Mermaids: Ambassadors from Sea to Sea

Her name was Griselda...

2011-12-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

Photo by Matthew Beck

Her name was Griselda. First documented as an adult in Crystal River in 1977, Griselda had given birth to at least 12 calves. Unfortunately, I only saw her laying on the cold stainless steel necropsy table. I had taken 3 international colleagues to witness a necropsy at the pathology lab on the campus of Eckerd College. We were all in Tampa for 19th Biennial Meetings of the Society for Marine Mammalogy.

Griselda, an extremely successful mother manatee is gone forever from the Florida manatee population due to a boat strike that broke her shoulder blade and dislocated her 4th rib on the left side--rupturing her aorta. She died of internal bleeding, probably within an hour of being hit. Griselda was lactating, which means there is an orphan calf out there somewhere...hopefully old enough to survive on its own.

Unfortunately, this is the not the first time I've witnessed this cause of death. One of the known manatees in Belize died in exactly the same way a few years ago, also leaving an orphaned calf. This type of injury often leaves no external marks, no propeller cuts, and no bruising -- only a necropsy can determine the cause of death in such a case. It occurs when the foot of an engine strikes the manatee on the back resulting in acute force at the point where the ribs attach to the spine. In both cases that I've witnessed, the 4th left rib was subluxed (dislocated downward) piercing a large vein or artery near the heart. As the heart continues to beat, blood is pumped out of the circulatory system into the muscles or body cavity. Death generally comes within minutes.

Manatees have evolved over millions of years to be extremely successful in shallow aquatic environments. But, they are not well designed for competition with motorized boats, which have only been around a few years. We humans, as operators of these powerful machines, must take responsibility for preventing such deadly encounters. Download this brochure and learn how to prevent tragic mortality events in Florida: http://sirenian.org/Florida_Manatee_Brochure_1.pdf

Related News Stories:
http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/large-manatee-pulled-dead-canal
http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/boat-strike-killed-manatee

Chessie re-sighted in The Bay!

2011-07-24T08:43:00.003-04:00

Photo from
Save-the-Manatee Adopt Chessie Certificate

For the first time in 10 years, Chessie the Travelin' Manatee, has been re-sighted in the Chesapeake Bay near Calvert County, Maryland! Chessie's ID was confirmed by Cathy Beck, a USGS biologist who is responsible for the manatee photo-id database in Florida. Read the news story here: WJLA News Story

Chessie was sighted in Calvert County, Md. on Tuesday, 12 July 2011, when he came to the surface to take a breath, according to the USGS Sirenia Project. The last time we had a confirmed sighting was when he patiently waited for the Virginia Great Bridge Locks to open on Aug. 30, 2001!

Although Florida manatee scientists "rescued" Chessie the first time he was sighted in The Bay back in 1994, they are not worried this time because the water is still very warm up here. And besides, Chessie has proven to be an excellent navigator between New England and Florida over the years, always returning to warmer waters each winter.

Not only is Chessie a remarkable manatee...he actually taught 'us' scientists that some manatees can and do successfully migrate thousands of miles on a regular basis. For those of you who don't know the story, a historical timeline account can be found at our Chessie Watch Page.

There are several children's books dedicated to Chessie, the famous manatee who visits the Chesapeake Bay...possibly every year! My favorite is Chessie, the Travelin' Man available from our Sirenian International Gift Shop.

I adopted Chessie from Save the Manatee Club many years ago and the photo above is from that adoption kit. You can also adopt Chessie and many other Florida manatees from Save the Manatee Club's Adopt-A-Manatee Program! He's listed under East Coast Adoptees along with Ilya, another male manatee known to travel north during the hot summer months. Search our blog archives for articles about Ilya!

USGS Press Release: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2855

Don't ever fall asleep watching a sirenian eat!

2011-07-04T07:56:00.002-04:00

I have a Belizean friend who says watching manatees is like watching grass grow! BOREing.....

But in reality, watching most animals in the wild is pretty boring most of the time! Then every once in a while, if you have 1000 hour eyes or are very lucky, you get to see something interesting.

This is a unique opportunity to watch some behavioral interaction between 2 dugongs at the Abu Dabab dive site near Marsa Alam, Egypt. Watch till the end and remember: Don't ever fall asleep watching sirenians eat!

Now, my professional analysis is totally different from what many other viewers have posted on this YouTube Channel. I don't think the dugongs have "turned bad" at all. I doubt that either dugong was reacting to the divers. The 1st dugong in the video continues to feed even as divers hover nearby, only swimming away to take a breath and then returning to feed on the bottom. This is what sirenians do: feed, feed, feed, take a breath, eat, eat, eat...for hours. Then they sleep, sleep, sleep, take a breath, sleep, sleep, sleep...probably for hours...but when we catch them sleeping they generally wake up because they can detect our presence. Based on what little we know about dugong behavior, I would suggest that they were reacting to each other.

For example, in Shark Bay Western Australia, dugongs demonstrate "lek" mating behavior (source: Paul Anderson). In that population, male dugongs patrol areas about 1km square, waiting for females in estrous to swim through and select a male for mating. And males are known to defend their territories in Shark Bay. My "educated" guess is that this male was doing what dugongs do most of the time, feeding on seagrass not caring in the least about the divers hovering above, when another male entered the area and was chased away. But, I can only see the urogenital area of one animal: the chaser. And, I could be totally wrong, of course. Who knows? Another possibility is that one animal was a female and the other animal was pursuing her in hopes of mating! We need much more time in the field observing and analyzing dugong behavior before we can interpret events like this one. You can help us meet our goals through Sirenian International. Check us out at sirenian.org and view other dugong footage at the "sassOn" Channel on YouTube.com.

Florida Paddle Boaters videotape manatee giving birth to twins!

2011-04-23T13:34:00.001-04:00


Twins born to a manatee under human care at Zoo Parc, France (http://www.zoobeauval.com/	)

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports on paddle boaters who witnessed and videotaped a manatee giving birth to twins in Florida. Video of the event is linked to the full story, which is linked below.

One of the reasons that manatees (Sirenia: Trichchidae) continue to be considered threatened and endangered, even in Florida where they are fully protected, is due to their very slow reproductive rate. Female manatees of the Florida subspecies (Trichechus manatus latirostris) mature around the age of four and if they are very successful mothers, they can give birth to a single calf once every 2-3 years.

Twins are rare and in many cases, one or both of the twins fail to survive. I've been observing manatees in the wild for over 13 years and have only encountered twins twice: once in Florida (on a rescue mission where both twins were stillborn and the mother died postpartum) and once in the Dominican Republic (both twins and the mother appeared to be healthy). In the DR case, we have no "proof" the dyads found associated with single adults in this study are twins, yet. But there are lines of evidence to support our hypothesis.

