Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series, featuring world-renowned dolphin researcher Dr. Randall Wells on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at CMA’s Dolphin Tale Theater.
Dr. Wells will present “Lessons from 55 Years of Studying Dolphins on Florida’s West Coast,” highlighting groundbreaking research from his career directing the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program—the longest-running study of wild dolphins in the world. With over five decades of pioneering work in marine mammal science, Dr. Wells will share rare insights into dolphin behavior, health, and conservation challenges, including the impacts of human activity, red tides, and global conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species such as the endangered vaquita.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wells to our speaker series,” said Kelly McAdams, Ph.D., Vice President of Education and Conservation at CMA. “His work has shaped our understanding of dolphins and their environment. This is a unique opportunity for our community to learn from a true leader in marine science,” said McAdams.
Dr. Wells began studying dolphins in Sarasota Bay in 1970 as a high school volunteer and has since become a leading authority in marine mammal research. He holds advanced degrees in zoology and biology, and has led extensive international fieldwork across North and South America, Asia and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to his role as Director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Dr. Wells serves as Vice President of Marine Mammal Conservation at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and holds adjunct professorships at the University of Florida and University of California, Santa Cruz.
Joining Dr. Wells is Lindsay Roland, CMA’s Director of Conservation Education, who will highlight the aquarium’s own local dolphin research. Roland serves as the principal investigator on CMA’s NOAA-permitted dolphin photo-identification study, which monitors wild dolphin populations in the Clearwater Bay area.
The Echoes of the Ocean series brings together leading voices in marine research and ocean advocacy to inspire deeper understanding and action around ocean conservation. Each event offers guests a chance to engage directly with experts working on the front lines of marine science.
Event Details:
• Date: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Presentations from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 30-minute Q&A
• Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 4th Floor Dolphin Tale Theater
• Tickets:
o General Admission: $30
o Government Employees: $25
o Students: $20
o CMA Members: 10% discount
For more information about the Echoes of the Ocean Speaker Series and to purchase tickets, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/echoes-of-the-ocean.