Does Clearwater Marine Aquarium have manatees?
CLEARWATER, Fla. — There have been more manatee deaths so far this year in Florida compared to any other year in the state's recorded history.
On Wednesday, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will announce its plans for a new manatee rehabilitation center in anticipation of an influx of manatees that need help.
The announcement comes as red tide continues to grip the Tampa Bay area.
Scientists say the majority of manatee deaths are due to starvation. Algae blooms have killed off much of the seagrass the sea cows need to survive.
Seagrass requires sunlight, which is hard to come by when algae blooms sit on the surface of the water and block any light from reaching the seabed.
As of Monday morning, 1,208 tons of marine debris had been collected in Pinellas County. That's 2.4 million pounds.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release.