There are also documented cases of twins born to manatees under human care, for example, in facilities in Brazil (http://www4.icmbio.gov.br/cma//) and France (http://www.zoobeauval.com/ ).

Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgZJoNj2r60

So, this is indeed a rare and special event; the full story is here:

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/04/23/daytona-paddleboarders-witness-rare-birth-of-manatee-twins.html

Holy Seacow, Batman!

2011-02-04T10:35:00.001-05:00

BY JIM WAYMER • FLORIDA TODAY • February 3, 2011

In what officials said they believe to be the first federal criminal prosecution in Florida for striking and killing a manatee with a boat, a Merritt Island man was sentenced Wednesday for killing a sea cow while zipping through a manatee slow zone.

Joseph Miata Jr., 62, who had been cited repeatedly for speeding through manatee zones, had to forfeit his $5,500, 20-foot boat to the federal government and pay a $600 donation to a wildlife conservation group.

"This is the first time that we're aware of that we ever prosecuted someone for a lethal take," said Chuck Underwood, a spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Miata was criminally charged by the United States Attorney's Office, Orlando Division, in October for violating the Endangered Species Act. The manatee was killed as he sped through Sykes Creek last summer.

He pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge.

Miata could not be reached for comment Wednesday and a call to his attorney was not returned.

U.S. Magistrate Judge David Baker sentenced Miata to one-year federal probation.

Miata faced a maximum one-year imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, and up to a year of supervised release, according to court records.

Miata must forfeit the 20-foot boat -- a 1987 Mach 1 by Freedom Boats -- he was operating when he hit the manatee.

The charges stem back to July 11, when the state's Wildlife Alert Hotline received a call at about 8:20 p.m. reporting that a boat was speeding through a manatee zone in Sykes Creek Manatee Refuge and had struck and killed a manatee.

The area is a slow-speed manatee protection zone, Underwood said.

The female manatee had been lactating, with a 10-month-old calf by her side.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers stopped a boat that evening operated by Miata that matched the description of the speeding vessel. At first, officers couldn't find the dead manatee.

The next morning, FWC received a report of a dead manatee floating among live manatees on the west shore of Kiwanis Island, near the public rest rooms and playground, according to court documents.

An officer found the carcass near where it was struck, but the orphaned calf couldn't be found.

According to witnesses, Miata was operating his boat at full plane through the slow speed zone when he struck the manatee. The boat's propeller struck the manatee's head.

Federal agents served a search warrant on Miata's Merritt Island residence on July 22, seizing his boat as evidence.

Miata had been cited May 31 by the FWC, less than two months earlier, for speeding through a manatee zone.

"That was probably about 100 yards from where he killed the manatee," said Neil Gardner, special agent for U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

And prior to that, USFWS officers had stopped him on a similar speeding violation in Volusia County, Gardner said.

"He was an habitual violator and we caught up with him," Gardner said.

Contact Waymer at 321-242-3663 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com
Source: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011102030311

Come see the Manatees!

2011-01-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT
Tampa Bay Tribune
Published: January 6, 2011

APOLLO BEACH - The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary with two days of fun for the public. Marking 25 years as a refuge for the endangered manatee, the nature-watching destination and environmental education center has been visited by more than three million people.

View the original story via Tampa Bay Online: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/jan/06/manatee-center-invites-public-celebrate/news-breaking/

TECO is hoping to draw a few more for the celebration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 15 and 16.

The celebration will include activities for visitors of all ages, including arts and crafts tables, children's games, Radio Disney, giveaways, appearances by local professional sports mascots and more.

Those are all in addition to the center's regular features, which include a hurricane simulator, interactive displays about the manatee and its habitat, a 900-foot tidal walk, butterfly gardens, an expanded gift shop and more.

"We're excited to celebrate 25 years of dedication from people committed to the future of the manatee and its habitat – and who have worked tirelessly to teach the public how to protect these incredible mammals," said Wendy Anastasiou, environmental specialist at the Manatee Viewing Center. "Visitors love the manatees, which are here because of Big Bend Power Station."

When the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or colder, manatees gather in the warm-water discharge canal of the power plant, sometimes by the hundreds. Visitors can see the mammals up close from the center's multiple boardwalks and vantage points.

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center online or call (813) 228-4289 for more information.

View the original story via Tampa Bay Online: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/jan/06/manatee-center-invites-public-celebrate/news-breaking/

Belize Totally Bans Bottom Trawling!

2010-12-11T06:46:00.000-05:00

THE AMANDALA (http://www.amandala.com.bz/index.php?id=10653)

Posted: 10/12/2010 - 09:49 AM

Author: Adele Ramos - adelescribe@gmail.com

Belize has joined Venezuela and the Pacific island nation of Palau to be the third country in the world to impose a complete ban of bottom-trawling in the country.

Bottom trawling, which involves boats indiscriminately dragging nets across the sea floor, has been used in Belize for decades to catch shrimp; however, the practice is very destructive to a wide array of marine life that tend to also get trapped in the process, sometimes at very young stages in their life cycle. Trawling, where it is done, is said to be one of the culprits of fisheries decline.

At what he described as a historic and momentous occasion, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Rene Montero signed the statutory instrument on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 8, 2010, and he said at the press conference right after the signing that the legislation will take effect as soon as it is published in the Government Gazette.

Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia, a commercial fisherman for three decades, said he was fully behind the move and presented congratulatory words at the signing.

Heredia noted that originally, there were as many as 12 trawlers operating in Belize, but now there are only 2 vessels, both Belizean-owned and operated, left in the country. People in Southern Belize used to complain that by-catch from the trawlers was washing up on the picturesque beaches in Sittee and Placencia, and making a stink for the tourism industry, he remarked.

Those present at today’s signing joined in a chorus of commendations for those who saw the initiative through, noting that both the fisheries and tourism industries will benefit.

Ovel Leonardo, chairman of Northern Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited, the only entity which had been trawling in Belize of late, noted that their two trawlers were purchased decades ago and they had an $800,000 balance on their loan for the trawlers, which they had about 20 years to repay.

As a form of compensation for the fishermen, Oceana is purchasing those two trawlers and the transaction is nearing completion, Leonardo indicated.

He also explained to Amandala that when the cooperative bought the trawlers years ago, it was under the political administration of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on the promise that there would be no more joint ventures with foreign entities. It did not quite work out that way, Leonardo noted.

Now, in 2010, he said, the same government is saying it will ban it – and Leonardo today accepted that stance of the government.

He also told Amandala that they are trying to work in the best interest of Belize, the fishermen and the industry. The trawlers produced 40,000 tons of marine shrimp in 2009, and that was the last time the trawlers were producing, he indicated.

Since 2010 began, they have not been operating due to costly repairs that were needed on the vessels, but the intent—before the ban, of course—was to return the vessels to sea, Leonardo told Amandala.

What will the fishermen’s cooperative do to bridge the income gap that will emerge due to the abolition of bottom trawling in Belize? The cooperative chairman told us that they are discussing alternatives to bring in income – one of which is fish farming.

Witnessing the signing of the statutory instrument was a high-level team of Oceana executives, who were central in lobbying the Government of Belize to impose the ban, including Andy Sharpless, CEO of Oceana International; Ted Danson, a member of the Oceana Board; and Kristian Parker, chairman of Oceana International and chairman of Oak Foundation, as well as Oceana director Cesar Gaviria, former president of Colombia and former Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS).

“This is not really about saving fish; it is about saving fishermen; it’s about creating jobs, because if you destroy your reef, you would end up losing your tourism; you would end up losing your ability for fishermen to have their children fish and their children’s children fish,” said Danson, a well-known American actor.

Danson added that this is a huge step Belize is taking for itself as well as the world, because the Belize Barrier Reef ends up feeding a vast portion of the western world.

Parker, who described shrimp trawling as a very destructive practice, explained that, “For every one pound of shrimp you catch, five pounds of reef fish are thrown overboard—dead.”

He commended the leadership decision by the Barrow administration as “extremely forward thinking” and “important” for the future of Belize.

The measure, said Parker, is assuring future jobs of two important industries in Belize: tourism and fisheries, while sending a positive signal to UNESCO—which has flagged the dangers to which the Belize Barrier Reef is exposed as it faces the risk of being de-listed as a World Heritage Site—to say, “Yes, Belize is going in the right direction.”

An Oceana statement released today says: “This move is critical because it comes at a time when UNESCO is asking the Government to report on what corrective measures it has taken to remove the existing threats to the Belize Barrier Reef System.”

Gaviria said that the complete ban of trawling in Belizean territorial waters will protect the reef, as it is really risky to have trawlers moving around the barrier reef.

“There are many things to do here – this is not the only one; but it’s a very, very important step and it will have an international echo,” he added.

According to Oceana, “Large areas in the US, Indonesia, Philippines and other Pacific islands are closed to trawling, though not the entire country.”

Belize Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia noted that it has been a year since the effort began.

Oceana Vice President in Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, thanked the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) for also supporting the legislation and its commitment to not make this a political issue. She also thanked the fishermen who have agreed that the ban is a good move for everyone involved.

Referring to a study that sampled the trawler by-catch in Belize, Matura-Shepherd said that several edible fish species were found, including snapper, grunt and thread herring: “They never grew up so that they can reach your plate,” she added.

Minister Montero answered our questions on whether the surveillance and enforcement efforts will have enough teeth to ensure that indeed, this threat to Belize’s marine ecosystem is truly put to its watery grave.

He said that the area targeted for bottom trawling was the southern waters of Belize. He informed that yesterday a statutory instrument was signed to implement a pilot program for catch shares at Glovers Reef Marine Reserve and Port Honduras Marine Reserve, which would invoke even further controls against the exploitation of fisheries in southern Belize.

This, said Montero, will assist in enforcing marine laws and ensure that fishermen are part and parcel of the enforcement, as they would be respected as custodians in these two areas, because it will be part of their livelihoods that they will be protecting.

As to whether Government would be boosting official surveillance efforts, the minister said that there are in existence co-management licenses for Toledo Institute of Development and Environment (TIDE), Southern Environmental Association (SEA) and other organizations who work with Government and law enforcement authorities, including the Coast Guard, to enforce fisheries laws.

“All are responsible for enforcing the laws in Belize,” added Montero.

He also said that he would like to see funds in the ministry’s budget be increased for more patrols and enforcement.

Belize, said Montero, is also working with her Central American neighbors to harmonize laws that govern marine resources.

Matura-Shepherd noted that with the new law in place, a new penalty would also be instituted that would serve as a deterrent. The draft statutory instrument distributed at the press conference specified $2,000 or six months in prison or both for a person found guilty of flouting the law; but the consequences don’t stop there: The law also gives the government the power to seize the violator’s vessel.

Matura-Shepherd also said that fishermen would additionally report any sightings of trawlers, because they will know that they should not be operating in Belizean waters. The fishermen will report lawbreakers, said Matura-Shepherd, because they are scraping and killing their fishing grounds.

Minister Heredia thinks: “It is easy, easy to enforce.”

Another Cold Winter for Manatees in Florida?

2010-12-10T10:19:00.001-05:00

Cold weather in early 2010 took toll on manatees

Florida FWCC News Release, December 10, 2010, Contact: Carli Segelson, 727-896-8626

The cold weather earlier this year led to a record high number of manatee deaths in 2010. From the beginning of the year through Dec. 5, biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) documented 699 manatee carcasses in state waters.

This preliminary data indicates the number of manatee deaths documented from Jan. 1 through Dec. 5 is nearly double the five-year average for that time period. The "cold-stress" category accounts for 244 documented manatee deaths, which were caused by exposure to low water temperatures. However, it is likely the cold temperatures also contributed to many of the 203 deaths in the "undetermined" category and the 68 deaths in the "unrecovered" category.

The 2010 cold-related manatee die-off was unprecedented in both numbers and geographic extent. A large number of manatee deaths identified as cold-related occurred throughout much of the state, as far south as the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Although the cold weather was a natural event, this die-off underscores the importance of warm-water habitat for the long-term survival of the species.

"We are very concerned about the unusually high number of manatee deaths this year. Data from our monitoring programs over the next few years will tell us if there are long-term implications for the population," said the director of FWRI, Gil McRae. "The cold-related deaths this past winter emphasize the importance of warm-water habitat to Florida's manatees. Maximizing access for manatees to natural warm-water sites will continue to be a focus for the FWC and our partners moving forward."

The cold weather likely was responsible for fewer watercraft-related mortalities earlier in 2010. However, later in the year, watercraft-related deaths trended higher than average and as a result, the year-end total for watercraft-related deaths will likely be similar to that of previous years.

FWC researchers, managers and law enforcement staff work closely together to evaluate mortality data and identify necessary actions. Managers focus on actions that can reduce risks to manatees and protect foraging and warm-water habitat. The FWC's Division of Law Enforcement, in cooperation with partner agencies, uses knowledge of local boating habits, well-posted speed zones and up-to-date manatee information as part of its on-the-water enforcement operations. Enforcing manatee protection zones and informing boaters about manatee conservation is a priority for the FWC.

To learn more about Florida manatee conservation, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee. For more information on manatee mortality research, go to http://research.MyFWC.com/manatees.

Florida residents can help manatees survive by purchasing the manatee specialty license plate, available at all tax collectors' offices. The funds collected for these plates go directly to manatee research and conservation. To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

New "Manatee" Rules Proposed for Broward County, Florida

2010-12-03T06:47:00.001-05:00

FL FWCC News for immediate release: December 2, 2010, Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

FWC moves forward on Broward manatee rule
(Photo: http://www.as.miami.edu/english/wiki_blythe/images/4/49/Boat_over_manatee_large.jpg)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff Thursday to move forward with proposed changes to the state manatee protection rule for Broward County.

The manatee management plan, passed by the FWC in December 2007, provides a schedule for the review of existing manatee protection rules. The first review occurred in Sarasota County in 2009, with a final rule approved in April 2010. A review of Broward County’s rule began in 2009, because it is one of the oldest ones in Florida and new manatee and boating data from recent years in that area is available.

“It’s the goal of the manatee program to go back and evaluate manatee protection rules after they’ve been in place for awhile to see if revisions or modifications are appropriate,” said Kipp Frohlich, the FWC’s Imperiled Species Section leader. “We looked at a wide range of data and compared manatee sightings over the years with current manatee use and boat traffic of the waterways in Broward.”
FWC biologists also worked with law enforcement personnel and Broward County staff to help identify and evaluate potential changes.

“We identified 13 potential rule changes that might be warranted. We then notified Broward County officials in March, asking them to form a committee to consider the potential rule changes,” Frohlich said. “After 13 meetings in Broward County, the 10-member Local Rule Review Committee (LRRC) provided its recommendations to us in August.”

Frohlich told the Commission there is a high level of agreement between the LRRC and the staff. “The proposed changes would reduce risks to manatees and reduce speed zone complexity in Broward County,” Frohlich said. “The change on the water for boaters would be minor.”

The Commission directed staff to move forward by publishing the proposed rule changes, holding at least one public hearing and collecting more public comments on the proposal. A final rule will be brought back for consideration at either the April or June 2011 meeting.

To view the proposed changes and other information on the rule, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee.

Florida FWCC Installs Manatee Camera at 3 Sisters!

2010-11-18T09:40:00.002-05:00

For immediate release: November 18, 2010
Law enforcement contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
Manatee information contact: Pat Behnke, 850-251-2130

NOTE: The website for this webcam stopped working for some reason and I've gotten no followup from FWC regarding the issue. But, I've found another webcam focused on manatees aggregated near Riviera Beach here:

http://www.fpl.com/environment/plant/riviera_cam.shtml

In its continual efforts to protect the Florida manatee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has implemented a new strategy. In coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the FWC has installed a camera at the entrance to Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.

Three Sisters Springs attracts a large number of manatees during the colder months and is therefore a popular spot for manatee viewing. To protect the manatees, the USFWS has established several areas around the springs where entry is prohibited. Additionally, the FWC set up a camera that streams live video to a public website, allowing remote viewing of manatee activity.
“The FWC gets many complaints regarding manatee harassment,” said Lt. Col. Bruce Buckson of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “Now, officers and dispatch can check the live, online video if complaints come in regarding Three Sisters Springs.”
FWC biologists will also be able to monitor concentrations of manatees and people visiting the springs to see them.

The camera is fully solar-powered and will operate only from dawn to dusk.
Members of the public can view the video, but there are also a few technical details to know first. Only 30 people can access the website at one time. If additional people try to access it, they will receive an error message until spaces open up. Visitors will be prompted to install ActiveX controllers the first time they visit the website. Viewers can also click on the camera icon to take a snapshot of the video.

The public can see the live images by visiting the following link and clicking on the “Single” tab at the top of the page: http://manateecam.viewnetcam.com/. It may take several minutes after clicking the “Single” tab before visitors are prompted to install ActiveX.

Related Story: Government and Nonprofit Partners Complete Significant Agreement to Protect Critical Manatee Habitat on Florida’s Gulf Coast http://www.conservationfund.org/news/three-sisters-springs-florida

2010-11-01T13:50:00.000-04:00

Florida FWCC Press Release: November 1, 2010

Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

Make way for manatees heading for warmer water

November is Manatee Awareness Month, and for good reason. Florida manatees are on the move, seeking warm-water sites to spend the winter. That means boaters must be cautious and watch for Florida’s official marine mammal and for changing speed zones on waterways. Manatees generally start traveling to warm water when the air temperature drops below 50 degrees or when the water temperature dips to 68 degrees. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) changes seasonal speed zone signs in mid-November on many waterways to accommodate manatee migration.

Boaters should scan the water near or in front of the boat, looking for swirls resembling a large footprint, a repetitive line of half-moon swirls, a mud trail, or a snout or fluke (tail) breaking the water’s surface. Kipp Frohlich, leader of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section, said boaters can help manatees have a safe migration by staying in marked channels, wearing polarized sunglasses to improve vision, obeying posted boat speed zones, using poles, paddles or trolling motors when close to manatees, and having someone help scan the water when under way.

“If you think you see a manatee, give it plenty of room because it may not be alone,” Frohlich said. “It may have a calf or be traveling with other manatees.”

Besides slowing down and following the FWC’s recommendations, residents can help manatees survive by purchasing the manatee specialty license plate. The funds collected for these plates go directly into manatee research and conservation.

For more information about manatees, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee. To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Winter (manatee-related) boat speed zone changes by county:

Brevard County: Nov. 15 - March 31

No-entry and motorboats-prohibited zones – North Indian River area around discharge canals of the Reliant Corp. Power Plant and Florida Power & Light’s Frontenac Power Plant.
Idle speed zone – West of Intracoastal Waterway in general vicinity of power plants.

Broward County: Nov. 15 - March 31

Idle speed – Port Everglades Power Plant area, including part of the discharge canal. Portions of the South New River Canal and Dania Cut-off Canal near the Lauderdale Power Plant.
Slow speed – Intracoastal Waterway from the Palm Beach County line through Hillsboro Inlet south to Burnham Point. (Note: Some portions are weekend-only slow speed.)

Citrus County:

Lower (western) portions of the Withlacoochee River and Bennetts Creek – Sept. 1 - Feb. 28 – 25 mph.
Lower (western) portions of the Chassahowitzka River – Sept. 1 - March 31 – 25 mph.

Portions of Kings Bay – Sept. 1 - April 30 – Idle speed or slow speed.
Portions of the Homosassa River between the Salt River and Trade Winds Marina and southern portion of Halls River – Oct. 1 - April 30– Slow speed.
All waters in the vicinity of the Florida Power Corp.’s effluent canal – Nov. 15 - April 30 – Slow speed.
Within the Blue Waters area of the upper Homosassa River near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Nov. 15 - March 31 – No entry.

