news release

November marks Manatee Awareness Month, a month-long dedication to celebrating and protecting Florida’s iconic yet imperiled aquatic mammals as they begin their annual movements to warmer waters. With temperatures dropping, these gentle giants depend on safe passage and the vigilance of boaters.

This time of year is critical for manatees; these gentle marine mammals have limited body fat and are unable to tolerate temperatures below 68 °F (20 °C) for long periods. While manatees are on the move to their warm-water refuges, they are more vulnerable to boat strikes, the leading cause of injuries and death to manatees.

“The boating community as a whole and responsible boaters in particular, play a pivotal role in safeguarding manatees and conserving their habitat,” says Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “Because most living manatees bear scars from encounters with boats, the support of educated and caring boaters is essential to preventing additional injuries and mortality.”

Save the Manatee Club offers resources such as waterproof “Tips for Boaters” cards and a “Slow, Manatees Below” banner to help boaters and other watercraft owners keep an eye out for these gentle giants. These materials can be obtained by contacting education@savethemanatee.org or calling 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). Boater tips are also available on the Club’s website at savethemanatee.org/boats.

Additionally, boaters can help keep an eye out for manatees who appear to be sick, injured, entangled, orphaned or harassed. These sightings should be reported immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) by calling 1-888-404-3922 or texting “FWC” along with relevant details to 847411. This number can also be used to notify FWC about manatees wearing tracking devices.

If you’re not a boater or want to take your impact further, you can visit savethemanatee.org/MAM to learn more about manatees and find ways to get involved.

Save the Manatee Club was established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, along with the late former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. The Club is dedicated to safeguarding manatees and preserving their aquatic habitat. For more information about manatees and the Club’s efforts, visit savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).