The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is a large, gentle marine herbivore navigating the state’s waterways. These animals, which can grow over ten feet long, are protected under federal and state law. Due to threats from watercraft collisions and habitat degradation, the survival of individual manatees depends on prompt action by human observers. Understanding how to recognize a manatee in trouble and following the correct reporting procedure is the most constructive step a person can take to aid their conservation.
Identifying Signs of Distress or Injury
Recognizing a manatee in distress requires distinguishing unusual behavior from normal resting or feeding patterns. A manatee floating motionless or resting in shallow water is often sleeping and surfaces every few minutes to breathe without struggle. Conversely, a distressed manatee may float unnaturally high in the water, sometimes called “listing,” which indicates lung trauma or buoyancy issues preventing it from submerging.
Observable signs of injury include fresh, open wounds, particularly deep gashes caused by boat propellers. A manatee showing signs of emaciation, such as visible ribs or a sunken area behind the head, or one with a rapid respiration rate (breathing every minute or less), needs immediate intervention. Entanglement in fishing line, crab trap ropes, or other marine debris is also a clear sign of distress, as the material can restrict movement or cause chronic wounds.
What may look like harassment can sometimes be natural manatee behavior, such as a mating herd. These groups involve several males pursuing a single female, leading to vigorous splashing and rolling that can last for hours or days. This activity is natural and should be left undisturbed, observed from a safe distance. A lone calf, five feet or less in length, should be reported immediately as it is dependent on its mother.
Protocol for Reporting Manatee Incidents
The first step upon observing a dead, distressed, or harassed manatee is to immediately contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. This 24-hour resource dispatches trained biologists and rescue teams who possess the necessary permits and expertise. Cell phone users can also use the abbreviated FWC or #FWC call codes.
Before calling, the observer should gather specific, detailed information to ensure the fastest response. The precise location is paramount; observers should use GPS coordinates, mile markers, or clear landmarks, such as the closest public boat ramp or bridge. Noting the time and duration of the observation provides context for the responders.
The report should include an estimate of the manatee’s size and a description of distinguishing features, such as old boat scars or unique colorations. Note whether the animal is tagged; researchers use tracking devices attached to the manatee’s tail, and these should not be disturbed even if they resemble an entanglement. Documenting the manatee’s behavior, such as floating, swimming weakly, or interacting with a calf, is essential for triage.
If safe, the observer should remain on site until authorities arrive, keeping the animal in sight without getting too close. Taking photographs or video from a distance is beneficial, as this visual evidence helps the responding biologist determine the severity of the manatee’s condition. Providing a reliable contact number is necessary, allowing the biologist to call back for clarification or additional information.
Legal Guidelines and Observer Safety
Manatees are protected under federal statutes, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. State laws, such as the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, establish that it is unlawful to intentionally or negligently annoy, molest, harass, or disturb a manatee. Harassment is legally defined as any action that alters the animal’s natural behavioral patterns, including feeding, resting, or sheltering.
It is strictly prohibited to touch, feed, or give water to a manatee, even one that appears to be struggling. Feeding manatees conditions them to approach people and boats, increasing their risk of injury. Attempting to intervene, such as pushing a stranded manatee back into the water or cutting off an entanglement, is illegal and can cause further harm.
For personal safety, observers must maintain distance from the manatee, especially from large, thrashing mating herds, which are unpredictable. Direct physical contact with any marine mammal should be avoided due to the potential for transmitting zoonotic diseases. When observing from a boat, all vessel speed regulations must be obeyed, and a proper lookout maintained to prevent accidental collisions with manatees or rescue vessels.