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A study identified a total of 108 threatened marine species of extinction in Cuba.
The project took place from January 2021 to December 2024 under the name Threatened Marine Species in Cuba, directed and coordinated by the Institute of Marine Sciences (Icimar) of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, reported the official Granma.
Of the 108 marine species at risk of extinction, 29 are categorized as "critically endangered," 26 as "endangered," and 53 as "vulnerable."
Corals lead the species categorized as "critically endangered," followed by sharks, rays, bony fish, and turtles.
On their part, the mangroves, seagrasses, macroalgae, sponges, and mollusks, "although none were assessed as threatened by international criteria, 25 species were categorized under a preliminary criterion of 'threat'," said Dr. Aida Caridad Hernández Zanuy, a lead researcher at Icimar, to the state newspaper.
“For the first time, a study was conducted in the country aimed at identifying marine species at risk of extinction. To this end, teams of specialists with notable experience in the taxonomy of the ten groups of organisms studied were formed: marine vegetation (mangroves, seagrasses, macroalgae), sponges, mollusks, corals and other cnidarians, echinoderms, bony fish, sharks and rays, turtles, and mammals, following the methodology proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature,” the specialist told Granma.
"As part of the project, the taxonomy of 4,398 species of marine macroorganisms has been updated, which represents almost half of the species recorded for Cuba to date," he added.
"The list includes 1,921 mollusks, 965 bony fish, 386 cnidarians, including corals, 303 sponges, and 83 sharks, to name a few examples," he detailed
Hernández Zanuy explained that the causes of the risk of extinction are due to the loss of biodiversity associated with pollution, unsustainable production practices, poaching, illegal trade, and the introduction and spread of exotic and invasive species.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Extinction of Marine Species in Cuba
How many marine species are threatened with extinction in Cuba?
A study identified a total of 108 marine species threatened with extinction in Cuba. Of these, 29 are classified as "critically endangered," 26 as "endangered," and 53 are considered "vulnerable." Corals are the most affected, followed by sharks, rays, bony fish, and turtles.
What factors are contributing to the extinction of marine species in Cuba?
The causes of extinction risk include the loss of biodiversity associated with pollution, the use of unsustainable production practices, poaching, illegal trade, and the introduction of exotic and invasive species. These factors have led many marine species in Cuba to be at risk of disappearing.
What impact do invasive species have in Cuba?
Four of the most harmful invasive species in Latin America are already in Cuba, including the lionfish, African tilapia, giant African snail, and paiche. These species threaten local biodiversity and can impact public health and food security.
What measures are being taken to protect endangered species in Cuba?
In Cuba, teams of specialists have been created to identify marine species at risk of extinction, following the methodology of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, the lack of resources and institutional support limits the effectiveness of these efforts.
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