Image Source: Alert Diver
Marine animals do not recognize the borders that humans have created for political purposes. An animal that lives in U.S. waters does not get an alert when it has crossed into international waters or the waters of another country.
Although the animals do not recognize international boundaries, scientists do. Unfortunately, these borders can severely impact the ability of scientists to do their job well. Species typically need to be studied throughout their range, but what happens when their range overlaps borders?
In the past, scientists have generally accepted this limitation. However, recently Cuban and American scientists have begun to collaborate together. It is an amazing step that will help all of the marine life that frequent the water off the coast of both Cuba and Florida.
Progress is starting to show that it is worth the effort. One scientific journal, The Bulletin of Marine Science, recently dedicated a whole issue to the collaboration of scientists across the US/Cuban border.
One conservation biologist, Joe Roman, had this to say about the recently published issue, “[it] celebrates Cuban marine science and conservation efforts, while recognizing that improved relations and increased tourism and trade could put some natural areas at risk. Joint research shows promise that Cuba, the U.S., and other countries can work together on regional conservation efforts.”
Hopefully, scientists can continue to work across borders to help protect species that live in our oceans.
To learn more about these recent scientific efforts click here.