MANATEES: Watch for manatees on the move

FROM PAGE 12 were 76 watercraft strike deaths of manatees statewide in 2022.

According to the FWC, “The total statewide manatee mortality number, 800 for 2022, was above the 5-year average of 741, but was lower than that of the prior year at 1,100. Mortality was high due to the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event (UME) from starvation and malnutrition on the Atlantic coast.” Manatees are a threatened species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them. Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm. Instead, report injured, distressed, stranded or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).