TAMPA, Fla. — Boaters coasting through Tampa Bay should be aware of the likelihood of running into a manatee this summer.
As part of National Safe Boating Week running from May 18 to May 24, the “Save the Manatee” Club urges boaters to practice recreational boating safety to keep the formerly endangered species safe.
According to the club, manatees are commonly found in shallow estuaries, bays, rivers, canals and coastal areas, where they have a history of suffering serious injuries and death from boat propellors.
The species’ mortality rates have been high consistently for the past several years, as starvation and water quality have threatened their survivability in the Tampa Bay area. Well over 700 manatees died in 2021, while the total number of deaths never fell below 250 for the past five years, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
For those revving their boat engines in the Tampa Bay area this summer, Save the Manatee Club has a list of safety tips to keep in mind:
- Obey speed zone signs: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent collisions with manatees.
- Reduce glare with polarized sunglasses: Wear polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and spot manatees below the water's surface.
- Recognize manatee signs: Learn to identify signs of manatees in the area, such as swirls or flat spots on the water caused by their movements.
- Respect manatee sanctuaries: Keep a safe distance from posted manatee sanctuaries and avoid pursuing or harassing these marine mammals, as it is illegal and can disrupt their natural behaviors.
- Report distressed manatees: In Florida, promptly report distressed, injured, tagged, or orphaned manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
- Protect seagrass beds: Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas where manatees may be feeding. Stick to deep water channels while remaining vigilant, as manatees also utilize these channels during their travels.
- Dispose of fishing line responsibly: Anglers should properly dispose of or recycle used fishing line to prevent entanglement hazards for manatees.
