of marine mammals
• Research, conservation and management of fish resources
• Strengthening of marine protected areas

Picking up from our Fifth Trinational Initiative workshop held at the Acuario Nacional de Cuba in October, 2012, scientists from the three countries that share the Gulf of Mexico will discuss progress to date and chart the course for future research along the six lines of research and conservation.

For any questions about the November 2013 workshop, please contact Fernando Bretos, Director of the Cuba Marine Research and Conservation Program at The Ocean Foundation at nandobretos@yahoo.com

Scientists gather at the Acuario Nacional de Cuba, October 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 30, 2010 7:00 am

A meeting of U.S., Mexican and Cuban scientists wrapped up Wednesday at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota with an outline for a formal plan of action designed to better the health of the Gulf of Mexico and western Caribbean through a collaborative approach to management and conservation issues.

The Trinational Initiative workshop was especially timely in the wake of the summer’s Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and included a session focused on the spill.

“We’ve been saying for many years that we need good baseline data about these areas and that we need to work together across nations to have a consistent approach for the gathering and sharing of information,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “The oil spill showed us how easy it is to get into trouble and that we need to work together to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters.”

Luis Alberto Barreras Cañizo of the Ministeria de Ciencea, Tecnologia y Medio, of Cuba, said that the meeting closes the start-up phase of collaborative planning and sets the stage for action. “This fourth meeting closes a start-up cycle. We have six projects that we’ve identified and we need to find a way to achieve actions and results,” he said. “Ecologically, this meeting sets an important precedent for the systematic and normal exchange of scientific information… not only in this area, but in other spheres of knowledge as well.”

The research plan will be drafted into a formal document over the next 30 days and then the working groups will move forward to put their plans into action, said Dr. David Guggenheim, senior fellow with The Ocean Foundation and the workshop’s moderator. “We’ve definitely moved into the action phase that will allow us to focus on the marine ecosystem as a whole.”

The plan includes specific actions that scientists in each nation will undertake to study and conserve coral reefs, marine mammals, sea turtles and shark and other fish populations. It will also include actions to further the protection of sensitive marine habitats and ways to develop better communication mechanisms among the three countries — especially in areas where telephone service is unreliable and Internet file sharing is restricted.

For instance, the coral reef working group considers looking at the resiliency of corals to be a key priority. “Our No. 1 action item is to figure out why Cuba’s corals — especially the acroporids [branching corals] — are so resilient in Cuba, but so threatened here in Florida,” said Dr. Kim Ritchie, manager of Mote’s Marine Microbiology Program and a member of the coral working group.

Examples of other actions outlined during the meeting:

• Implementing a regional monitoring protocol for sea turtles to make sure results are compatible among groups/nations.
• Continue research expeditions focused on sharks, including population assessments and determination of critical habitats.
• Training researchers from Cuba and Mexico on the methods and protocols for marine mammal research and monitoring developed/used by scientists at Mote in order to standardize field research techniques.
• Assess spiny lobster populations in the U.S., Cuba and Mexico and study the management and ecology of the populations.

“This is a very strong initiative and having the action plan is a very good asset,” said Rosa Linda Amezcua of the United Nations Industry Development Organization (UNIDO). “This tri-lateral initiative is also quite interesting because the scientists are working without governmental or agency support — it’s being done from the ground up. In reality, this is perhaps one of the reasons we have been so successful. We’re colleagues rather than politicians.”

Adm. Dr. Alberto Mariano Vázquez De la Cerda of the Secretaria de Marina in Mexico said that the meetings and action plan will perhaps become a model for similar efforts in other marine regions shared among nations. “We have three countries that have different systems in economics, in politics and socially,” he said. “But we have something in common — love from each and every one of our countries and our people. The real results will be for the benefit of all of our citizens. But this can also be an example for other gulfs and other seas — the Sea of Japan, the Baltic — they too can follow our systems and frameworks while still existing within the frameworks of their own countries. It is my dream to see this converted into reality and we expect great benefits for humanity.”

Dan Whittle, director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s Cuba Program, agreed that the Trinational Initiative would be transformative. “This project will transform the environment in the entire Gulf of Mexico and I think it will also help transform U.S.-Cuba policy,” he said.

