{"id":39413,"date":"2025-01-21T08:22:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T08:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/aquarium\/clearwater-marine-aquarium-shows-global-influence-with-belize-marine-rescue-and-educational-center-groundbreaking\/"},"modified":"2025-01-21T08:22:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T08:22:30","slug":"clearwater-marine-aquarium-shows-global-influence-with-belize-marine-rescue-and-educational-center-groundbreaking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/?p=39413","title":{"rendered":"Clearwater Marine Aquarium Shows Global Influence with Belize Marine Rescue and Educational Center\u202fGroundbreaking"},"content":{"rendered":"


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For 20 years, the Belize Manatee Conservation Program has rescued and released manatees; now it will be able to rehabilitate them as well with new facility<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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Photo IDs from left to right: Felicia Cruz ,Director, Ministry of Blue Economy; Dr. James \u201cBuddy\u201d Powell, Executive Director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute; Joe Handy, Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Marine Aquarium; Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations; Jamal Galves,\u00a0 Belize Program Coordinator; Kevin Andrewin, Acting Chair, Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary Community Management Committee; Tyreka Welch, Representative, Gales Point Village Council; Evan Tillet, Director, Belize Tourism Board; Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Belize Rural Central Area Representative and Minister of Human Development & Indigenous People\u2019s Affairs<\/em>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

BELMOPAN CITY, BELIZE<\/strong> (Dec. 17, 2024<\/strong>)\u00a0 \u2013<\/strong><\/strong> \u00a0Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute in partnership with the Belize Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations broke ground on CMA\u2019s second manatee rehabilitation center this year \u2013 this one a new Belize Marine Rescue & Educational Center, on\u202fDec. 11.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Belize Marine Rescue and Educational Center\u202fis being established in response to the growing threats facing Belize\u2019s marine ecosystems, including endangered species such as the Greater Caribbean manatees and sea turtles, and the overall health of coastal environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Belize Manatee Conservation Program, spearheaded by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute-Belize (CMARI-BZ) under a MOU with the Belize Fisheries Department and other local organizations, has been active for over two decades. Its primary mission is to conserve and protect the endangered Greater Caribbean\u00a0 manatee population along Belize\u2019s coasts and waterways.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The center will be both a critical and rehabilitation care center and will boast five pools operating above USDA standards, which is exemplary for the region. The pools will have the capacity to hold between 12-15 manatees, depending on their weight and size.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite CMARI\u2019s successes in Belize rescuing manatees, challenges such as habitat loss, boat traffic, and environmental changes continue to threaten manatee survival, making ongoing conservation work crucial, according to Jamal A. Galves, MS, Belize Program Coordinator.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The center aims to provide a vital resource for rescuing and rehabilitating marine life, while also offering educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. By combining rescue efforts with community outreach, the center seeks to promote sustainable practices, safeguard Belize\u2019s rich marine biodiversity, and ensure the protection of the country\u2019s natural marine heritage for future generations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis marine rescue and educational center will be pivotal in saving the lives and providing necessary care for marine animals in need. Through a partnership with the Ministry of Education and local Universities this center will provide unique hands-on training and educational experiences for national and international students of marine conservation,\u201d said James \u201cBuddy\u201d Powell, PhD., executive director of CMARI and chief zoological officer of Clearwater Marine Aquarium.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project not just improves our efforts to save our marine life, but it will mold the next generation of marine conservationists,\u201d said Minister of Tourism and diaspora relations Hon. Anthony Mahler.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThis center fulfills a lifelong dream of creating a dedicated space for marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and public education,\u201d said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, FL. \u201cIt will not only save countless marine lives but also inspire future generations to prioritize conservation and stewardship of Belize\u2019s natural heritage\u200b.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0Over the past 20 years, the program has achieved significant milestones, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n