First event explores newly-discovered Rice’s whale species in Gulf of Mexico
CLEARWATER, FL (Feb. 20, 2024) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium will launch an all new series, “Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series,” with its first presentation, “The Journey of the Rice’s Whale,” on March 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CMA.
The series will reflect national research as well as research specific to CMA on marine life, while including its ongoing mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release.
This first event will feature the fascinating story of a newly discovered species of whale found in the Gulf of Mexico, formally named the Rice’s whale in 2021. After years of research, scientists used genetic and morphological evidence to determine that the Rice’s whale is a distinct species. The Rice’s whale is one of the most endangered whales in the world with fewer than 100 individuals remaining.
“We are the custodians of such rich stories and it is essential to share those with our community,” said Dr. Kelly McAdams, vice president of conservation education at CMA. “As we continue to build on our reputation as global experts in conservation, this speaker series will add to our efforts to inspire the public to care about our marine environment and empower them to act in meaningful ways to protect it,” she said.
The amazing story was told by several of the participants at a November 2023 symposium called Whales on the Brink held at Smithsonian NMNH with participants from around the world.
The CMA speaker series event will be held Thursday evening on CMA’s fourth floor Dolphin Tale Theater. There will be a social hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., speakers’ presentations at 6 p.m. and panel questions and answers at 7:15 p.m. CMA invites animal lovers, conservation enthusiasts, aspiring archeologists and marine biologists to join. Cost is $40 for general public; $25 for CMA members; and $15 for students.
Presenters will include: · John Ososky: Museum Specialist, Division of Mammals, National Museum of Natural History
- Laura Engleby: Marine Mammal Chief, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
- Gretchen Lovewell: Program Manager Stranding Investigations, Mote Marine Laboratory
- Denise Boyd: Associate Research Scientist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Panel discussion and Q&A will also include:
- Dr. James “Buddy” Powell – Chief Zoological Officer & Executive Director of CMA Research Institute
- Dr. Joy S. Reidenberg – Comparative Anatomist
For more information about the speaker series and to purchase tickets, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/echoes.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization