As spring arrives and water temperatures rise, manatees are beginning their seasonal dispersal from warm-water refuges, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to issue a crucial reminder to boaters: go slow and look out below.
Manatees, which congregate in Florida springs, power plant discharges, and other warm-water sites during the winter, are now venturing into rivers, canals, and nearshore waters as temperatures climb above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This increased movement heightens the risk of collisions with boats and personal watercraft.
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The FWC emphasizes the importance of vigilance while on the water. Boaters can improve their chances of spotting manatees by wearing polarized glasses, adhering to designated manatee protection zones, and watching for visible snouts or “footprints” – circular disturbances on the water’s surface indicating a manatee is submerged.
From April 1 through November 15, seasonal manatee zones are in effect, requiring boaters to slow down in specific areas to protect the slow-moving mammals. Boat strikes remain a significant threat to manatee populations. FWC law enforcement officers will be patrolling state waters to ensure compliance with speed zones. Manatee protection zone maps are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee.
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It is crucial to remember that manatees are a protected species. Feeding, harassing, or harming them is illegal.
Handling distressed or stranded manatees can also cause further harm and pose a risk to humans. Instead, the FWC urges the public to report any injured, distressed, orphaned, sick, or dead manatees to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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