For over 50 years, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has helped make a difference in local marine ecosystems and the conservation and research efforts of species all over the world! Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers work each day to rescue marine life and provide the most advanced and effective care to maximize the opportunity to return sick or injured animals to the wild.
Manatee Conservation
For over a decade, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has assisted in rescuing, releasing, and tracking wild manatees around the world. CMA is now working to build a new Manatee Rehabilitation Center to help with the influx of manatees in critical need. An ongoing Unusual Mortality Event on Florida’s east coast has capacity shortages in manatee rehab centers throughout the U.S., particularly in Florida during the winter season. CMA looks forward to opening the Manatee Rehabilitation Center soon.
Rescue Rehab Efforts
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescue team responds to a variety of marine animals, including cetaceans, sea turtles, manatees. The team often collaborates with local organizations like Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to aid animals affected by entanglement, boat strikes, emaciation, and other human-related injuries. Once rescued, many of these animals come to CMA for rehabilitation and hopeful release. If the animal is deemed non-releasable, CMA is ready to provide a permanent home and ongoing care.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Sea turtle nesting season extends from May 1 through Oct. 31. Beginning April 15, Clearwater Marine Aquarium patrols approximately 21 miles of beach along North Pinellas County in search of sea turtle nests. CMA’s nesting team works diligently each morning of nesting season to mark the nests and collect various measurements from the nest site in order to properly monitor it throughout the season. CMA reports annual nesting data to FWC and Pinellas County. To FWC, the team reports nest and false crawl counts, disorientation events, obstruction events, predation and vandalism. The county also receives weekly escarpment surveys and bi-annual lighting surveys.
Rising Tides
Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced a multi-year plan of expansion that will welcome many new marine animals, including manatees, sea lions, sharks, penguins, albino alligators and additional dolphins. Each of these remarkable creatures carries its own compelling conservation narrative. By expanding the variety of animals within its care, and creating new habitats, CMA not only enriches the visitor experience but also provides a platform to educate future generations about marine life, conservation, and groundbreaking research specific to each species.
Donate to our Rising Tides Campaign
