A citizen science initiative that intends to conduct a baseline study of the species of fossilized corals that are found in the caves of Quintana Roo. The Cave Corals Project is sponsored by XDEEP Exploration Support Program.

Why should we study coral fossils in the caves?

1.     Because no one has done it! Documenting cave coral fossils will draw the baseline species list that existed in paleo-reefs in Mexico. The gap of knowledge between current reefs and paleo-reefs will be narrowed.

2.     Because corals can be identified even millions of years after their death. The hollow cavity in the coral skeleton, called corallite, is used in identifying coral species as opposed to other organisms where tissue is needed for proper identification. This makes my project achievable.

3.     For conservation. Because caves are fragile and need to be protected. If we learn and educate the public about the caves and the information they hold, we will be able to protect them better.

4. It will help scientists reconstruct sea level. Little work has been done inside caves to gather data related to sea level and most researchers don’t dive caves. We can provide valuable information to be used in research.

5. To link the information to modern and future reefs. Understanding the diversity, the distribution, the abundance or locations of reefs will give us information to be able to understand how reefs have changed and where modern reefs are heading.

6. For education. Divers, teachers, students, visitors, communities, policy makers, residents, researchers, children… Everyone should learn about the importance of the karstic system of the Yucatan Peninsula and its origin.

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