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Conservation: Prevent Manatee Mortalities
Prevent Manatee Mortalities
By Emily Long, Social Media & Advertising Specialist
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It’s been a tough year for manatees, and we are experiencing the impacts at our Manatee Critical Care Center. Devastating rates of manatee deaths this past winter has triggered what's called an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). This allows government and nonprofit organizations to determine the cause of manatee die-off through ongoing, in-depth investigations. Though it's still early, initial data shows a significant decline in seagrass leaving them without food supply.
As of August, we’ve received 11 manatees in 2021, which is already more than double the total intakes compared to all of 2020. Of the 11 manatees, nine are associated with the current UME as they came in thin and from the east coast, and most had other accompanying issues such as cold stress and boat strike wounds. Unfortunately, three of the manatees have died this year, despite our best efforts to continue rehabilitating these animals. Two deaths were related to the UME and one was related to boat strike injuries. In 2017 we received eight manatees, which up until this year was our highest number on record, and the majority were quick rehabs and releases. Though the length of time manatees spend onsite effects how many and how often we can accommodate more, we are still pacing ahead of 2017’s number, indicating the grim reality manatees currently face in our local waters.
Although this year has been difficult so far, there are things you can do to help! To help prevent a decline in water quality and seagrass growth, use environmentally safe products and properly dispose of toxic materials. Keep our waters free of trash and recycle monofilament line in specified bins throughout the state. While out on the water, remember to go slow and steer clear of shallow areas where manatees are more likely to congregate to feed.
Stay up-to-date on the latest UME news and learn how to stay involved on our social media pages. Your ongoing support as Members allows our mission to help protect plants and animals, whether abroad or in our own backyards, possible.
