(CLEARWATER, FL – JUNE 19, 2026) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) announce the appointment of Dr. Anmari Álvarez-Alemán as its new Senior Vice President of Research and Conservation, a key executive leadership role dedicated to advancing the organization’s global impact in marine science, conservation and education.
In this role, Dr. Álvarez-Alemán will report to executive leadership and serve as a strategic leader guiding CMARI’s research vision, strengthening conservation initiatives, and expanding national and international partnerships. She will oversee both CMARI and CMA’s Conservation Education Department, ensuring alignment across programs to further the organization’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and research marine life.
“Dr. Álvarez-Alemán brings internationally recognized expertise as a conservation biologist, with extensive research focused on manatees throughout Cuba, Dominican Republic, Belize and the broader Caribbean,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “Her work has contributed significantly to the understanding and conservation of manatees, she is widely published in scientific journals and has led collaborative research efforts across multiple countries and institutions.
“We look forward to Anmari’s leadership and to the continued advancement of CMARI’s important work in research,” said Handy. “We are excited for the energy, expertise and vision she brings to this role, and we are confident she will make a meaningful impact on CMARI and CMA’s future,” he said.
“Overall, my vision is to elevate the impact that Clearwater Marine Aquarium has in our community and across the globe,” said Dr. Álvarez-Alemán. “Throughout my career, I have been driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference for both people and wildlife. I believe that happens when science is connected to the communities, partners, and decision-makers we work with every day. My goal is to ensure that science, conservation, and education are fully integrated, creating a stronger foundation for protecting marine ecosystems and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders,” she said.
Dr. Alvarez-Aleman has worked with manatees for more than 20 years. She has served as co-chair of the Sirenia Specialist Group, SSC/IUCN since 2021. She recently orchestrated the assembly of the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance (WCMA) along with Columbus Zoo. She is currently co-chair of the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, October 19 – 23, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has done extensive research in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Belize on the population of manatees. She has written or co-authored more than 30 scientific and outreach articles, including several with her former mentor, Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, former chief zoological officer of CMA and executive director of CMARI.
“This is a critical moment for conservation,” she said. “We must ensure that our voice is grounded in science and that we are actively contributing to solutions for the challenges facing marine ecosystems.”
A central priority for Dr. Álvarez-Alemán will be strengthening collaboration across departments and disciplines within the organization. She aims to bridge the gap between research and education, ensuring that scientific findings are effectively translated into meaningful conservation messaging and community engagement.
“One of the first things I want to do is bring everyone onto the same path,” she said. “There are many bridges we can build internally to enhance what we already have. By aligning research, education and outreach, we can increase our impact both globally and here in our local community.”
Her leadership will also focus on expanding CMARI’s role as a hub for scientific research and collaboration. Plans include developing new partnerships with universities, enhancing opportunities for research publications, and positioning CMARI as a leading marine research center.
“We have very strong programs in place, and an incredible team of scientists and educators, and my goal is to build upon that foundation by strengthening and expanding their impact,” she added. “There is tremendous opportunity to build partnerships, increase scientific output and elevate our presence in the global research community.”
Dr. Álvarez-Alemán will also play a prominent role in international conservation efforts, including marine mammal research initiatives in the Gulf and Caribbean, and participation in major scientific conferences and policy discussions. She emphasizes the importance of science-driven decision-making in addressing emerging environmental challenges.
In addition to her research and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Álvarez-Alemán will serve as a public ambassador for CMARI, promoting conservation initiatives, engaging with stakeholders, and helping to secure funding through grants, partnerships and donor relations.
For more information about CMARI’s research and conservation efforts, please visit cma.orgFor more information about CMARI’s research and conservation efforts, please visit https://mission.cmaquarium.org/research-institute/.
###
Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) non profit 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, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more. In 2024, CMA opened the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center, and now treats manatee patients in coordination with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. The 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. CMAquarium.org.
© 2026 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
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