Posted: Friday, September 12, 2025. 9:17 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: The New England Aquarium has announced its 2025 Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) Fellows, welcoming four conservation leaders from around the globe dedicated to improving ocean health and protecting marine species.
Launched in 2015, the Fellows program has built a strong network of experts working hand-in-hand with their communities to create long-term solutions for marine conservation.
Fellows receive financial, technical, and professional support while also engaging in mentoring and knowledge exchange to strengthen their impact.
Among this year’s fellows is Belizean conservationist Jamal Galves, widely known as the “Manatee Man” for his lifelong dedication to protecting the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee.
Galves, a National Geographic Explorer and Program Coordinator with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute in Belize, has been advocating for manatee conservation since the age of eleven. His work focuses on protecting manatees through scientific research, rescue, rehabilitation, and community-based education programs.
Speaking about the fellowship, Galves said he is eager to connect with conservation leaders from across the world.
“I am excited to connect with a diverse group of conservation leaders from around the world and to learn from their experiences and perspectives. This fellowship will provide opportunities not only to strengthen my work but also to collaborate on shared challenges and amplify our collective impact in marine conservation,” he noted.
Galves emphasized that working with local communities has been central to his approach. “By listening to community priorities and incorporating local knowledge, we have been able to design conservation strategies that are both effective and sustainable,” he explained.
On social media, he shared his gratitude for the recognition, writing: “Honored and deeply grateful to be named one of this year’s four Ocean Conservation Leaders in Marine Conservation. This recognition inspires me to continue working tirelessly to protect our ocean and its incredible life! Thank you @newenglandaquarium.”
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The post Belize’s “Manatee Man” Jamal Galves named 2025 Marine Conservation Action Fund fellow by New England Aquarium appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, September 12, 2025. 9:17 am CST. By Zoila Palma: The New England Aquarium has announced its 2025 Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) Fellows, welcoming
The post Belize’s “Manatee Man” Jamal Galves named 2025 Marine Conservation Action Fund fellow by New England Aquarium appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.