Sea to Shore Alliance

Right Whale Conservation - The right whale conservation program through education, public engagement, and monitoring reproduction and population numbers, aims to reduce risks and understand the factors contributing to the species decline. Our projects include extensive aerial surveys over the only known calving area in the Atlantic Ocean, producing and disseminating educational materials, scientific input and sponsoring an annual Right Whale Festival that attracts the public to learn about the plight of these whales while having an enjoyable family experience.The 2022/2023 North Atlantic right whale (NARW) aerial surveys were flown from November 15th to April 15th to collect data on this highly endangered species and reduce incidences of ship collisions. Our survey coverage area ranges from Georgia to Virginia, totaling over 4,500 nautical miles off the southeastern U.S. All teams had a total of 93 NARW sightings this season: 17 in North Carolina, 11 in South Carolina, and 65 in Georgia. Of the 93 sightings, 50 were mother/calf pairs (some were repeat sightings of the same whales). A total of 11 calves were recorded.

Belize - In 1997, Dr. James "Buddy" Powell and several colleagues founded the Belize Manatee Conservation Project. Belize has the highest known density of Antillean manatees, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, in the world. Unfortunately, because of rapidly increasing coastal development, human-related manatee deaths are rising quickly, mainly in the form of boat strikes. In several key manatee habitats, our team educates tour-boat operators through boater safety workshops, posts boat speed restriction signs, conducts patrols with law enforcement authorities, and implements public outreach at schools. Lastly, our scientists conduct an annual satellite-tracking effort to collect research on the Antillean manatee, which is currently the longest longitudinal study of this species outside of Florida. Data from this project is provided to the government of Belize to further protection measures for the West Indian manatee and halt any unsustainable development projects that may endanger critical habitat.-In 2023, the Belize team installed 10 signs urging boaters to slow down in key manatee habitat in Belize. -Two marine conservation summer camps were held for children in high biodiversity areas of Belize to motivate them to become stewards of Belize's natural resources.-A training was held for former gill-net fishermen to instruct these fishers on how to construct and use cast nets, a more sustainable method of fishing. -A research expedition was held in spring 2023 in Belize during which 12 manatees were health-assessed and seven manatees were tagged and tracked. Maps of home range and core use areas have been developed from the tag data using specialized analysis and software.

Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP): The CMARI team continues to track animals for the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), which exists to rescue sick and injured manatees, rehabilitate, and release them back into the wild. Our current role in this consortium is to assist with verification of manatees in need of rescue, assist with the rescues and transport, and provide contracted service to monitor their movements through satellite telemetry with regular direct observations of manatees released into the wild.In February 2023, CMARI tagged 18 manatees for MRP upon their release at three different locations: TECO in Apollo Beach, Crystal River, and Blue Springs State Park.

Cuba, Education, Festivals, Marine Debris Project, Manatee Monitoring, Manatee Research and Conservation, NESTS, Photo ID, Protect Florida Springs Education, Sea Turtle Lighting, and Tagging Supplies.