Participating Institutions:

U.S.

• Center for International Policy (CIP)
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
• Florida International University (FIU)
• Harte Research Institute (HRI)
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Marine Ventures Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory (MML)
• New York Botanical Garden
• Brookfield Zoo/Chicago Zoological Society (CZS)
• Sea to Shore Alliance
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
• The Ocean Foundation (TOF)
• 1planet1ocean
• The Ocean Research Education Foundation
• University of South Florida (USF)
• National Oceanic and Admospheric Administration (NOAA)

Cuba

• Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA)
• Acuario Nacional de Cuba (ANC)
• Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros
• Instituto de Oceanología
• Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, de la Universidad de La Habana (CIM)
• Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras, Ministerio de la Industria Pesquera (CIP-Cuba)

Mexico

• Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR)
• Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)
• El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR)
• Instituto Nacional de la Pesca (INAPESCA)
Secretaría de Marina, México (SEMAR)
• Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
• Universidad Autónoma del Carmen (UNACAR)

The Trinational Initiative thanks the following sponsors for generously giving their time, efforts and funding:

• The Ocean Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Center for International Policy
• Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA)
• Environmental Defense Fund

We thank the following funders for their generous support:

• The Bay and Paul Foundations
• The Christopher Reynolds Foundation
• The Ford Foundation
• Marine Ventures Foundation
• JM Kaplan Fund
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The fourth meeting of the Trinational Intiative took place in Sarasota, Florida: Sept. 27-29, 2010

The fourth meeting of U.S., Mexican and Cuban scientists wrapped up at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota on September 30, 2010 with an outline for a formal plan of action designed to better the health of the Gulf of Mexico and western Caribbean through a collaborative approach to management and conservation issues.

The workshop of the Trinational Initiative for Marine Research and Conservation in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean was especially timely in the wake of the summer’s Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and included a session focused on the spill.

“We’ve been saying for many years that we need good baseline data about these areas and that we need to work together across nations to have a consistent approach for the gathering and sharing of information,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “The oil spill showed us how easy it is to get into trouble and that we need to work together to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters.”

The Trinational Initiative at its Fourth Meeting at Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida USA

Luis Alberto Barreras Cañizo of the Ministeria de Ciencea, Tecnologia y Medio, of Cuba, said that the meeting closes the start-up phase of collaborative planning and sets the stage for action. “This fourth meeting closes a start-up cycle. We have six projects that we’ve identified and we need to find a way to achieve actions and results,” he said. “Ecologically, this meeting sets an important precedent for the systematic and normal exchange of scientific information… not only in this area, but in other spheres of knowledge as well.”

The research plan will be drafted into a formal document over the next 30 days and then the working groups will move forward to put their plans into action, said Dr. David Guggenheim, senior fellow with The Ocean Foundation and the workshop’s moderator. “We’ve definitely moved into the action phase that will allow us to focus on the marine ecosystem as a whole.”

The plan includes specific actions that scientists in each nation will undertake to study and conserve coral reefs, marine mammals, sea turtles and shark and other fish populations. It will also include actions to further the protection of sensitive marine habitats and ways to develop better communication mechanisms among the three countries — especially in areas where telephone service is unreliable and Internet file sharing is restricted.

For instance, the coral reef working group considers looking at the resiliency of corals to be a key priority. “Our No. 1 action item is to figure out why Cuba’s corals — especially the acroporids [branching corals] — are so resilient in Cuba, but so threatened here in Florida,” said Dr. Kim Ritchie, manager of Mote’s Marine Microbiology Program and a member of the coral working group.

Examples of other actions outlined during the meeting:

• Implementing a regional monitoring protocol for sea turtles to make sure results are compatible among groups/nations.
• Continue research expeditions focused on sharks, including population assessments and determination of critical habitats.
• Training researchers from Cuba and Mexico on the methods and protocols for marine mammal research and monitoring developed/used by scientists at Mote in order to standardize field research techniques.
• Assess spiny lobster populations in the U.S., Cuba and Mexico and study the management and ecology of the populations.

