Grant: 25-016C
Project Title: Carcass Freezer and Cooler for Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Project Manager: Kerry McNally
Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $31,372.97
Completion Date:
Summary: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to conduct stranding/salvage activities and conduct necropsies of marine turtles. In order to conduct these activities, a walk-in freezer and cooler to store carcasses are necessary. The freezer allows CMA to store carcasses that are salvaged, store carcasses for future necropsies (either by CMA or educational facilities), and store turtle parts remaining after necropsies until disposal. The cooler is essential for storing carcasses briefly (<48 hours) until necropsy or to thaw frozen carcasses so that a necropsy can be performed. During Hurricane Helene in September 2024, CMA flooded with 4 ft of bay and sewage water, which damaged the current carcass freezer and cooler, requiring significant repairs. This project will allow CMA to repair the freezer and cooler which is necessary to restore operations of CMA's salvage and necropsy program.
Results: