Manatees are large, gentle marine mammals. These animals can reach lengths of about 10 feet and weigh up to a ton. Manatees are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various aquatic plants like seagrass. They favor warm, shallow waters, including rivers, bays, canals, estuaries, and coastal areas, and can comfortably inhabit fresh, saltwater, and brackish environments.
Manatees’ Presence in South Carolina
Manatees are observed in South Carolina waters as seasonal visitors during warmer months. Sightings have become more frequent, indicating their temporary presence along the coast. These animals arrive in late spring, around May, and remain through early autumn, departing by November. They are commonly sighted in coastal rivers, estuaries, and inlets, especially in the southern regions of the state, such as Beaufort County and areas around Murrells Inlet. Manatees prefer sheltered, shallow locations like marinas and estuaries, where the water is slow-moving and food sources are plentiful.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
The presence of manatees in South Carolina is linked to their need for warm water and abundant food. Manatees lack the thick blubber layers of some other marine mammals and possess a slower metabolism, making them highly susceptible to cold. Prolonged exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) can lead to cold stress syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
As spring progresses and coastal waters warm, manatees migrate northward from their primary wintering grounds in Florida. They follow warmer currents along the coastline, extending their range into South Carolina. As autumn approaches and water temperatures begin to drop, these animals return south to Florida’s warmer waters, congregating in natural springs or near power plant outfalls that provide consistent thermal refuge during colder months.
Conservation Efforts and Public Role
Manatees are protected under federal law, including the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Although their status was reclassified from endangered to threatened in 2017 due to increasing numbers and habitat improvements, they remain a protected species. Protecting manatees in South Carolina waters is a shared responsibility, with the public playing a significant role.
If a manatee is encountered, observe it from a distance and avoid approaching, touching, or harassing the animal. Providing manatees with food or fresh water is illegal and can habituate them to human interaction, increasing their vulnerability to boat strikes and other dangers. Boaters should remain vigilant, particularly in shallow areas and around docks, watching for signs of manatees such as large swirls or “footprints” on the water’s surface, and adhering to “slow speed” or “no wake” zones. All manatee sightings, especially those of injured, sick, or deceased animals, should be reported immediately to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) hotline at 1-800-922-5431, or through their online reporting form.