Second in a series explores 50-year-span of international research and rescue of CMA scientists
CLEARWATER, FL (May 22, 2024) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present its second in a series of “Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series, with its second presentation, “Superheroes of Manatee Conservation” on June 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CMA. The second in a series will reflect a 50-year span of research, rescue and release of manatees and CMA’s both a local and global reach.
As Superheroes of Manatee Conservation, Dr. James “Buddy” Powell who has studied manatees since the 1960s and Jamal Galves, CMARI’s Belize Country Coordinator, will share their informative and enjoyable stories of how their lives and careers became intertwined to become pioneers in manatee research and conservation in the US and Belize.
The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with national and global leaders in manatee research including CMA’s US Manatee Director Monica Ross, Caribbean Research Director Dr. Anmari Alvarez Aleman, along with experts from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. These experts will explore the ongoing efforts and challenges of protecting not only Florida manatees, but Greater Caribbean manatees in Belize, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
“This is an incredible opportunity to meet some of the international researchers we have at CMA and our CMA Research Institute,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “They have been part of the foundation of manatee research as a whole across the globe and are still contributing to that body of knowledge with their current work on a daily basis both locally and globally,” said Handy.
CMA’s conservation efforts will now be brought one step further with the opening of CMA’s new Manatee Rehabilitation Center later this month. CMA’s new Manatee Care Manager, Tanya Ward will be introduced and share her stories of manatee care during her career and how she will be an integral part of this next chapter.
The event will feature:
- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Refreshments and Social Hour
- 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Speaker Sessions – Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Jamal Galves, Tanya Ward
- 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Q & A Panel Discussion with Dr. Powell, Jamal Galves, Monica Ross, Dr. Anmari Alvarez Aleman and Tanya Ward
CMA invites animal lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and aspiring marine biologists to join. Cost is $25 for general public, $15 for students and government employees and 10% off for CMA members. The event will be held on the 4th Floor Level of the Visitor’s Center in the ArtSea Conservation Exhibit and Dolphin Tale Theater. For more information about the speaker series, bios of the speakers 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.
© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-445-1139 | 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