Updates
Manatee Response By The Numbers
Update: March 6, 2024
The Atlantic Coast Manatee Unusual Mortality Event investigation continues as staff review information from multiple research and monitoring efforts. Entering the 2023/2024 winter season, seagrass monitoring in Mosquito Lagoon indicated adequate foraging resources. Additionally, there are currently no indications that manatees in this region are in poor or compromised body condition due to the UME.
The agencies continue working with partners to monitor available seagrass and manatee health conditions within the Atlantic coastal region. See our updated Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
How you can help manatees:
- Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
- Avoid boating in shallow areas where manatees graze on seagrass.
- Look for a snout sticking out of the water or large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
- Observe posted manatee zones while boating.
- Report sick, injured or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 so trained experts can respond and assess the situation. Never push a stranded marine mammal back into the water.
- Support the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts by purchasing a Florida manatee license plate or donate $5 to receive a collectable FWC manatee decal. Both are available from your local Tax Collector’s office.