URI Graduate School of Oceanography sets sights on Cuba

The University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography is talking with members of the Cuban marine science community about academic and research opportunities.

URI officials say they’ve met with leaders at the University of Havana, the National Aquarium at Cuba and the Cuban Institute of Oceanology.

Graduate School of Oceanography Dean Bruce Corliss says the island nation faces many environmental concerns such as climate change, sea level rise, erosion of beaches, ocean acidification and hurricanes.

Corliss says he envisions student and faculty exchange programs, research collaborations and oceanographic expeditions in Cuban waters aboard the URI research vessel Endeavor.

Several American schools are looking to opportunities in Cuba only months after the U.S. eased travel restrictions to the Caribbean country and onetime Cold War foe. Tourism is still forbidden.