Calendar

Join us for Tuesday of World Oceans Week to celebrate the conservation successes of species and ecosystems across the globe.

From 5 to 6, join experts from all around the world as they discuss manatees, dugongs, and their important roles in our ocean’s changing ecosystems. From their behavior to their conservation status, success stories, and the challenges they face – learn the fascinating science behind these gentle giants.

From 6 to 8:30, join us for an evening of cultural celebration and scientific exploration centered around the Bahamas! Share in Bahamian culture through song, food, and scientific discovery.

MANATEES AND DUGONGS: PROTECTING THE GENTLE GIANTS

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Price: $10

Join us for our Tuesday ambassador hour celebrating gentle giants of the sea: manatees and dugongs!

Experts from all around the world will discuss these fascinating marine mammals and their important role in our ocean’s changing ecosystems. From their behavior to their conservation status, success stories and the challenges they face.

Featuring:

Jamal Galves
Dr. James “Buddy” Powell
Evan Trotzuk

Session Chair:

Dr. Alexander More FN’18

In addition, the Explorers Club will be screening the short documentary film Humanatee, directed by Ricky Rhodes, Jordan Hendersen, and Taylor Griffith. The film unveils the impact of human activities on manatees, following the underwater archaeologist and explorer Damien Leloup’s journey forming an unlikely bond with these gentle giants, and examines the larger implications of humanity’s relationship with species extinction.

Humanatee features interviews with Joyce Kleen, Sylvia Earle, James “Buddy” Powell, Pat Rose, and Damien Leloup.

PROTECTING PARADISE: CULTURE AND CONSERVATION IN THE BAHAMAS

6:00 – 9:00 PM

Price: $90

Join us for an evening of cultural celebration and scientific exploration centered around the Bahamas! Share in Bahamian culture through song, food, and scientific discovery.

Learn about the diverse perspectives on marine exploration, current conservation efforts, and what the future of this island nation can tell us about the future of ocean-locked nations around the world. Hosted by Allen Exploration, and featuring a presentation from Dr. Michael Pateman of the Bahamas Maritime Museum.

Check-in begins at 6:00 pm and we’ll dive into the program at 7:00 pm

Hors D’Oeuvres:
Jerk Pork BBQ Skewers
Cilantro Spiced Chicken Skewers
Bahama Mini Fish tacos
Island Crab Cakes, Remoulade
Vegan Conch Salad

On Buffet:
Pigeon Peas and Rice
Bahamian Chopped Salad
Caribbean Cole Slaw with Mango (vegan)

Desserts:
Mini Island Rum Cakes
Guava Cookies
Tropical Fruit Skewers

Both events will be streaming live on our Facebook and YouTube

schedule

5:00 - 6:00 Manatees and Dugongs: Saving the Gentle Giants of the Ocean

6:00 - 7:00 Protecting Paradise Reception

6 - 8:30 PM Protecting Paradise: Culture and Conservation in the Bahamas

Speakers

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves, known globally as the Manatee Man, is a conservationist, and a National Geographic Explorer. Since eleven he has been working to conserve the endangered Antillean manatees of Belize. He is the Program Coordinator with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize. In addition, Galves was selected as one of the Explorers Club 50 people changing the world in 2023.

Dr. James "Buddy" Powell

Dr. James “Buddy” Powell is one of the world’s leading experts on manatees throughout their range. During a career spanning more than 40 years, his work has led to direct protections for manatees and their habitats in Florida, West Africa, Central America, and Cuba. As the Executive Director of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Buddy manages a marine research division which implements conservation programs and generates scientific information to improve protections for marine species and habitats in the United States and internationally.

Evan Trotzuk

Evan Trotzuk has worked with African Parks for the past five years, and spent the past two and a half years working in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. There, he directs research and monitoring on the Park’s unique biodiversity, including East Africa’s last viable subpopulation of dugongs, to inform the management and protection of this globally important seascape.