June 8th, 2012
World Oceans Day
Getting Close to Marine Life in Xel-Ha
Did you know that 14.258 organisms of different species on average live in the inlet at Xel-Ha?
Xel-Ha, the largest natural aquarium in the world, presents a great natural laboratory for its mixture of fresh and salt water, which is very attractive to scientists and biology students.
For this reason, scientists from Mexico and France chose this beautiful place as the perfect setting for research in highlighting the habitat, reproduction, and evolution of the queen conch. With this in mind, on May 26th, biologists, staff and guests gathered for the 1st Academy-Company Work Day, where staff, scientists and university students took part in 6 playful workshops that enabled participants to recreate the work of researchers where they got to observe, quantify, verify and present their results of each activity.
The workshop topics were:
- The Inlet
- Microscopic World
- Queen Conch
- The Mangrove
- The Fish
- Water quality and environmental education
Accompanied by a specialist in each area, participants were able to verify the methods used by marine biologists and were able to dive, swim, and explore the rainforest and micro organisms collected under a microscope.
The purpose of this meeting was to raise awareness and teach people of all ages, the work of a biologist and integrate science and technology directly into society.
At the end of the day, Dr. Dalila Aldana, a representative of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico and her group of scientists thanked everyone for the support and respect for the work they do. Dr. Aldana and her group of scientists participate in research and conservation of species in Xel-Ha Park and throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
What suggestions can you think to take care of our oceans and their species?
Share 5 species that inhabit the oceans that you like.
