Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes visitors to learn about the aquarium’s mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, and more. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been working diligently to restore the facility in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to the dedicated staff, skilled contractors, and generous donations from supporters both near and far, it’s making significant progress in our recovery efforts! While there’s still a long way to go, CMA takes pride in what it’s been able to accomplish since the storms.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium 2024 Sea Turtle Nest Season Results!
It’s time for a sea turtle nesting season wrap-up! Despite sea turtle nesting season getting cut short by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s sea turtle nesting team saw an increase in sea turtle nests during the 2024 season. Check out the sea turtle nesting stats below.
CMA documented 271 nests this year along Pinellas county beaches – this was an increase from the 227 nests found in 2023. This year, CMA’s nesting team documented the first leatherback sea turtle nest in Pinellas county. The team even witnessed the nest successfully hatching! Hurricanes washed out a large percentage of active nests at different points during the season. Hurricane Debby washed out nests in August, while Hurricane Helene destroyed the remaining nests in September. 325 false crawls were documented this season, a stark increase from last year’s 240 false crawls. These events occur when sea turtle mothers come onto the beach but do not deposit their eggs. These events are often caused by obstructions such as sandcastles, holes in the sand, beach furniture, and more. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wOsqH
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-24/25-263 and MTP-24/25-013.
New Arrivals!
Exciting new arrivals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! We are thrilled to announce two new baby Haller’s Round stingray additions to our Sea Cavern. Join us in welcoming these precious additions to our CMA Family! https://www.facebook.com/reel/933967155294481
Florida: Wild & Exotic
Experience a whole new exhibit at CMA! Immerse yourself in the world of Florida’s animals both native and invasive. From a curious opossum to slithering snakes and other scaly reptiles, you’ll get the chance to see Florida’s animals up close. This exciting new exhibit is now open!
Aqua Lanterns!
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder with Aqua Lanterns: a Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This luminous new after-hours experience, featuring dazzling lantern displays, is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and other select dates through December 30, 2024!
As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape, filled with stunning illuminated sculptures, up to 13-feet tall, of whales, penguins, jellyfish and other sparkling sea creatures. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium.
Thankful
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! Clearwater Marine Aquarium is overwhelmed with the support from their followers, fans, industry partners, and other businesses in the community following Hurricane Helene and Milton. Since the storms, CMA hasreceived nearly 200 items from its wish list. There are still many items to replace and repair. Check out the wish list items they are still seeking below.
Rising Tides
Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently launched Rising Tides: Safeguarding Marine Life for the Future. Over the next six years, CMA will undergo a dynamic facility revitalization that will bring new animals, new habitats, and new conservation efforts to our facility and beyond! Learn more about this campaign here.
Rising Tides – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (cmaquarium.org)
Upcoming Events & Programs:
Select dates now through Dec.30: Aqua Lanterns
Daily through January 5: Blizzard Bay
December 5: Hope in the Water PBS Docuseries Screening
December 12: Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series
December 21: Breakfast with Santa