50 Years of Marine Conservation

This year proudly marks Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s 50th Anniversary! For 50 years, CMA has helped to make a difference in our local marine ecosystems and the conservation and research efforts of species all over the world. Let’s look back on our history and how CMA became what it is today.

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Our Story Began in 1972

A Walk Through History

Our story began in 1972 with a group of volunteers passionate about marine life who wanted to help educate the local community. With help from the city of Clearwater, marine biologist Dennis Kellenberger, our local community, and Sunset Sam, Clearwater Marine Science Center set the foundation for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium we know today.

After opening with a fish exhibit to now offering over 15 animal habitat and guest experience areas, CMA continues to grow. While we still utilize the water treatment plant donated to us in 1978, we have expanded our facility to provide care for more rescued animals in need. Your support throughout the years has made this expansion possible and allows us to continue our mission; to preserve our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

Sunset Sam, the first dolphin to survive a stranding in Florida, became our first well-known rescued resident bottlenose dolphin in 1984. While assisting in rescues and rehabilitation of marine life and providing a forever home for those who need more care, our walls have housed many inspiring stores. We had no idea that one incredible dolphin’s rescue story would impact the world 20 years later.

Winter became a resident of CMA in 2006 and forever changed the impact we have on marine conservation. This year also reflected the first time Winter’s story inspired children and wounded soldiers, in essence, inspiring humanity. Her first prosthetic tail consultation occurred the following year, which inspired Winter’s first book Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again to be published in 2010. 

Hope was rescued on December 11, 2010, and the rest is history. Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 brought Winter and Hope’s stories to the big screen and to people around the world. Their stories of resilience continue to inspire people worldwide and educate people on the importance of ocean and marine life conservation. 

We lost a member of our family in 2021, but Winter the Dolphin’s story changed CMA and the world forever. We are the proud home to a variety of rescued marine animals needing 24/7 care, contribute to crucial manatee and North Atlantic right whale research, and help conserve our local sea turtle populations through nest monitoring every year. We cannot wait to see what we accomplish in the next 50 years, and we thank you for being a part of our history.

Celebrating 50 Years