Manatees, often called “sea cows,” are large, herbivorous marine mammals known for their slow-moving and peaceful nature. They are afforded strict protection under federal law, specifically the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Observing these creatures in their natural environment is a rewarding experience that must be approached with ethical and legal responsibility. This article provides guidance on how to locate manatees and observe them safely without causing disturbance.
Identifying Prime Manatee Habitats
Manatee presence is highly dependent on water temperature, which dictates their seasonal movements and concentration. Lacking the insulating blubber of other marine mammals, manatees cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Warm water sources are their primary winter refuge. During colder months, manatees aggregate heavily in natural springs, which maintain consistent temperatures, and in the discharge canals of power plants. These power plant outfalls have become artificial thermal sanctuaries, with many manatees relying on these sites during cold snaps.
During the warmer summer months, manatees disperse widely, seeking shallow, slow-moving coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. As herbivores, they spend a substantial portion of their day grazing on submerged aquatic vegetation. Prime feeding areas include abundant seagrass meadows, such as turtle grass and manatee grass, and various freshwater plants. Summer viewing requires searching these shallow foraging habitats, while winter viewing is concentrated near reliable warm-water refuges.
Legal Regulations for Manatee Interaction
The observation of manatees is governed by stringent laws intended to prevent disruption of their natural behavior. Federal protection makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any manatee. Harassment is broadly defined as any act that alters the animal’s natural resting, feeding, or migratory patterns.
It is strictly prohibited to feed manatees or offer them fresh water, as this changes their behavior and can draw them into areas where they are more susceptible to harm from human activity. Touching, poking, or pursuing a manatee is also considered harassment and can result in severe penalties. Convictions for violating these federal protection laws can lead to substantial fines, potentially reaching $100,000, and up to a year in prison. Boaters must adhere to designated Manatee Protection Zones, which mandate slow or minimum speed limits to prevent vessel strikes. Posted signage indicates the regulatory speed and is legally binding.
Passive Viewing Techniques
The most ethical method for viewing manatees is passive observation, which involves watching the animals without initiating contact or altering their behavior. For those observing from the water, operating a vessel at an idle or minimum wake speed is crucial when traveling through known habitats. Boat operators should wear polarized sunglasses, which greatly improve the ability to spot manatees beneath the surface.
A key sign of a manatee underwater is the “manatee footprint,” a distinct, circular pattern of calm water created by the animal’s tail as it propels itself. Upon spotting a manatee, boaters should cut the engine and allow the animal to continue its activity undisturbed. Viewers on the water or from the shore should maintain a respectful distance, ideally at least 50 feet, even if a curious manatee approaches.
Observing from a designated platform or a quiet shoreline offers an excellent opportunity for sustained viewing without disturbance. Minimize noise and sudden movements, as startling a manatee can cause it to flee from a safe area, potentially separating a mother and calf. If a manatee appears to be resting just beneath the surface, it is important not to prod or disturb it, allowing the animal to complete its rest cycle. Successful observation is achieved by making oneself an unnoticeable part of the manatee’s environment.