CLEARWATER, FL— On World Ocean Day (June 8, 2023), Ocean Conservancy and Clearwater Marine Aquarium will unite for a collaborative event to address the urgent environmental threats facing Tampa Bay’s precious waters.

The event will feature an engaging panel discussion with esteemed experts in the field. They will 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.

Reporters will have access to discuss key issues with experts:

• Legislature recap: How the bills and funding passed last legislative session will impact restoration across the state
• Red tide and harmful algae blooms: Impacts from the 2nd year of unprecedented red tide events
• Manatees: What Clearwater Marine Aquarium is doing to help with manatee recoveries and the latest numbers and outlook halfway into the third year of the unusual mortality event
• Potential impacts as we begin the 2023 hurricane season

This is an opportunity for all 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.

WHAT

Ocean Conservancy and Clearwater Marine Aquarium unite for

“Our Water, Our Future: A Vision for Florida’s Coastlines”

WHEN

Thursday, June 8, 2023;  6 – 9 p.m.

Media can obtain interviews with panelists prior to the event at 5:30 p.m.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

WHERE

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage; Clearwater, FL 33767

WHO

• 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

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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.