American and Cuban scientists will make an expedition aimed at comparing the health and connectivity between coral reef systems in their countries.

The research journey, which begins next May 15 and will continue until June 13, consists of a circumnavigation of Cuba, during which they also want to discover and characterize the extension of Cuba´s mesophyte reefs.

John Reed, professor of Research and scientist at the Oceanographic Institute of the Atlantic University of Florida, explained the tour supports a joint declaration between both nations on cooperation for environmental protection.

The specific objectives of the expedition are to characterize ecosystems, to carry out fish counts, and to study the role of those places as a potential refuge for some species.