“This is a very strong initiative and having the action plan is a very good asset,” said Rosa Linda Amezcua of the United Nations Industry Development Organization (UNIDO). “This tri-lateral initiative is also quite interesting because the scientists are working without governmental or agency support — it’s being done from the ground up. In reality, this is perhaps one of the reasons we have been so successful. We’re colleagues rather than politicians.”

Photo by Jennifer Palmer

Adm. Dr. Alberto Mariano Vázquez De la Cerda of the Secretaria de Marina in Mexico said that the meetings and action plan will perhaps become a model for similar efforts in other marine regions shared among nations. “We have three countries that have different systems in economics, in politics and socially,” he said. “But we have something in common — love from each and every one of our countries and our people. The real results will be for the benefit of all of our citizens. But this can also be an example for other gulfs and other seas — the Sea of Japan, the Baltic — they too can follow our systems and frameworks while still existing within the frameworks of their own countries. It is my dream to see this converted into reality and we expect great benefits for humanity.”

Dan Whittle, director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s Cuba Program, agreed that the Trinational Initiative would be transformative. “This project will transform the environment in the entire Gulf of Mexico and I think it will also help transform U.S.-Cuba policy,” he said.

Participating Institutions:

U.S.

• Center for International Policy (CIP)
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
• Florida International University (FIU)
• Harte Research Institute (HRI)
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Marine Ventures Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory (MML)
• New York Botanical Garden
• Brookfield Zoo/Chicago Zoological Society (CZS)
• Sea to Shore Alliance
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
• The Ocean Foundation (TOF)
• 1planet1ocean
• The Ocean Research Education Foundation
• University of South Florida (USF)
• National Oceanic and Admospheric Administration (NOAA)

Cuba

• Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA)
• Acuario Nacional de Cuba (ANC)
• Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros
• Instituto de Oceanología
• Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, de la Universidad de La Habana (CIM)
• Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras, Ministerio de la Industria Pesquera (CIP-Cuba)

Mexico

• Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR)
• Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)
• El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR)
• Instituto Nacional de la Pesca (INAPESCA)
Secretaría de Marina, México (SEMAR)
• Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
• Universidad Autónoma del Carmen (UNACAR)

The Trinational Initiative thanks the following sponsors for generously giving their time, efforts and funding:

• The Ocean Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Center for International Policy
• Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA)
• Environmental Defense Fund

We thank the following funders for their generous support:

• The Bay and Paul Foundations
• The Christopher Reynolds Foundation
• The Ford Foundation
• Marine Ventures Foundation
• JM Kaplan Fund
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The 2010-2011 Season Premiere of PBS' Acclaimed "Nature" Series Focuses on Cuba, Featuring Work of the Trinational Initiative

Cuba may have been restricted politically and economically for the past 50 years, but its borders have remained open to wildlife for which Cuba’s undeveloped islands are an irresistible draw. While many islands in the Caribbean have poisoned or paved over their ecological riches on land and in the sea in pursuit of a growing tourist industry, Cuba’s wild landscapes have remained virtually untouched, creating a safe haven for rare and intriguing indigenous animals, as well as for hundreds of species of migrating birds and marine creatures. Coral reefs have benefited, too. Independent research has shown that Cuba’s corals are doing much better than others both in the Caribbean and around the world.

Scientific research in Cuba on creatures such as the notoriously aggressive “jumping” crocodile, and the famous painted snails, paired with long-term ecological efforts on behalf of sea turtles, has been conducted primarily by devoted local experts. Conservation and research in Cuba can be a constant struggle for scientists who earn little for their work. But their work is their passion, and no less important than that of those collecting larger salaries. NATURE follows these scientists as they explore the crocodile population of Zapata swamp, the birth of baby sea turtles, and the mysteries of evolution demonstrated by creatures that travel no more than 60 yards in a lifetime.

As the possibility of an end to the U.S. trade embargo looms, Cuba’s wildlife hangs in the balance. Most experts predict that the end of the embargo could have devastating results. Tourism could double, and the economic development associated with tourism and other industries could change the face of what was once a nearly pristine ecosystem. Or Cuba could set an example for development and conservation around the world, defining a new era of sustainability well beyond Cuba’s borders.

