LatinWeek

Cuba:  The Miami Herald reported on 19 May that the US State Department is involved in "low level, technical level" talks and exchanges of information to help Cuba respond if the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico approaches Cuba. Cuban government officials called US oceanographers seeking assistance last week. Aside from the fact that any oil spill could do damage to Cuba's coastal coral reefs and maritime habitats, US scientists and environmentalist stress that engagement on these issues with all of the relevant Cuban authorities is crucial. Any potential oil spill in Cuba, which is heavily targeting the development of its own off-shore deepwater oil industry, could have equally devastating consequences for US coastal areas.