The Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology (ICMyL) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in coordination with the Mexican Federation of Underwater Activities (FMAS) and the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS), celebrated the successful conclusion of the Second International Course on Scientific Diving, carried out in collaboration with the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
This high-level training program brought together specialists, instructors, and students with the objective of consolidating competencies in underwater research and strengthening scientific capacity applied to the study and conservation of marine ecosystems.
The course included theoretical sessions and specialized workshops, under the direction of CISD Fernando Negrete Soto, co-directed by CSDI Coty Zeckua Ramos (Secretary of the CMAS Scientific Committee) and Juan Manuel Gómez Valencia (Member of the CMAS BoD), with participation from renowned speakers such as Dr. Juan Pablo Carricart Ganivet, researcher at ICMyL, and Eng. Octavio Granados González, Director Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.
Additionally, participants developed laboratory practices focused on the identification of marine species and the analysis of coral propagation and recruitment, along with photogrammetry exercises and environmental monitoring methodologies.
In the field, divers carried out scientific dives in the reefs of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico, to perform tasks such as:
- Monitoring of seagrass beds.
- Monitoring of crustaceans and invertebrates such as lobsters and octopuses.
- Identification of fish and corals.
- Monitoring the spawning of reef species.
- Recording and photographic documentation of underwater habitats.
The FMAS–CMAS International Course on Scientific Diving not only consolidated technical knowledge but also reinforced the importance of integrating scientific research with the conservation of natural resources. The joint work between academia, government institutions, and international organizations demonstrates Mexico's capacity to be a reference in the training of professionals specialized in underwater science.
The closing ceremony was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and recognition of the efforts of participants and instructors, who received their certifications under the international standards of the World Confederation of Underwater Activities. This achievement reaffirms the commitment of the Mexican Federation of Underwater Activities, ICMyL–UNAM, and their allies to promoting marine research with global impact and contributing to the preservation of Mexico's reefs and coastal ecosystems.
