Two unusual occurrences have astonished experts from Cuba's Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and divers in the Gardens of the Queen. A hawksbill turtle was observed nesting in broad daylight, while a shark was filmed resting on the ocean floor.
Armando Rodríguez Batista, the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, shared on social media two videos documenting these rare marine behaviors in the Gardens of the Queen archipelago, located south of Cuba.
In one video, Rodríguez Batista described the scene of a hawksbill turtle returning to the ocean at 10:40 AM after nesting on a beach south of Cayo Caballones as “peculiar.”
“Typically, sea turtles nest during the night,” the minister explained, emphasizing that this daytime nesting is “unprecedented in Cuba.” The footage was captured by Yosmel Frigola (Bemba) and distributed by Noel López Fernández, head of the diving center in Gardens of the Queen, who provided the videos to CITMA.
This archipelago, consisting of more than 660 cays, is one of the most crucial marine protected areas in the Caribbean, serving as a natural sanctuary for turtles, sharks, and corals.
Surprising Shark Behavior
In a second video, Rodríguez Batista showcased another remarkable moment: a Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) resting on the ocean floor beneath a coral formation known as “Patricia,” at a depth of 24 meters.
The shark remained motionless with its mouth slightly open, pumping water through its gills to breathe.
Noel López Fernández, an underwater photographer and head of the diving center, explained that this behavior is uncommon among sharks in Cuban waters.
“It was once believed that only a few species could remain still on the seabed, but it’s now confirmed that this occurs in other species as well,” he mentioned.
The expert added that this phenomenon has been observed in Cuba at Cayo Largo del Sur, near Cayo Caimán Grande de Santa María in Villa Clara, and in Gardens of the Queen. These observations enhance the area's significance as a natural laboratory for marine research.
Rodríguez Batista praised the images as evidence of the richness and diversity of Cuba’s ecosystem.
“These events confirm the scientific and environmental value of our seas,” the minister remarked, highlighting the efforts of divers and scientists who monitor these conservation areas.
Last October, scientists confirmed the sighting of manatees in the Laguna del Tesoro, Ciénaga de Zapata, Matanzas, a discovery that revives hope for conservation efforts in Cuba.
Unusual Marine Phenomena in Cuba
Why is the hawksbill turtle nesting during the day unusual?
Hawksbill turtles typically nest at night, making daytime nesting a rare and noteworthy event.
What makes the shark's behavior significant?
The shark's ability to remain motionless on the ocean floor challenges previous assumptions about shark behavior in Cuban waters.
Where else in Cuba has similar marine behavior been observed?
Similar behaviors have been observed at Cayo Largo del Sur and near Cayo Caimán Grande de Santa María in Villa Clara.