Along with the snowbirds, manatees have returned to Florida. Manatee season just started, meaning the manatee slow-speed zones are now in effect throughout the state. Here’s a great story from Southern Boating about the return of these gentle, slow-moving mammals, and what cruisers can do to protect them:
They’re baaaaak!
Sunday is the official start of the manatee season. That means that slow-speed regulations in South Florida’s network of waterways take effect. Manatees can’t tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees (much like the other snowbirds that join us around this time of year), which is why the gentle giants swim south from Georgia and North Florida to bask in warm waters near power plants and other sun-soaked areas.
Sadly, 80 manatees have already been killed by ships and boats in Florida this year. Wildlife officials urge anyone operating watercraft to take precautions and watch out for these docile creatures. “Watching these large plant-eating mammals swim slowly through Florida waters, often accompanied by their calves, is a special experience,” says Carol Knox, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Boaters following posted speed zones for manatees migrating to warmer waters help conserve this iconic Florida species for future generations.”
While manatee numbers have risen over the past few years, cruisers should still do all they can to protect these defenseless animals from harm (particularly from engine props). Last season, a record 6,063 manatees were counted in a single day.
Read more:
https://southernboating.com/life/sea-watch/manatees-return/
