Boaters urged to watch out for manatees

With an upswing in boat traffic expected during the busy Labor Day weekend, the Save the Manatee Club is urging boaters to be extra vigilant, especially in light of the crises manatees have faced all year.

"The events of 2010 have been tragic for the entire manatee population, which has been dealt one terrible blow after another," said Patrick Rose, Save the Manatee Club's Executive Director.

"Last year's all-time record for total mortality has already been shattered this year," Rose said. "Since Jan. 1, over 600 manatees have died. That's more than 10% of the entire known population."

Nearly half died as a result of Florida's unprecedented cold winter. Although the Deepwater Horizon Well is sealed, the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico remains a major threat to manatees and the large variety of marine and freshwater vegetation upon which they depend, he said.

There is concern not only over oil, but the dispersants used to break it up, he said.

Further, last year a record number of manatees were killed by boat strikes. Recent mortality statistics from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission reveal that deaths from boat strikes in 2010 are keeping pace with prior years.

"We feel it's vital to work with the boating community to help minimize watercraft-related manatee injuries and deaths," said Katie Tripp, director of science and conservation for Save the Manatee Club. "We believe in empowering the boating community so that each boater is aware of his or her ability to protect manatees..."

Tripp said boaters can help with manatee protection this Labor Day weekend by watching out for the meandering marine mammals and staying out of shallow areas where they feed and rest.

"Slow down if manatees are sighted, follow posted boat speed regulations at all times, and stay in deep water channels whenever possible."

Anyone who sees an injured, dead, tagged or orphaned manatee, or a manatee who is being harassed, should call the FWC hot line number at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on cellular phones, or use VHF Channel 16 on marine radios.