The diplomatic thaw between Cuba and the United States paid its first dividend for ocean life when the two nations on Nov. 18 agreed to work jointly to protect shared marine habitat from overfishing, climate change and other threats. Under the memorandum of understanding, signed in Cuba, scientists and officials from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Park Service and from Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment will promote conservation of, and share data on, marine resources in both countries’ waters. NOAA said the accord, which is not binding or regulatory, creates a sister-sanctuary relationship among five protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits: one in Cuban waters and four in U.S. waters. The Cuban site... [Log in to read more]