Wildlife Trust, through our leadership in conservation medicine, transdisciplinary research in ecology and health, and our global Wildlife Trust Alliance, is taking lessons learned in the Edge of the Sea Aquatic Conservation Program and applying them throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

National Projects:

RIGHT WHALE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

Northern Early Warning System Right Whale Surveys (GA)

Monitoring Right Whales Off the Coasts of South Carolina and Georgia

MANATEE POPULATION RECOVERY PROJECTS

Manatee Habitat Checklist

Surveying Secondary Springs in North-Central Florida:  Identifying and Protecting the Thermal Network

Carrying Capacity Estimation for Manatee Warm Water Habitat in Florida

Assessing the Effects of Dredging on Manatee Use of Homosassa Springs

Photo-Identification of Manatees in Northwest Florida

International Projects:

Coastal Conservation in Cuba

West African Manatee Status and Conservation in Gabon, West Africa

A Collaborative Regional Network for West African Manatee Research and Conservation

Conservation Solutions

Conserving aquatic ecosystems is an urgent priority, particularly because people depend on them for food. For many, these aquatic systems may provide their only source of protein. However, we are losing aquatic species at a rapid rate, causing coastal habitats and coral reefs to deteriorate, leading to cascading local extinctions and the collapse of ecological stability. Solutions to this crisis can be complex because of many contributory factors. Our aquatic conservation team focuses on the following urgent priorities to conserve marine species:

• Identify key information needs and conduct required research, including assessing the health of warm springs that are key to manatee winter survival.
• Develop cost-effective and innovative technologies, such as working with boat manufacturers to develop manatee-friendly motors and hulls.
• Analyze and implement species survival risk reduction, including finding ways to reduce ship strikes on north Atlantic right whales and their calves.
• Work with all levels of government to supply unbiased scientific data to inform policy.
• Improve local conservation capacity with every project by providing technical training, and involving talented young scientists and community members.