CLEARWATER, FL— On World Ocean Day, Ocean Conservancy and Clearwater Marine Aquarium came together for a collaborative event held at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to address the urgent environmental threats facing Tampa Bay’s precious waters.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion with esteemed experts in the field. Dozens of people came out to engage, question, and learn from the experts. The panelists shed light on the current state of water quality in Tampa Bay, the impacts of the recent red tide and harmful algae blooms, and the growing challenges associated with sea level rise.

“For the second consecutive year, Tampa Bay is experiencing an unprecedented red tide event,” said Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Director of Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy. “With a mounting rise in manatee mortality rates across the state, the urgency to act has never been greater. On World Ocean Day, it is crucial for residents, visitors, experts and officials to champion our future by protecting and preserving our most precious resource – our water.”

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“There are issues of deterioration of water quality and situations around the state that give us a lot of concern,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Chief Zoological Officer and CMARI Executive Director at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “More and more nutrients are making their way into our estuaries, lagoons, rivers and bays and may be feeding algal blooms and red tide outbreaks. It’s not only just for manatees we need to clean up our water, but a host of other animals and organisms that are depending upon and needing clean water, including ourselves. We’re at a critical place where the health of our waterways and coastlines will impact our future as Floridians.”

Expert panelists at the event include:

• Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Esq., Director of Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy
• Jenna Byrne, President and Founder, Water Warrior Alliance
• Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Chief Zoological Officer, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Executive Director, CMA Research Institute
• Max Chesnes, Environmental Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
• Justin Tramble, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper

The discussion presented an opportunity for all of the stakeholders – including concerned citizens – to come together in the same room to better understand the challenges and discover opportunities that can be immediately implemented to improve the water quality of Tampa Bay for generations to come. The event is part of a series of panels hosted by Ocean Conservancy.

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About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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. 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.