(CLEARWATER, FL – April 28, 2026) – Researchers from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), in collaboration with partners across the United States, Belize and the wider Caribbean, have published the first statistically robust estimate of the population abundance and distribution of the Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Belize.
The study, titled “First abundance estimate for greater Caribbean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Belize,” appears in the March edition of Nature Scientific Reports and marks a milestone for marine mammal conservation in the region.
This multi-institutional research team conducted extensive aerial surveys across Belize in 2014 and 2022. The data were analyzed using advanced statistical modeling tailored for marine mammal studies, in which the team accounted for key sources of uncertainty, including imperfect detection, observer perception bias, availability bias, and spatial variability.
Their findings estimate approximately 479 manatees in 2014 and 555 manatees in 2022 within the surveyed areas, which represented 7-8 % of the total potential manatee area for the country, in 2014 and 2022, respectively. An important result is that manatee abundance appear to be stable between 2014 and 2022, without significant reduction but not an important recovery in numbers either, which could perhaps be caused by the persistent level of mortality reported in the last six years. Between the years 2020-2025 an annual average of 31 manatee mortalities in Belize have been recorded, pointed out Celeshia Guy-Galves, M.Sc., conservation biologist and one of the authors.
The study also found that manatee abundance is highest in coastal zones, near freshwater inputs, and in shallow waters—critical habitats that support feeding, resting, and reproduction of this species, specifically in areas around the Belize River, Southern Lagoon, and Placencia, which appear to provide the critical habitat needed for this population.
“This work represents an important scientific milestone for manatee conservation in the western Caribbean and reflects a multi-agency collaborative effort among researchers, conservation organizations, and national partners working together to better understand and protect this species,” said Anmari Alvarez-Aleman, PhD, one of the authors, and Senior Vice President of Research and Conservation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.
“As a Belizean scientist and someone deeply committed to the protection of Belize’s marine ecosystems, I find this study to be an invaluable contribution,” said Jamal Galves, MS, Belize Program Coordinator. “By establishing a clear baseline for manatee abundance and distribution, it not only informs Marine Protected Area planning but also provides a foundation for long-term conservation efforts,” he continued. “The rigorous methodology gives me confidence that we can use these findings to make evidence-based decisions that truly benefit Belize’s unique marine biodiversity, and replicate this effort in the future.”
Beyond its scientific contribution, the study carries significant implications for conservation planning. CMARI-Belize researchers and their partners will continue working closely with national management authorities to integrate these findings into policy, habitat protection strategies, and long-term monitoring programs.
The research underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among scientists, conservation organizations and government agencies. It also highlights the value of long-term ecological monitoring in informing effective, evidence-based conservation decisions.
“This achievement reflects years of dedication and partnership,” the team added. “Together, we are advancing efforts to ensure the recovery and long-term protection of manatees and their habitats throughout Belize and the wider Mesoamerican region.”
This important research would not be possible without the funding provided by Belize Marine Fund, Harvest Caye Conservation Foundation, Light Hawk, Inc., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, through the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize (CMAR-BZI). The 2022 research was conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and research permits issued by the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy & Civil Aviation, Government of Belize. The 2014 surveys were conducted under research permits issued by the Belize Forest Department, and Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute. Logistics and aerial support in 2014 was provided by Lighthawk and Bill Rush (volunteer pilot for Lighthawk, Inc.) and in 2022 by Technology Service Corporation, Chris Kluckhuhn, ASI Division Manager and pilot.
CMARI was established in 2019 and is a leading research organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of marine life, with particular focus on manatees not only in the southeastern United States, but also internationally in Belize, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The Belize Manatee Conservation Program, spearheaded by CMARI-Belize under an MOU with the Belize Fisheries Department and other local organizations, has been active for over two decades, with its goal to conserve and protect the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee population on Belize’s coasts and waterways.
Despite CMARI’s success in Belize in rescuing manatees, challenges such as habitat loss, boat traffic and environmental changes continue to threaten manatee survival, making ongoing conservation work crucial, said Galves.
For more about the Belize Center, please visit https://mission.cmaquarium.org/news/clearwater-marine-aquarium-shows-global-influence-with-belize-marine-rescue-and-educational-center-groundbreaking/
For further information about CMARI, please visit https://mission.cmaquarium.org/research-institute/manatee-research/.
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Belize Media Contact: Jamal A. Galves, MS | jgalves@cmaquarium.org | (501) 615-3838
Florida Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI)
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) is a leading research organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of marine life, with particular focus on manatees not only in the southeastern United States, but also internationally in Belize, Cuba and the Dominican Republic; as well as the North Atlantic right whale. Through collaborative efforts and scientific research, CMARI strives to protect and restore the delicate balance of our oceans, ensuring a sustainable future for marine species.
- 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, and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, 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.
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