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Survey Spots Record Number Of Manatees

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2009

State scientists counted a record number of manatees during an annual survey last week, a sign the endangered mammal might be recovering in some areas of Florida.

A team of 21 observers counted 3,807 manatees during aerial surveys over the week. That's 500 more manatees than were spotted during the previous high-count year of 2001. In both cases, clear weather and cold temperatures made aerial observations easier.

Officials with the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stressed that the count is a minimum number of manatees and not an accurate representation of the population. Rather, the surveys provide a snapshot of manatee distribution around the state.

Yet the agency called the survey results "encouraging" and consistent with population models that show manatees appear to be increasing in Northwest Florida, the Atlantic Coast and the upper St. Johns River.

Pat Rose, executive director of the Save the Manatee Club, welcomed the higher numbers, and said the survey results mirrored other population indicators that show the Northwest Florida and St. Johns River populations are stable or increasing.

"I think it is encouraging and good news," Rose said. "We know the northwest population has been improving for quite a few years and we hope it will continue to improve."

Rose said the northwest and St. Johns River populations benefit from multiple springs, where water is warmer than in the ocean; sanctuaries where human-access is limited or prohibited; and strong growth-management laws that limit the number of boats on the water.

Manatee populations continue to decline in heavily populated Southwest Florida, Rose said.

The observers, who came from nine organizations, counted 2,153 manatees on the state's east coast, and 1,654 on the west coast.

The survey is usually done in January because it is the coldest month of the year. During cold weather, manatees congregate around warm-weather sites, such as power plant discharge pipes, and are easier to count.

Several cold fronts came through the state last week, making it easier to count the manatees, said Fish and Wildlife biologist Holly Edwards.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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