CLEARWATER, FL (March 18, 2025) – Conservation leaders from across the Caribbean gathered in the Dominican Republic from February 26-28, 2025, for the inaugural workshop of the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance (WCMA). Hosted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) and local partner FUNDEMAR, the workshop brought together 32 participants from 17 Caribbean countries and 27 institutions, including aquariums, NGOs, government agencies, and universities, to advance manatee conservation efforts across the region.
The Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance was established in 2024 as a collaborative effort co-founded by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and CMARI to create a strong network of regional experts dedicated to manatee conservation and habitat protection. The workshop served as a critical step in formalizing the Alliance’s strategy and strengthening cooperation among key stakeholders. The event was made possible through the support of the Columbus Zoo, as well as contributions from WELL/BEINGS, Grupo Piñeiro, and Eco Bahías.
“The Caribbean region provides essential habitats for manatees, including shallow coastal waters, rivers, freshwater springs, estuaries, and seagrass beds, which are vital for their survival and reproduction,” said Dr. Anmari Alvarez-Aleman, Caribbean Research Director at CMARI and WCMA Coordinator.
During the three-day workshop, participants shared knowledge on manatee populations, key threats to their survival, and ongoing conservation efforts. They also worked to define WCMA’s vision and mission, identify regional priorities, and develop a roadmap to enhance conservation initiatives.
“The Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance will provide a vital platform for experts and conservation leaders to collaborate on strategies for species recovery,” said Dr. Alvarez-Aleman. “By engaging regional leaders—especially those in coastal communities and government agencies—we can turn conservation plans into actionable solutions with measurable results.”
Regional Conservation Priorities
Workshop participants identified 51 key regional priorities across areas such as governance, protection, education, capacity building, enforcement, research, and community outreach. Among the top priorities were:
- Reducing manatee mortality caused by hunting
- Reducing the significant gaps of scientific information about manatees in the Caribbean region
- Engaging and promoting conservation efforts in Venezuela and Nicaragua
- Expanding regional capacity for rescue operations and mortality management
- Creating and updating local manatee management plans and enhancing conservation efforts in critical manatee habitats
Additionally, a series of local and regional actions were identified to address these needs. The information gathered during the workshop will be used to develop a strategic plan to implement these actions and strengthen manatee conservation efforts across the Wider Caribbean.
“Manatees face a range of threats, from habitat loss to human-related impacts, and tackling these challenges requires a united effort. By bringing together experts and local leaders through the WCMA, we are helping to build a stronger foundation for the manatee conservation and the ecosystems they depend on,” said Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, Vice President and Director of the Columbus Zoo’s conservation programs.
Manatees are found in 20 countries throughout the Caribbean, including the United States (Puerto Rico), the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil.
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Media Contacts:
Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
Jen Fields | jen.fields@columbuszoo.org | (614) 645-3579
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, and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. The 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. CMAquarium.org.
About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
