Sept. 18, 2025Belizean marine conservationist, Jamal “Manatee Man” Galves has previously won recognition as a National Geographic Explorer for his passionate protection of the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee, and now the New England Aquarium has made him a Research Fellow of the Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF). After receiving his Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize in 2020, he continued working with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute in Florida, USA, as their program coordinator for the Belize Manatee Conservation Program. The World Wildlife Fund subsequently named him a Planet Hero, and the Government of Belize has awarded him a Meritorious Service Award as a national hero. He is also an alumnus of the Conservation Leadership Programme and Caribbean Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders. Galves broke ground last year for the Belize Marine Educational Center he is building in Gales Point Manatee, with support from the Belize Tourist Board and the Belize Zoo.