Clearwater Marine Aquarium Merges with Renowned Research Group
CMA Launches Research Institute focusing on manatees, sea turtles, and North Atlantic right whales
Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Sea to Shore Alliance have merged, introducing a new division under CMA called Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute. The renowned research work conducted by the Sea to Shore organization over the past 10 years will continue and expand under Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.
Executive Director James “Buddy” Powell, Ph.D., a distinguished scientist with over 50 years of field experience, will continue to lead this group of world-renowned scientists and researchers. Dr. Powell and his team have made critical advancements by gathering key research data on manatees, right whales, and sea turtles and providing this to policymakers. The merger of Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Sea to Shore Alliance under the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute banner will generate an expansion of this critical work. This includes expanding into new geographical areas, while ensuring the work reaches millions through CMA’s global media reach.
“The collection and distribution of research data is vital for the improvement of our oceans and the marine life that calls them home,” says David Yates, CEO of CMA. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and the merging with this team of transformative scientists. The work that they have done has made huge environmental strides and we are excited to combine efforts to evoke change, to educate, and to inspire.”
“This merger will broaden our conservation and research scope, which will result in advancements toward the protection of species and habitats,” says Dr. Powell. “Our team is pleased to embark on this new venture with CMA and begin realizing research goals and conservation successes through the newly developed Research Institute.”