Manatees, often called sea cows, are large, gentle, slow-moving marine mammals that primarily inhabit the shallow, warm waters of Florida and the Caribbean. They are known for their docile nature. These herbivores spend much of their day grazing on submerged vegetation, which draws the curiosity of many people. Any interaction, even accidental, carries implications for both the person and the animal. The consequences of physical contact are governed by strict conservation laws, personal safety risks, and necessary actions to take afterward.
The Legal Framework Governing Manatee Contact
Physical contact with a manatee is strictly prohibited by both federal and state regulations, regardless of a person’s intent. The Florida manatee is protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These laws categorize any action that disturbs, harms, or alters the natural behavior of a manatee as illegal harassment. Touching, feeding, pursuing, or otherwise interfering with a manatee’s normal activities, such as resting or migrating, falls under this definition of harassment.
The state of Florida further reinforces these protections through the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, which designates the entire state as a manatee sanctuary. This Act explicitly makes it unlawful to “annoy, molest, harass, or disturb” any manatee. Violations of these protective laws carry severe penalties designed to deter human interference. Federal penalties can result in civil fines up to $100,000 and possible imprisonment for up to one year.
State-level violations are typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to a maximum fine of $500 or up to 60 days in jail. These consequences emphasize that the law prioritizes the manatee’s well-being and its ability to remain naturally wary of people and boats. Human contact can cause manatees to lose this natural wariness, making them more susceptible to boat strikes, which are a leading cause of mortality.
Physical Safety and Zoonotic Disease Risk
Manatees are non-aggressive herbivores that pose virtually no physical threat to humans. However, contact must be avoided for health reasons, as the primary safety concern relates to the potential for transmitting microorganisms, particularly zoonotic pathogens. Manatees, like all marine mammals, can carry various bacteria and viruses on their skin or in their environment, such as Leptospira species, which can cause leptospirosis in humans. They can also be exposed to environmental toxins like those from harmful algal blooms.
Furthermore, human contact can introduce foreign bacteria or viruses to the manatee, whose immune system may be compromised by environmental factors. Therefore, maintaining distance is a two-way street that protects both the person from rare zoonotic exposure and the sensitive marine animal from novel pathogens.
Immediate Actions Following Incidental Contact
If incidental contact occurs, the person must immediately and calmly withdraw to a safe distance. The proper response is to remain passive, avoid any sudden movements, and move away without splashing or further disturbing the animal. This action demonstrates that the person is not intentionally harassing the manatee and helps prevent a possible legal violation. Documenting the encounter with a time-stamped photograph or video, if possible and safe, can serve as evidence of the accidental nature of the touch.
Beyond personal safety and legal protection, the welfare of the manatee must remain the highest priority. If the manatee appears injured, entangled, distressed, or is being actively harassed by others, the incident must be reported immediately. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maintains a Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-FWCC) for reporting such observations. When reporting, provide the animal’s exact location, the time of the sighting, and any visible injuries or identifying tags to expedite the response.