Dade County: Nov. 15 - April 30

No entry – Portions of the Biscayne Canal, Little River and Coral Gables Canal.
Slow speed – Within portions of Meloy (or East) Channel and portions of the Intracoastal Waterway in Dumfoundling Bay and Biscayne Bay between Broad Causeway and Venetian Causeway.

Hillsborough County: Nov. 15 - March 31

No entry – Portions of the discharge canal of the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach.
Idle speed – General vicinity of the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach.

Indian River County:

Within Sand and Shell islands area, Channel Marker 66 south to Channel Marker 75; Indian River area from Hobert Lodge Marina to North Canal, and from Channel Marker 156 south to St. Lucie County line west of the Intracoastal Waterway – Nov. 1 - April 30 – Slow speed.
Portion of canal system adjacent to Vero Beach Power Plant – Nov. 15 - March 31 – No entry.

Lee County: Nov. 15 - March 31

No entry – Discharge and intake canals of the Florida Power & Light Tice Power Plant.
Idle speed and slow speed – Portions of the Intracoastal Waterway channel on the Caloosahatchee River in the vicinity of the Tice Power Plant.
25 mph – Portions of Estero Bay, Hurricane Bay, Hell Peckney Bay and Hendry Creek.
Seasonally unregulated – Cayo Costa, North Captiva, Captiva and St. James City areas.

Levy County:

§ Year-round no-entry zone - Manatee Springs State Park (manatee protection).

Palm Beach County:

§ Nov. 15 - March 31

§ Motorboats prohibited – Within general vicinity of Florida Power & Light Riviera Beach Power Plant discharge canals.

§ Slow speed – Outside the main channel in the Loxahatchee River, and in the north and southwest forks of the Loxahatchee River.

§ Idle speed and slow speed zones – Look for shore-to-shore speed zone changes north and south of Peanut Island near the Florida Power & Light Riviera Beach Power Plant.

§ Oct. 1 - May 31

§ 25 mph – Portions of the Intracoastal Waterway channel between State Road 706 and Lake Worth, and south of Lake Worth to Broward County.

Sarasota County: Nov. 15 - March 15

§ No entry – Portion of Salt Creek and Warm Mineral Springs north of U.S. 41.

St. Lucie County:

§ Within Moore’s Creek – Nov. 15 - March 31 – Motorboats prohibited.

§ Within Garfield Cut/Fish House Cove area – Nov. 15 - April 15 – Slow speed.

§ Within Intracoastal Waterway channel between North Beach Causeway south to Channel Marker 189 and within the Shark Cut Channel in the Fort Pierce Inlet area – Nov. 15 - April 30 – Slow speed.

Volusia County:

Portions of the Tomoka River and Spruce Creek – Sept. 1 - March 31 – 25 mph.
Oct. 15 - April 15

§ Blue Spring Run – Motorboats prohibited.

§ St. Johns River, south of Lake Beresford to Channel Marker 67 – Slow speed.

Complete copies of individual county waterway rules are available at www.flrules.org (type in “manatee speed zones”), by visiting MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking on the Protection Zone maps, or by contacting the FWC at 850-922-4330.

Zone Definitions:

Idle speed (No wake) – Lowest speed needed to maintain steering and make headway (speed used when docking a boat).
Slow speed (No excessive wake) – Fully off plane and completely settled in the water; not plowing.
Motorboats-prohibited zone – Entry is prohibited for any vessel being propelled or powered by machinery.
No entry – No vessels or other human-related activities allowed.

Dr. Bill's Obituary

2010-10-15T23:28:00.006-04:00

William E. Evans

Obituary published in South Bend Tribune on October 15, 2010

Oct. 11, 1930 - Oct. 12, 2010

COLLEGE STATION, TX - William E. Evans, Ph.D., 80, of College Station, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan, Texas. A memorial ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Friday, October 15, at Christ Methodist Church in College Station. The Rev. Jerry House and Tommy Myrick will officiate.

Dr. Evans is a world-renowned marine mammal acoustician and ecologist. He was one of the first scientists to work with the United States Navy's Marine Mammal Program in the 1960s. During his 10 years with the program, his primary area of research was marine mammal communication and echolocation. The result was a special research platform for recording and observing dolphins underwater called "Sea See."

He went on to be the head of the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute in San Diego and continued his remote sensing studies and their use in oceanography. Before leaving federal services, he was the presidentially-appointed chairman of the Marine Mammal Commission, promoted to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association associate administrator for Fisheries, followed by his appointment as the U.S. commissioner to the International Whaling Commission and Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA).

He recognized the need for science majors to have a university-level course focusing environmental policy and management, and taught such a course at Texas A&M University for 10 years. He was adjunct professor of biology at the University of Notre Dame. He retired as managing editor of American Midland Naturalist after finishing the journal's centennial issues. His most recent research has concentrated on the study of the history of international environmental policy and how it affects the conservation of threatened and endangered species.

Dr. Evans is the author of several books, the most recent (2008) being an autobiography, 50 Years of Flukes and Flippers. He was named an Outstanding Alumnus for BGSU in 1985 and received an honorary doctorate of public service form BGSU in 1988. He was preceded in death by his parents, Justus Robert and Florence Martin Evans. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Jean Evans; sons and daughters-in-law, Jon A. and Carylon Evans of Hespena, Ca., and Tim J., DVM, and Debora, of Columbia, Mo.; grandchildren, Andreya Evans, Courtney Evans, Kelsey Evans, Kendall Evans and Will Evans; and one great-grandson, Connor Summers.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to in memory of Bill to the BGSU Foundation, memo line: Marine-lab Bill Evans Memorial, Mileti Alumni Center, Bowling Green, Ohio, 43403. Arrangements are entrusted to Hillier Funeral Home, 2301 E. 29th St., Bryan, TX 77802, 979-822-1571. Please view and sign the guestbook at http://www.hillierfuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Eugene-Evans1401434882/

FWC urges manatee awareness on Labor Day weekend

2010-09-01T11:12:00.006-04:00

The FWC urges boaters to watch for manatees this Labor Day weekend; photo (c) FWC

News Release

September 1, 2010

Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to be extra cautious and obey manatee speed zone signs as they head out on the state's waterways during the Labor Day weekend.

During warm weather, manatees move throughout Florida's estuaries and rivers. Boaters can help keep manatees safe by following a few simple guidelines.

