“Giants to Ghosts: The Plight of the North Atlantic Right Whale” to be Featured Oct. 3 at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Educational Speaker Series

This presentation discusses the protection and future of Right whales, with only 360 remaining

CLEARWATER, FL (Sept. 9, 2024) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present its third in a series of “Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series,” with “Giants to Ghosts: The Plight of the North Atlantic Right Whale,” Oct. 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CMA.

North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. Every November the giant mammals begin their journey from the north to make their way to the waters of the Southeast states, including northern Florida, for their calving season. The safety of those new calves is crucial to the survival of the species.  

Join CMA for a comprehensive discussion about these whales including their life history, current populations status, and the threats they face. Gain insights from experts about ongoing efforts designed to protect these whales. Learn about the critical work of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), including aerial surveys and other essential research, and learn how these initiatives are crucial to the conservation of right whales. 

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding of right whales and how you can contribute to their protection. This event is a valuable opportunity for marine enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and anyone interested in this critically endangered species.

“This is an incredible opportunity to hear from researchers who work directly with whale conservation,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, executive director of CMA Research Institute. “CMARI has been part of the foundation of right whale research as a whole and is still contributing to that body of knowledge with current work on a daily basis,” said Powell.

Speakers:

Melanie White – Research Scientist – Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute
Kara Shervanick – Southeast Right Whale Coordinator – NOAA Fisheries
Cheryl Munday – Marine Conservation Communications Consultant – Clearwater Marine Aquarium/ The Conservation Marketing Group

The event will feature:

5 – 6 p.m. Refreshments and Social Hour
6 – 7:30 p.m. Speaker Sessions
7:30 – 8 p.m. Q & A Discussion

Cost is $25 for general public, and $15 for students and government employees. CMA members receive 10% discount. The event will be held on the 4^th Floor Level of the Visitor’s Center in the ArtSea Conservation Exhibit and Dolphin Tale Theater. For more information about the speaker series and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.cmaquarium.org/echoes-of-the-ocean/.

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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.

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