Scientists from the expedition around Cuba are assessing the current state of coral reefs and populations of large predators in the northern keys of this central province.

Ciego de Ávila, Cuba.- On board the vessel Oceans for Youth, the researchers arrived at the port of Casasa, in Cayo Coco, on Wednesday, and will work for two days in the area of Jardines del Rey, off Ciego de Ávila north coast.

The project, promoted by the Cuban scientific community, is aimed at assessing the state of health of coral reefs, sharks, and other environmental aspects in the south and north coasts of Cuba's central-eastern region.

According to information published on Twitter, the group has collected evidence of damage to coastal ecosystems and communities due to the impacts of climate change, as well as the effectiveness of the system of marine protected areas, which covers 25 percent of Cuba's marine platform.

The expedition members use modern technologies such as drones and underwater cameras in their studies, which include monitoring of human activities, megafauna, pollution, climate, natural phenomena, and birds, both on the land along the shores and at sea.

The voyage was organized by the Center for Marine Research of the University of Havana, the Environmental Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, and Avalon-Marlin, among other research and academic centers.

In addition, it receives financial support and equipment from international organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Harte Research Institution, Sweet Spa, the Green Climate Fund, and the United Nations Development Program. (PL)