LOPEZ-CANOVAS Cecilia Irene, Cuba

Abstract (as adapted from original project proposal)

The first Cuban Free-living marine nematodes reference collection has been made by Mrs LOPEZ-CANOVAS. Specimens, mounted in slides, were sampled both in shallow waters and in the deep sea. To arrive at reliable identifications and the formal description of eventual new records or species new to science, comparison with type material is needed. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, home to an important reference collection, can help in this.

Next to the taxonomic component, this capacity building vist will also be used to learn good practices in nematode collection management.

Read Mrs Lopez-Canovas GTI reports to learn more about her training in Belgium.

Mrs Lopez was also trained by RBINS staff member Dr W Decraemer, during a capacity building workshop in Cuba. The objectives of that workshop were:

• To build up capacity in taxonomy of free-living marine nematodes for researchers and para-taxonomists
• To improve access to literature by building up a reprint collection
• To build up laboratory facilities and equipment

This workshop was organised in Havan from 23 to 27 October 2006. Get a pictorial impression below.