Speaker: Dr. Carol Meirelles
Research Associate, Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMRU)
Dr. Meirelles will share insights from her 25-year commitment to manatee conservation biology, highlighting both grassroots initiatives and large-scale collaborative networks across South America. Her presentation will trace the evolution of hands-on local conservation efforts and multi-institutional projects that have shaped her approach to safeguarding the species. The Alliance for Manatees, her latest initiative, aims to tackle critical threats to West Indian manatees. This involves identifying and validating crucial habitats through habitat modeling, supported by on-the-ground expertise from regional researchers. This work underscores the essential role of partnerships and field expertise in developing conservation strategies that are both data-driven and responsive to complex socio-environmental challenges.