November marks the start of Manatee Awareness Month, a critical time when Florida’s iconic marine mammals begin their seasonal journey to warmer waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is issuing a reminder to all Floridians and visitors to exercise extra mindfulness and caution when operating watercraft across the state.
“Manatees are highly dependent on safe and reliable warm-water sites to survive the winter,” said Michelle Pasawicz, FWC Manatee Management Program Coordinator. “As water temperatures drop below 68 degrees Faranheit, Florida’s manatees seek refuge at springs, power plant discharge areas and other warm water sites where they’ll spend the winter until temperatures rise again in spring.”
READ: Manatee Deaths Decline In Florida, But Challenges Remain
The Threat of Boat Strikes
Despite their large size as adults, manatees can be notoriously difficult to spot in the water. Boat strikes remain a major threat to the protected species.
The FWC stresses that watercraft operators can increase visibility and safety by:
- Wearing polarized glasses.
- Going slow and abiding by all manatee protection zones.
During colder months, seasonal manatee zones are enforced, requiring boaters and personal watercraft users to reduce speed in or avoid certain areas entirely to prevent collisions. These zones are clearly marked by waterway signs, and maps are available online at MyFWC.com/MPZ.
FWC law enforcement officers will be patrolling state waters to inform boaters of these seasonal speed zones and will take appropriate enforcement actions when necessary.
Give Manatees Space
When observing groups of manatees at warm-water sites, it is crucial to maintain a respectful distance. Disturbing or harassing manatees at these safe havens can inadvertently cause them to swim out into potentially life-threatening cold water. Manatees are a protected species, and it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb, or harm them.
How You Can Help
If you encounter a manatee that appears injured, distressed, sick, or deceased, the FWC urges the public to report it immediately to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to physically handle an injured or sick manatee yourself. Trained responders are the only ones equipped to assist safely.
The public can find more detailed educational resources, including viewing guidelines and additional tips for boat operators, at MyFWC.com/Manatee.
The FWC also encourages those looking to support manatee research, rescue, and management efforts to purchase a Florida manatee license plate or donate $5 to receive a collectable FWC manatee decal, both available at your local Tax Collector’s office..
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Pushes For State Control Of Atlantic Red Snapper, Proposing 39-Day Season
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