Clearwater Aquarium receives $3.5 million for manatees
June 20, 2022 - The Clearwater Marine Aquarium plans to use $3.5 million in state funding to establish a new manatee research and rehabilitation facility. The money stems from $20 million state leadership recently allocated toward enhancing Florida’s acute care services for manatees and restoring spring access and habitat restoration. The funding follows the state setting a new record for manatee deaths in 2021. Over 1,000 of the gentle marine mammals died last year, and 575 have died through June 3, according to a press release.