Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center is Awarded Funding by the Sea Turtle Grants Program 2023

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center has been awarded a grant for $10,087.09 from the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program. The C.A.R.E Center received the grant to help renovate a designated necropsy suite, as well as additional transport tubs to hold turtles for intake exams, release transport, dry docking after surgical procedures, and holding for necropsy. This grant will greatly increase the efficiency to conduct necropsies in a timely manner and increase the C.A.R.E. Center's knowledge and improve clinical outcomes for every stranded sea turtle. Transport bins will ensure that all turtles stranded in the C.A.R.E. Center's immediate area will have space and receive rapid medical care.

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center was chosen for the award through a competitive application process that is open to coastal county governments, educational institutions and Florida-based nonprofit groups striving to improve the livelihood of sea turtles and conserve Florida habitats.

The Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate is the primary source of funding for Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Program. It also supports the Sea Turtle Grants Program, which has awarded more than $2.7 million in grants for research, education and conservation programs since 2001 to benefit sea turtles in Florida. To learn more about the Sea Turtle Grants Program and the Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate, please visit www.helpingseaturtles.org. 

"These grants are hugely beneficial for the functioning of our facility and help increase the quality of care we can provide to our sea turtle patients," says Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center Stranding Coordinator Tabitha Siegfried. "The license plates provide a unique and practical way for Florida residents to help save our local sea turtles since they directly fund the grants that we need."

The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is proud to act as a beacon for coastal conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online on the C.A.R.E. Center's page.