Mote, Cuban scientists share landmark shark study
Mote, Cuban scientists share landmark shark study
Isabel Mascareñas, WTSP 7:27 p.m. EDT July 3, 2015
Sarasota, Florida -- As relations between the United States and Cuba improve many political obstacles are being removed, not just for travelers, for scientists too.
Divided by politics and borders above water -- underneath, it's one world.
"This work in Cuba is so critical because Cuba is our neighbor," says Dr. Robert Hueter, senior scientist and director of Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research.
Hueter and other Mote scientists joined Cuban scientists in February for a shared expedition on sharks and coral reefs.
"Environmentally, ecologically, biologically we're connected. Water doesn't divide us it connects us. The animals we've been tagging go to Cuba and vice-versa," Hueter says.
Even though Mote has been working with Cuba for 10 years, Hueter says this trip marked some firsts. "We finally put out satellite tags to track shark movements in Cuban waters."
Scientists tagged four sharks including a rare Longfin Mako.
A Cuban dive master taught Mote scientists how to catch a shark without using ropes, spears or nets -- but with their hands. Mote scientists named the relaxation method the "fin and tonic."
More:
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/07/03/mote-cuban-scientists-share-landmark-shark-study/29678235/