Cuba: The Accidental Eden premieres Sunday, September 26, 2010 on PBS

Watch the full episode. See more Nature.

For Immediate Release: 9-15-10

Media Contact: Hayley Rutger, public relations specialist, hrutger (at) mote.org, 941-374-0081.

Scientists from U.S., Mexico, Cuba to Finalize Long-Term Research and Conservation Plan for Gulf of Mexico and western Caribbean

Cuban, Mexican and U.S. scientists will finalize a long-term marine research and conservation plan for the Gulf of Mexico and western Caribbean during a Sept. 27-29 meeting at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla.

The plan will be the first agreed upon by scientists from the three nations and comes during the fourth meeting of the Tri-National Initiative for Marine Science and Conservation of the Gulf of Mexico & Western Caribbean. A related tri-national workshop on Sept. 30 will focus on the status and management of shark fisheries throughout the Gulf.

At the broader meeting, Mote scientists will join colleagues representing more than 20 organizations and government agencies from the three nations in reaching across the water for unified marine conservation. (Please note: Meetings are invitation-only, but media is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to hrutger@mote.org.)

The conference is the culmination of a series of meetings co-organized by The Ocean Foundation, the Center for International Policy and the Harte Research Institute beginning in 2007. Prior meetings were held in Cancún and Veracruz, Mexico and Havana Cuba. This is the first meeting of the Tri-National Initiative to be held in the United States.

During the last meeting of the Tri-National Initiative in Havana in 2009, scientists drafted a five year Plan of Action to study and conserve coral reefs, marine mammals, sea turtles, populations of sharks and other marine fish species and discuss the protection of sensitive areas in the Gulf and Caribbean Sea. This meeting will finalize that plan and participants will also discuss the damage caused by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and its implications for collaboration among the three countries

Ecosystem-wide conservation depends on knowing where marine species go and what threats they face in waters between all three nations, but much remains unknown about marine resources in shared ocean waters of the Gulf and Caribbean.  Many species, such as sharks and sea turtles, are known to migrate throughout the region.

“This collaboration allows us to focus on the marine ecosystem as it truly is – one interconnected system,” said Dr. David E. Guggenheim, Senior Fellow with The Ocean Foundation, who has led the Tri-National Initiative and will facilitate the upcoming meeting.  “You can look at a mural painting and see one piece, then another, but it’s not until you see the whole painting at once that you understand how it all fits together.”

Long-term joint studies among the Gulf nations have been hindered by a 48-year trade embargo that severely restricts travel between the United States and Cuba. But Guggenheim notes that the Tri-National Initiative has grown to about three times its original size, thanks in part to recent shifts in U.S. policy.

Working across geographic and political borders, Mote researchers have visited Cuba numerous times over the past six years — with legal approval from the U.S. Department of Treasury — to plan and conduct conservation-oriented marine research.

“We are excited to re-unite with our colleagues and friends from Cuba, Mexico and the United States to work toward completion of our long-term research and conservation plan at this critical time for the Gulf of Mexico,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “Mote is front and center in studying human impacts to the Gulf and our decades of research experience here and our relationships in the Caribbean region will help to make this five-year plan as effective as possible.”

The Workshop on Cuba-Mexico-USA Collaboration will begin with a welcome reception on Monday evening, Sept. 27.

• On Sept. 28, delegates will focus on research in light of the oil spill, review progress since last year’s workshop and form six working groups focused on coral reefs, sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, fish resources and marine protected areas to review and refine specific priorities for the five-year plan.
• On Sept. 29, co-chairs of each working group will present their final recommendations for the complete Plan of Action.

A related workshop focused on sharks will run on Sept. 30 at Mote. In a project for the Tri-National Initiative, Mote and the Environmental Defense Fund are spearheading efforts to link Cuba, Mexico and the United States to rebuild shark populations throughout the Gulf. During the meeting, “Exploring Shark Fisheries and Catch Share Management in the Gulf of Mexico,” participants from the three nations will discuss current shark fisheries in Gulf, efforts to monitor catches and opportunities for the three nations to jointly manage shark fisheries.

