The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a large, gentle marine mammal often associated with Florida, but they are present along Georgia’s coast. Their presence is seasonal, determined by strict environmental conditions. Manatees are considered seasonal visitors, expanding their range northward from their main wintering grounds by following warm currents.
Seasonal Presence and Migration Patterns
Manatee migration to Georgia is a direct response to rising water temperatures. Due to their slow metabolic rate, manatees cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to water colder than 68°F (20°C). They typically arrive in Georgia’s coastal waters as early as March or April, moving north into the state’s sounds and rivers.
Sightings are most frequent from April through October. As water temperatures drop in the fall, manatees migrate back south toward the warm-water refuges of Florida, maximizing feeding opportunities during their northern stay.
Key Georgia Habitat Areas
Manatees utilize Georgia’s tidal waters, frequenting the extensive network of estuaries, tidal creeks, and the lower reaches of major rivers. They are attracted by the abundance of aquatic vegetation, their primary food source. These habitats also provide access to fresh water, which manatees seek out near river mouths or dock leaks.
Specific river systems utilized include the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St. Marys Rivers. The waters surrounding Georgia’s barrier islands, such as Cumberland Island National Seashore, offer protected estuarine habitat for feeding and resting. The coastal counties of Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh report the most frequent sightings during the warmer months.
State Conservation Efforts
Manatees are protected statewide under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act, in addition to their federal status under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Conservation Section monitors and protects manatees during their seasonal residency. A primary focus of state efforts is mitigating the main cause of manatee mortality: collisions with boats and barges.
To reduce this risk, the DNR advises boaters to stay in designated deep water channels and avoid vegetated or shallow areas where manatees feed or rest. Boaters are also encouraged to heed established speed and no-wake zones, especially around docks and marinas. Public awareness campaigns emphasize reporting both injured and healthy manatees to the DNR’s dedicated hotline. Furthermore, construction projects along the coast often involve specific conditions, such as inspecting facilities to prevent freshwater leaks that could attract manatees to high-traffic areas.