"We ask boaters to stay in marked channels, wear polarized sunglasses to improve visibility below the water surface and obey posted boat-speed zones," said Kipp Frohlich, leader of the FWC's Imperiled Species Management section. "Using poles, paddles or trolling motors when in close proximity to manatees and having someone onboard scan the water when under way can go a long way to protecting manatees from harm."

Boaters should scan the water near or in front of the boat - looking for a repetitive line of half-moon swirls - sometimes called a manatee footprint - or a trail or a snout or fluke (tail) breaking the water's surface.

"Manatee protection is a high priority for the FWC," said Carol Knox, manatee management plan coordinator. "We are committed to conservation actions that reduce the number of human-caused manatee deaths."

Enforcement of manatee protection zones and efforts to inform boaters about manatee conservation also is a priority for the FWC's law enforcement officers.

Besides slowing down, obeying speed zones and following the FWC's recommendations, residents can purchase a manatee specialty license plate. The funds collected for these plates go directly into manatee research and conservation.

As of Aug. 20, 58 manatees have died in 2010 from watercraft strikes.

If you see a manatee in distress or a dead manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). For more information about manatees, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee.

My Lucky Day!

2010-05-23T18:29:00.005-04:00

By guest blogger, Lisa Gunton-Bunn, Sirenian International Supporter

I have had the honour of seeing peixe-boi or sea-pig, the local name for manatees in Brazil, on several occasions at Projecto Peixe-Boi, the manatee rescue and rehabilitation project Pernambuco, Brasil. Fueled by a passion to track down and observe a manatee in the wild, I dragged my long suffering husband around Brasil, Costa Rica and Belize searching for these elusive and gentle giants of the sea over the past year. We spent countless hours paddling in canoes and kayaks, or chugging slowly and carefully in small boats, hoping to see these obscenely cute, chunky, charming cows of the water. Occasionally we were rewarded with a brief glimpse of a snout, taking in a quick breath of fresh air, or a dark outline speeding away – yes speeding!! In an odd way this rapid avoidance pleased me as I thought, "maybe they are becoming more aware of the chronic dangers we humans can present."

On returning home to Brasil, somewhat disappointed not to have had more success sighting manatees, you can imagine my drop jawed countenance when, whilst we were out at lunch with some friends, there, right by the shore was a manatee - playing with a young lad at the water's edge. Stunned into silence (I promise you this a rare event), I waded in-clothes and all-to get a closer look.

As I stood in complete awe, watching this magnificent, elusive creature, in the living-breathing-close up whiskery flesh, my husband proceeded to shove me, firmly in the direction of the boy and the beasty, saying, "GO ON, all this time and now you stand their gawking, GET IN THERE!" Being an obedient soul, I waded further in and in my best pigeon Portuguese tried to ask the lad a few questions about his aquatic friend. Unfortunately I failed to understand much of his mumbled reply as he quickly moved away from the freaky foreign woman.

To my delight the manatee had no such problem with a language barrier and came closer. After he had snuffled around my feet, he lifted his head up and almost out of the water to look me over with his small, almost cloudy eyes. I carefully put my hand forward to let him choose whether to make contact and was rewarded with an enthusiastic but gentle investigation from his wonderfully soft yet stubbly snout. What a treat!

He played for some time to his audience - holding on to the sides of the small fishing boats, wrapping himself around them, allowing the small children to stroke him. This was obviously not his first visit and we were pleased to see that although everyone was enamoured with the manatee, they were also respectful and caring. I plan to visit this site again, with a friend to help translate. I am intrigued to discover more about the history between this particular manatee and the young man.

Urgent Call for Help in Belize!

2010-04-07T08:50:00.002-04:00

I just received the urgent message below from my colleague Zoe Walker of Wildltracks, Belize. They now have 2 manatee orphans in rehab and need to build a 2nd heated pool immediately. Sirenian International has donated $300 from our manatee orphan discretionary fund towards the urgent need of $2500. But, we need your help to save these orphaned manatees in Belize. Please make any tax-deductible donation you can afford ($10 minimum) to Sirenian International. All donations received within the next 48 hours will be earmarked for Wildtracks Manatee Rehabilitation in Belize. If you make a donation after 48 hours and want it directed to this special cause, just drop me a note. How to donate:

1. Mail your check (drawn on a US Bank) or money order payable to Sirenian International to: Sirenian International 'Wildtracks Fund', 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-2110

2. Folks with US credit or debit accounts can donate online using a credit card via our Network for Good Donate Now Button near the bottom of the page at http://sirenian.org.

3. Folks with non-US accounts can donate online using a credit card or a check via our PayPal.com Donate Button on the same webpage.

4. You can also donate via our Facebook Cause, Sirenian International: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/22687/7868565

5. Or our Facebook Cause, Saving the Real Manatees: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/26882/7868565

Cheers, Caryn

Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Visiting Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 540.242.9196 Email: caryns@sirenian.org or cselfsullivan@georgiasouthern.edu

Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at www.sirenian.org The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations.

==============Subject: URGENT....PLEASE READ ME...===================== NOT ENOUGH POOLS!!!! We are desperately in need of extended facilities to house two manatee at one time - which is what we are faced with now. With two juvenile manatees, both requiring semi-intesive care (warmed water at night), we don't have the pools to cope. We knew we would need this second pool, as the probability of a second calf coming in was high...but the 'need the second pool' has just shifted to 'urgently need the second pool'! We have just been contacted by a group willing to provide the labour free...but would be very grateful to anyone and everyone interested in donating towards this essential expansion of facilities. The total goal is US$2,500 for materials ... any donation, however large or small, would help.

Great Article by Dr. Katie Tripp

2010-02-28T07:21:00.005-05:00

Ways to help manatees survive a unusually harsh Florida winter

Source: tampabay.com, by Katie Tripp, Guest columnist for St. Petersburg Times, Sunday, February 28, 2010

The cold winter of 2009-10 has resulted in unprecedented numbers of manatee deaths in Florida.

Through Feb. 12, there have been more than 300 deaths from all causes. Of these, 167 have been attributed to cold stress. Another 116 deaths have been labeled as undetermined or not recovered, many of which were also likely caused by cold stress because of their location and timing.

Based on a synoptic survey of 5,076 manatees in January 2010, this year's deaths so far represent a loss of 6 percent of the entire state's population (see Blog Editor's Note Below). These tragic numbers come on the heels of last year's record mortality. Incredibly, in the last 14 months, at least 729 manatees are known to have died in state waters. We can only hope that 2010 does not bring red tide or another record year for manatee boat strike deaths, as these events could result in hundreds more manatee deaths.