(Detailed schedules for both meetings will be available next week.)

The upcoming workshops mark the second time Cuban scientists and government officials have visited Mote. These visits have been made possible by Environmental Defense Fund, which has spearheaded efforts to help Cuban and U.S. researchers work together.

“Cuba and the United States are close neighbors, physically and ecologically,” said Daniel Whittle, senior attorney with EDF and director of its Cuba Program.

“Scientific exchange and environmental cooperation is vital to both countries. From 2002 until 2009, it was nearly impossible for Cuban scientists to get visas to conduct research or attend meetings in the United States.  It is encouraging that over the last 18 months the State Department has issued more and more visas to Cuban scientists.  This is good progress that lays a foundation for more cooperation on the environment between our two countries in the future.”

Media: RSVP is required to attend. Please contact Hayley Rutger, public relations specialist, at 941-374-0081 or hrutger (at) mote.org

(List may change prior to meetings based on travel plans)

USA

• Center for International Policy
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Florida International University
• Harte Research Institute
• JM Kaplan Fund
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Marine Ventures Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• New York Botanical Garden
• Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (Mote and the Chicago Zoological Society)
• Sea to Shore Alliance (confirmation pending)
• The Nature Conservancy
• The Ocean Foundation
• The Ocean Research Education Foundation
• University of South Florida

Cuba

• Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente
• Acuario Nacional de Cuba
• Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros (confirmation pending)
• Instituto de Oceanología
• Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, de la Universidad de La Habana
• Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras, Ministerio de la Industria Pesquera

Mexico

• Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas
• Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas
• El Colegio de la Frontera Sur
• Instituto Nacional de la Pesca
• Secretaría de Marina, México
• Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
• Universidad Autónoma del Carmen

Nearly 60 representatives from Cuba, Mexico and the U.S. convened in Havana in October 2009 to finalize a "Plan of Action" for future collaboration in marine research and conservation focused in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean Sea Nearly 60 representatives from Cuba, Mexico and the U.S. convened in Havana in October 2009 to finalize a "Plan of Action" for future collaboration in marine research and conservation focused in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean Sea

HAVANA, Cuba — On October 25-26, 2009 the third meeting of a growing partnership of U.S, Cuban and Mexican institutions dedicated to strengthening collaboration in marine research and conservation convened in Havana, Cuba and has resulted in the near-finalization of a new five-year “Plan of Action,” a blueprint for future collaboration. The ongoing effort, led by The Ocean Foundation, the Center for International Policy, the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, and the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy has set the stage for an unprecedented level of collaboration among the three nations, including the creation of new projects and partnerships along with additional funding to support them.

The Plan of Action focuses on research and conservation priorities in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean, priorities considered nearly impossible without the concerted collaboration of all three nations. Because of the U.S. trade embargo imposed against Cuba, participation on the U.S. side has thus far been limited to nongovernmental organizations. The Havana meeting was the largest yet, bringing together a total of nearly 60 participants representing the three countries.

In November 2007, an international conference in Cancún, Mexico brought together high-level scientists and decision makers from Cuba and the United States for the first time to agree on marine research and conservation priorities. These priorities, covered in detail in the meeting proceedings and summarized below, establish a new framework for collaborative Cuba-U.S. research and conservation activities for the foreseeable future. The Cancún meeting was covered by the New York Times as the cover story in its Science section: Conserving Cuba After the Embargo and by 1planet1ocean: Historic Meeting Unites Cuba and the U.S., Taking Collaboration on Ocean Research & Conservation to a New Level.

Because of the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba, collaboration between U.S. and Cuban scientists has been difficult. Even though research is a permitted activity and U.S. scientists are allowed to travel to Cuba, the harsh logistical and political realities have prevented all but a few U.S. institutions from maintaining successful collaborative projects in Cuba. Recognizing the critical need for more scientific research in the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean – and the key role that Cuban waters play in the ecosystem – the Cancún meeting brought together major institutions from both countries to establish research priorities and chart a way forward toward stronger and more comprehensive collaborative activities.

