November is Manatee Awareness Month – Facts, Figures and Ways to Help!

November marks Manatee Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Florida’s beloved sea cows and the vital role they play in our coastal ecosystems. These gentle giants, often spotted along Florida’s Suncoast, are cherished by locals and visitors alike for their peaceful demeanor and curiosity. Unfortunately, manatees face numerous threats that impact their survival, making it essential for communities along the Suncoast to get involved in conservation efforts. This month, let’s dive into some important facts about manatees, the challenges they face, and ways we can all help to protect these remarkable creatures.

Manatee Facts: What Makes These Gentle Giants So Special?

• Species and Status: The West Indian manatee, native to Florida, is listed as a threatened species. Manatees have been protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972 and the Endangered Species Act since 1973. Despite these protections, manatee populations remain vulnerable due to environmental and human threats.
• Size and Lifespan: Manatees can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They’re known to have long lifespans, with some manatees living up to 65 years in the wild, although their lives are often cut short by various threats.
• Diet and Habitat: As herbivores, manatees consume up to 10% of their body weight in seagrass and other vegetation each day. This grazing helps maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems by preventing overgrowth and promoting biodiversity in seagrass beds. Manatees spend much of their time in shallow, warm waters, often in areas like estuaries, rivers, and coastal zones, making Florida’s Suncoast an ideal habitat.

Manatee Conservation by the Numbers

• Current Population: While manatee populations have slowly increased due to conservation efforts, their numbers remain fragile. Approximately 7,500 manatees currently inhabit Florida’s waters, with fluctuations depending on environmental conditions and human impact.
• Threats from Boat Strikes: Each year, over 100 manatees are injured or killed due to boat strikes in Florida waters. Manatees often move slowly near the water’s surface, making them vulnerable to collisions with boats. Speed limits and no-wake zones are vital to reducing these incidents, particularly in high-traffic areas along the Suncoast.
• Algal Blooms and Habitat Loss: Red tide and blue-green algal blooms have become increasingly problematic, causing respiratory issues and loss of seagrass, the manatees’ primary food source. Seagrass beds, often threatened by pollution and coastal development, are essential to manatee survival. Conservation efforts focus heavily on preserving these habitats, as Florida has seen a dramatic decline in seagrass coverage over recent decades.

Ways to Help Protect Manatees on the Suncoast

Protecting manatees requires a community effort, and there are several ways you can make a difference right here on the Suncoast:

1. Observe No-Wake Zones and Slow Down: When boating, follow all posted speed limits and stay in marked channels. Avoid seagrass beds where manatees often feed. If you spot a manatee, maintain a safe distance and give them space to move freely.
2. Participate in Beach and Waterway Cleanups: Trash, fishing lines, and plastic waste pose a threat to manatees, who may mistake debris for food or become entangled in it. Joining or organizing a local cleanup event helps to keep manatee habitats clean and reduces the risk of harm to these animals.
3. Support Seagrass Restoration Projects: Organizations along the Suncoast are working to restore seagrass habitats, which are vital for manatees and many other marine species. Supporting these initiatives, whether through donations or volunteer work, can make a meaningful difference in conserving these crucial ecosystems.
4. Avoid Fertilizers and Pollutants: Pollutants from fertilizers and pesticides can lead to toxic algal blooms, which destroy seagrass and create respiratory problems for manatees. Opt for eco-friendly gardening practices, and ensure you follow local guidelines on fertilizer use to minimize runoff into waterways.
5. Report Injured or Distressed Manatees: If you see a manatee that appears injured, distressed, or stranded, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) immediately at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Prompt reporting can save lives, as wildlife officers are trained to handle these situations and provide medical assistance to manatees in need.
6. Advocate for Manatee-Friendly Policies: Stay informed about local conservation issues, and support policies that protect manatee habitats. Engaging with community leaders and voting for environmental policies ensures that manatees and other marine life continue to thrive in Florida’s coastal waters.

Local Organizations Making a Difference

Several organizations along the Suncoast are dedicated to manatee conservation, providing resources, education, and advocacy for these gentle giants:

• Save the Manatee Club: Founded by former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham, this organization focuses on manatee advocacy, education, and conservation projects. You can adopt a manatee through their program, with funds supporting ongoing efforts to protect manatees and their habitats.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Located in Sarasota, Mote Marine conducts research and rehabilitation efforts for manatees. They also offer educational programs to raise awareness about marine life conservation, giving locals and visitors an opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving our coastal ecosystems.
• Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP): This group collaborates with various conservation entities to rescue and rehabilitate injured manatees. Their work includes monitoring, medical care, and eventually releasing manatees back into the wild. The MRP offers opportunities for volunteers to get involved in conservation and rehabilitation.

Why Manatees Matter

Manatees are known as an “umbrella species,” meaning that by protecting them, we also protect other marine life and ecosystems that depend on the same habitats. Healthy seagrass beds, which manatees help maintain, support a variety of marine species, including fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates crucial to Florida’s coastal ecosystem.

On the Suncoast, manatees also contribute to ecotourism, drawing visitors from across the world who come to experience the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. The protection of manatees therefore has both environmental and economic importance for our communities, making it essential to ensure their long-term survival.

Join Us in Supporting Manatee Conservation

This Manatee Awareness Month, let’s come together as a community to celebrate and protect Florida’s manatees. By raising awareness, taking small but impactful actions, and supporting local conservation organizations, we can ensure that future generations continue to witness these gentle giants along Florida’s coastlines.

Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor, remember that your actions matter. Let’s all work together to protect the manatees of the Suncoast—our “sea cows” deserve nothing less than our best efforts to safeguard their future.

For more information and ways to get involved, check out local events or visit the websites of conservation organizations dedicated to Florida’s manatees.

Feature Photo courtesy of Save The Manatee Club