Although cold-related deaths are considered a natural cause, the events of this winter highlight the vulnerability of our state's manatee population, and reinforce the importance of safeguarding winter habitat and minimizing human-related threats to this species. There are a number of actions that everyone can take:

If you live in Florida, contact your legislators and ask them not to cut funding for the manatee critical care treatment program, part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's budget. This money helps Florida's critical care facilities provide vital emergency treatment for manatees injured by boats, entangled, orphaned, or suffering from cold stress or red tide toxicity. Without funding, these manatees would needlessly suffer and die.

Florida's springs provide natural winter habitats for Florida's manatees. Reduced spring flows caused by increased human demand for water have decreased these available habitats, while access to others has been reduced or eliminated by weirs or dams. One such area is Silver Springs in Marion County, the largest of Florida's springs. Manatees have lost access to this spring due to the Kirkpatrick dam. Restoration of the Ocklawaha River and removal of the dam would restore access to the spring. Unfortunately, this restoration would be delayed at least another 50 years if the Jim King State Reserve bill passes. Ask your legislators to support the Florida Springs Protection Act this session (SB568) and vote against the Jim King State Reserve bill (SB466/HB695).

Look for ways to decrease water use. Every drop of groundwater or surface water we use is a drop we take away from the manatees. The area hit hardest by this winter's cold weather was the Everglades. Historically, warm groundwater exits the aquifer through seeps and small springs that provide a refuge to manatees during winter. However, development and canal dredging have altered water flow over the last 100 years, decreasing the availability of these seeps and leaving manatees at risk.

If you boat, always be on the lookout for manatees. Careful boaters can prevent manatee injuries and deaths. If you see an injured or dead manatee, immediately contact FWC's 24-hour hotline at 1-888-404-3922. Manatees can't afford another year of record watercraft deaths.

Manatees and Florida's environment need your support and voice. These simple actions can make a life-saving difference for Florida's endangered manatees.

Dr. Katie Tripp is director of science and conservation for the Save the Manatee Club. She received her doctorate degree in veterinary medical sciences from the University of Florida, where she conducted research on manatee physiology.

10 Manatee Rescue Attempts this past Weekend!

2010-02-23T23:17:00.002-05:00

State’s manatee rescue network busy over weekend

For immediate release: February 23, 2010
Contact: Carli Segelson, 727-896-8626

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and partner organizations worked throughout the weekend to rescue several manatees. Teams from the state’s manatee rescue network attempted to rescue 10 animals from different locations across the state.

Most of these animals showed signs of manatee cold-stress syndrome. This condition, which can result in death, occurs as a result of exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods. When possible, biologists capture manatees in life-threatening situations and transport them to rehabilitation facilities for treatment if necessary.

On Saturday, a team lead by FWC biologists rescued two juvenile manatees showing signs of cold stress. They rescued the first animal in St. Petersburg, then traveled to Bradenton to rescue the other. They took both of these animals to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation.

On Sunday, FWC biologists coordinated with staff at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge to rescue a juvenile manatee with watercraft-related injuries. Rescuers took this animal to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation as well. Also on Sunday, a team led by FWC biologists rescued a manatee stuck in a storm drain in Vero Beach. Once safely out of the drain, the animal was able to swim away.

Rescues continued Monday as an FWC-led team captured an adult female manatee with watercraft-related injuries in the Fort Pierce area. The team took the injured animal to the Miami Seaquarium for rehabilitation.

Rescuing a manatee is a challenging procedure, and biologists won’t attempt it unless they determine there is an immediate threat to the animal’s health or safety. Biologists must carefully weigh many factors before initiating a rescue. While several rescues were successful last weekend, unfortunately not all rescue attempts had a positive outcome. Three manatees were in such poor condition that, despite the efforts of biologists to save them, they died before they could be transported to a rehabilitation facility.

Rescue teams pursued two additional manatees that avoided capture. Biologists will make future attempts to rescue these animals if they are able to locate them again.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Visit http://research.MyFWC.com/manatee for more information on manatee research.
Proceeds from the sale of the “Save the Manatee” license plate and manatee decal are a primary source of funding for Florida’s manatee research and conservation, including rescue efforts such as these.

Live in Florida? Buy a Manatee or Sea Turtle Plate!

2010-02-11T07:19:00.004-05:00

Help wildlife beyond the cold snap!

News Release

February 9, 2010
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

The figures are astounding and unprecedented. More than 4,500 sea turtles were rescued from the cold water in January. Manatee carcasses continue to appear, putting the deaths for 2010 at more than 200 after only one month. For comparison, the highest number of manatee deaths for a single calendar year is 429.

Massive efforts by the state's wildlife agency, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), to rescue, save and recover the cold-stressed animals saved the lives of at least 80 percent of rescued sea turtles. Since the beginning of the year, biologists have rescued more than a dozen manatees statewide and transported them to rehabilitation facilities as needed, and transported manatee carcasses to the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's lab in St. Petersburg for examination. Volunteers, other government agencies and partners from the corporate world all assisted in the efforts during this unprecedented event.

The public can help efforts to conserve and fund research for both sea turtles and manatees by purchasing a specialty license plate or decal. The extra fee for the sea turtle tag helps fund the Sea Turtle Grants Program.

Approximately 30 percent is distributed to the grants program, which is administered by the nonprofit Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Visit www.helpingseaturtles.org for more information. The other 70 percent of tag revenue goes to the FWC's Marine Turtle Protection Program to support research and management activities related to sea turtles. License plate funds were an important source of money used to support the rescue of the sea turtles during the January cold snap.

The money generated from the extra fee for manatee plates goes to the implementation of the FWC's manatee management plan. This comprehensive, strategic plan aims to manage the manatee population into the future by securing habitat and minimizing threats. The manatee plan includes key research, rescue and management conservation measures necessary to maintain manatees throughout the state.

The sea turtle and manatee also are featured on decals. The funds collected for the decals also help fund research and conservation efforts. The decals are on sale for $5 each at Florida tax collectors' offices, or as a voluntary add-on to boat registration fees. Decals from previous years are available fromMyFWC.com/SeaTurtle and MyFWC.com/Manatee.

Specialty license plates are available at all county tax collectors' offices, as well as online atwww.buyaplate.com.

For more information on the impacts of the cold snap on Florida's wildlife, visit the "Quick Clicks" area of MyFWC.com

Focus on Mote Marine Lab Manatee Research

2010-02-11T06:54:00.009-05:00

Manatees huddle in Florida cold

Counts in warm waters indicate population growth

by Kevin Lollar (klollar@news-press.com)

February 10, 2010

(NOTE from CSS: Click on the title above to view an awesome interview with Dr. Joel Ortega-Ortiz of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The associated story below was published in The News-Press, Fort Myers, Florida and can be accessed online at http://www.news-press.com/article/20100210/GREEN/2100383/1075/Manatees-huddle-in-Florida-cold. Photo (c) Valerie Roche/news-press.com)

1:10 A.M. — An aerial survey conducted Monday shows that cold weather is keeping manatees bunched up at warm-water refuges. Meanwhile, a researcher says manatee behavior might be an indication of climate change.