Three members of the Shark Research & Conservation Group discuss the Plan of Action: Left to right: Dra. Consuelo Aguilar Bentacourt (Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana); Dr. Robert Hueter (Mote Marine Laboratory); Dr. Fabián Pina Amargós (Centro de Investigaciones Ecosistemas Costeras, Cuba)

Scientists from both countries recognize that there is a need to step up collaborative activities in order to more effectively address the growing research and conservation needs of the Gulf of Mexico and Western Caribbean. It has become especially important to study these areas with a regional perspective in order to understand biological linkages and inform sound conservation policies at a regional level. The principal goal of the November 2007 Cancún meeting was to establish a set of consensus scientific priorities that would serve as the framework for a plan of action. Six key priority areas were identified and discussed:

• Research and conservation of coral reefs
• Research and conservation of sharks
• Research and conservation of sea turtles
• Research and conservation of marine mammals
• Research, conservation and management of fish resources
• Strengthening of marine protected areas

Working groups were formed around each of these priorities. Recognizing that better international communications are essential to the effort’s success, a committee was also formed to address Internet and telecommunications issues.

Following the successful prioritization process at the Cancún meeting, the group committed to a follow-up meeting to build on its efforts, transforming the list of priorities into a Plan of Action to identify specific projects and activities designed to advance the priorities. Such a Plan would serve as a road map and planning document for implementing new collaborative efforts.
The follow-up meeting was held successfully in Veracruz, Mexico in March 2009 and broadened the scope of the project to include full Mexican participation. A draft Plan of Action – based on the priorities established at the Cancún meeting – was drafted at the Veracruz meeting and a third meeting would be used to finalize the Plan and begin its implementation.

Panel Discussion on funding perspectives. Left to right: Steve Cornelius (John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation); Shari Sant Plummer (Code Blue Foundation; Summit Foundation; Deep Search Foundation); Tom McMurray (The Ocean Foundation); Mark Spalding (The Ocean Foundation)

The Havana meeting included the participation of members of the U.S. funding community, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Summit Foundation, Code Blue Foundation and The Ocean Foundation, to provide their perspectives and advice for the finalization of the Plan and ongoing efforts of the partnership. The meeting was coincident with the first-ever joint congress of the Latin American Association of Marine Sciences Investigators (ALICMAR) and the Cuban National Oceanographic Committee (NOC). This “double congress,” entitled ColacMarCuba 2009, included the 13th Latin American Congress on Marine Sciences (COLACMAR) and the 8th Cuban Congress on Marine Sciences (MarCuba 2009), held October 26-30, 2009 and included nearly 1,500 participants representing nearly 40 countries.

ColacMarCuba 2009 provided an ideal venue for the project team to meet and take the first concrete steps toward implementation of the Plan of Action by building specific projects and partnerships from the Plan’s identified prioritized actions and activities. The large, diverse audience present at COLACMAR provided an important setting to formally announce the group’s recommendations and planned activities to the international scientific community for the first time, with the hope of building additional partnerships and projects. This special session was presented by Dr. David E. Guggenheim who has organized and led the three conferences. A fourth meeting is in the planning stages for 2010, to take place in Sarasota, Florida.

Participating institutions included:

Cuba: Acuario Nacional de Cuba; Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras; Centro Nacional de Áreas Protegidas; Centro Nacional de Áreas Protegidas; Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia y Medio (co-organizer); Ministerio de la Pesca; Universidad de La Habana, Centro de Investigaciones Marinas; Centro de Investigaciones Ecosistemas Costeras

Mexico: Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas; Comission Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas; Instituto Nacional de Pesca; Instituto Politécnico Nacional; Secretaria de Marina (co-organizer); Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México; Universidad Veracruzana

USA: The Ocean Foundation (co-organizer); Center for International Policy (co-organizer); Environmental Defense Fund; Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies; Mote Marine Laboratory; Chicago Zoological Society; The Nature Conservancy

Recent Media Stories About the Havana Meeting:

• Global Post: Can U.S. and Cuba work together to protect shared marine ecosystem?
• Reuters: U.S, Cuban scientists plan joint Gulf research
• NPR: Listen for a special NPR story to air in November/December 2009