West Indian manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with whale-like bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail.  The average adult manatee is about 9.8 feet long and weighs between 800-1,200 pounds.  Manatees are gentle, slow-moving animals.  Manatees can make sounds that can be described as chirps, whistles or squeaks.  Manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals and coastal areas.  West Indian manatees are found throughout the wider Caribbean basin and within the southeastern United States.  Manatees are herbivores.  They eat aquatic plans and can consume about 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation daily.

Many manatee mortalities are human-related.  Most human-related manatee mortalities in Florida are caused by watercraft collisions.  Manatees are also crushed and/or drowned in canal locks and flood control structures.  They can accidentally ingest fishhooks, litter and fishing line or become entangled in crab trap lines.  Manatees in Florida are protected under two federal laws: The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  Manatees are also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. 

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MANATEES IN THE NEWS

Boaters warned to watch out for manatees in warmer waters
March 20, 2010

Wildlife officers target manatee speed zones
March 20, 2010

Manatee rehabilitation in Homosassa Springs
March 19, 2010

Officials make manatee plea
March 18, 2010

Cold-stressed manatee rescued from chilly canal
March 10, 2010

Manatees saved by a fishing brigade in Zapata Swamp
March 8, 2010

No swimming in Blue Spring as manatees try to stay warm
February 28, 2010

Wildlife officers rescue young manatee
February 27, 2010

Cold contributes to mass die-off of manatees
January 26, 2010

2 manatees Found Dead In Indian River Co.
January 20, 2010

Flagler County creates manatee curriculum
Fall, 2009

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REPORT MANATEES IN TROUBLE

If you see an injured, dead, harassed, tagged or orphaned manatee, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its manatee hotline:  1-888-404-FWCC
FWC on your cellular radio, use VHF channel 16 on your marine radio.
Please be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is the exact location of the animal?
• Is the manatee alive or dead?
• How long have you been observing the manatee?
• What is the approximate size of the manatee?
• What is the location of the public boat ramp closest to the manatee?
• Can you provide a contact number where you can be reached for further information?

THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted on October 21, 1972. All marine mammals are protected under the MMPA. The MMPA prohibits, with certain exceptions, the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the U.S.

In 1972 President Nixon declared current species conservation efforts to be inadequate and called on Congress to pass comprehensive endangered species legislation. Congress responded by creating the Endangered Species Act of 1973 which was signed by former president Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973.

The maximum fine for violating the MMPA is $20,000 & one year in jail. The maximum fine for violating the ESA is $50,000 in addition to one year in jail.

Manatees in Florida are protected by both state and federal law. They are protected by two federal laws: The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Manatees are also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978.

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NOAA FISHERIES POLICY ON HUMAN INTERACTION WITH WILD MARINE MAMMALS

The Marine Mammal Protection Act or MMPA does not provide for
a permit or other authorization to view or interact with wild marine mammals, except for specific listed purposes such as scientific research.

Therefore, interacting with wild marine mammals should not be attempted and viewing marine mammals must be conducted in
a manner that does not harass the animals.

NOAA Fisheries does not support, condone, approve, or authorize activities that involve closely approaching, interacting, or attempting to interact with whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, or sea lions in the wild. This includes attempting to swim with, pet, touch, or elicit
a reaction from the animals.