Announcements

With extremely heavy hearts, Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces that Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Chief Zoological Officer of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Executive Director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), passed away Saturday, July 19, following a brief illness. For more than 50 years, Dr. Powell worked to conserve manatees and other endangered species such as North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles around the world through science and education. With an integrated approach to unlock solutions for conservation issues, his efforts have resulted in coastal protected areas in Florida, West Africa, Belize and Cuba.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) announces the opening of its new BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit, a three-year partnership that kicks off with the first phase opening today, Feb. 12. This interactive and educational exhibit in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone is located outside CMA’s Animal Hospital and surgical suite, allowing families and kids to see the similarities between themselves and marine life such as dolphins, manatees, turtles and more.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is excited to unveil its highly anticipated Marine Science Summer Camp for 2025, offering an incredible blend of hands-on learning and coastal adventure for young explorers of all ages.

The dazzling Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which began in October, is nearing its final days of its season. This unforgettable after-hours experience will be available Wednesday through Friday, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., until Feb. 2.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present its Sip & Sea Bridal Show and Open House, a free event, on Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to explore the Aquarium, gorgeous ballroom overlooking Clearwater Bay and the magical surroundings of marine animals.

Researchers at Clearwater Marine Aquarium have published a scientific article titled Nesting Trends of Sea Turtles in North and Mid Pinellas County, Florida, USA, Over Three Decades,* analyzing data from 1990 through 2022 to identify trends in loggerhead sea turtle nesting numbers, nesting , and hatching success on Pinellas County beaches.

Experience a musical evening to remember with a Dueling Pianos performance at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Friday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute in partnership with the Belize Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations broke ground on CMA’s second manatee rehabilitation center this year – this one a new Belize Marine Rescue & Educational Center, on Dec. 11.