MINEC advances in the fight against invasive coral off the Venezuelan coast

Published at: 31/07/2026 03:48 PM

The Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism, together with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through funding from the Global Environment Fund (GEF), presented seven validated scientific methods to contain and eradicate the spread of invasive coral Unomia stolonifera on the Venezuelan coast, especially in the Mochima National Park.

The developed methodologies cover five mechanical options, such as manual extraction, suction with ultrasound, the use of waterproof cloths and ultraviolet laser light, as well as others.

These advances position the country with concrete tools to curb the dispersion of this exotic species, MINEC press reports.

During the ninth session of the Technical Board on this subject, more than 80 sites were evaluated to prioritize areas of intervention in Mochima. The strategy, coordinated with the National Park Institute (INPARQUES), seeks to scale control procedures under a rigorous framework of legal authorizations and environmental impact.

This interdisciplinary approach brings together the work of the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism (MINEC) with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), universities and research centers. In addition, the project promotes prevention tools such as Voluntary Codes of Conduct for the aquaculture and aquarism sectors, in order to avoid the unwanted introduction of new species.

The actions are complemented by a community approach in the coastal areas of Anzoátegui and Sucre, where more than 400 boaters, fishermen and students have been trained through programs such as Blue Schools, an initiative that promotes good maritime practices to curb coral dispersion and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.

Mazo News Team