Flying over six Florida Power & Light plants and two other sites across the state, John Reynolds, director of Mote Marine Laboratory's Manatee Research Program, counted 929 manatees, including 527 in the FPL warm-water discharge area on the Orange River.

"I saw more than I expected at Fort Myers," Reynolds said. "Very few places get more than 500. When it's that cold for so long, animals that ordinarily don't go to warm-water sites are compelled to go, or they don't survive."

Manatees are cold-sensitive, so they move to warm-water refuges when water temperatures drop below 68.

Last month, when water temperatures hit the low to mid-40s, a record 77 manatees statewide died from cold stress.

Reynolds wasn't the only researcher counting manatees during the recent cold weather.

During the week of Jan. 11, 21 observers from 10 organizations counted a record 5,076 manatees during the state's synoptic survey - 877 manatees were documented in Lee County waters, which included the FPL plant, the Caloosahatchee River, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass and Estero Bay.

The previous record, set last year, was 3,802.

"Part of the reason for this year's high count is this was an exceptionally cold year," said Holly Edwards, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist. "We've always admitted that we miss animals on surveys. This illustrates the magnitude of what we missed: This year's count was 33 percent higher than last year."

FWC's survey gives a minimum number of manatees in the state, not the manatee population: It's the number of manatees observers saw that day.

"We're working on improving our methods to come up with something more robust statistically than a minimum number," Edwards said. "Even as a minimum number, we get errors. Looking at a pile of manatees is like trying to count a jar of jelly beans."

Reynolds' manatee surveys of FPL plants are much smaller than the state's, but the program is older: The state started counting manatees in 1991; the FPL project started in 1977, with Pat Rose, now executive director of the Save the Manatee Club, as the original observer.

"The initial idea was to determine what impact FPL warm-water effluents were having on manatees," Rose said. "Initially, we looked at FPL and non-FPL

plants to ascertain whether or not manatees are using them. In the first year, we flew in the summer, too, to demonstrate they weren't using the plants in warmer weather."

Rose's work led to the Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which authorizes the state to adopt boating regulations to protect manatees.

With 33 years of data from the FPL plants, esearchers can draw some conclusions about manatee populations and, possibly, about climate change, said Reynolds, who took over the project in 1982.

"Of late, the counts are much higher than back in the 1990s," he said. "In the past five years, we've had huge counts, and it's not all an increase in population.

"We've had some incredible prolonged cold periods. A lot of people feel global warming is going to result in increasing warmer times. But another outcome might be increasing extreme weather, such as more hurricanes and perhaps these long cold periods."

Although the state's surveys aren't intended to determine the manatee population, they do show promising trends, Edwards said.

"My guess is that the population has been growing the last 15 or 20 years," she said. "We're finally getting enough animals in the population to recognize that things are getting better. It's showing that our conservation methods are having a positive effect on the population."

Record Cold = Record Count, Record Deaths

2010-01-29T05:15:00.004-05:00

Unusually cold weather in December and January may be responsible for 2 new manatee records in Florida. Not long after a statewide synoptic survey counted a record high of over 5000 manatees (see January 20 News Release, below), FWC reported more than 100 manatee deaths during the first 23 days of the year (see January 26 News Release, below).

Adopt Conch, Sirenian International's Ambassador from Florida, online at http://www.sirenian.org. Photo (c) Doug Perrine, seapics.com

====================================================

FWC records unprecedented number of cold-related manatee deaths
News Release, January 26, 2010
Contact: Carli Segelson, 727-896-8626

The cold period that began Jan. 2 and lasted nearly two weeks continues to impact Florida manatees. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute documented more than 100 manatee carcasses in state waters from the beginning of the year through Jan. 23.

Biologists report that the preliminary cause of death for 77 of these animals is cold stress. Although pending final review, the number of cold-stress deaths exceeds the previous record of 56 for that category in a single year, which was set in 2009.

In addition, researchers note exposure to cold this year likely contributed to the deaths of several newborn manatees, classified as "perinatal." Researchers continue to recover and examine carcasses, so the total is expected to rise; however, the rate should slow down as water temperatures warm.

The recent cold snap exposed manatees in Florida to cold water temperatures. Exposure to low temperatures over a period of time can cause a condition called manatee cold-stress syndrome, which can result in death.

Since receiving the initial reports of cold stress-related manatee deaths on Jan. 7, FWC biologists have been working closely with FWC law enforcement and partner agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to respond to the high number of manatee deaths. FWC staff members and conservation partners are working extended hours to recover and transport carcasses to the FWC's Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg. There, biologists perform necropsies, or animal autopsies, on each manatee to determine the cause of death and gather additional data. Some carcasses that cannot be transported are examined in the field.

Since the cold weather conditions began to affect Florida, FWC researchers have worked diligently to rescue several manatees and continue to respond to reports of distressed manatees.

"We are deeply concerned about these impacts on manatees and other fish and wildlife," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "We appreciate all the time and effort being put into the process of documenting the effects of this unprecedented event and ask the public to assist in the effort by reporting dead or distressed manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922)."

=====================================================

Exceptional weather conditions lead to record high manatee count

News Release, January 20, 2010

Contact: Carli Segelson, 727-896-8626

After nearly two weeks of record cold weather in Florida, biologists counted an all-time-high number of manatees during the annual synoptic survey the week of Jan. 11.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute reported a preliminary count of 5,067 manatees statewide. A team of 21 observers from 10 organizations counted 2,779 manatees on Florida's East Coast and 2,288 on the West Coast. The final numbers will be available at the end of February, following verification of the survey data.

This year's count exceeded the previous high count from 2009 by more than 1,200 animals. The survey conditions were favorable for aerial observations in both years, but were especially favorable this year as a result of the extended period of cold weather.

"This year's high count reflects the influence that weather has on aerial survey results," said FWC biologist Holly Edwards. "The record-breaking cold temperatures helped to bring many more manatees to the warm-water sites than in previous years. In addition, the calm, clear weather conditions on the days of the survey helped us to see and count record numbers."

The goal of the synoptic survey is to count as many manatees as possible. The survey results provide researchers with a minimum number of manatees in Florida waters at the time of the survey. Synoptic results are not population estimates and should not be used to assess trends.

While this year's results do not mean the manatee population grew by more than 1,200 animals in a single year, they do tell researchers there are at least 5,000 manatees in Florida waters. The FWC is encouraged to have counted so many manatees. The high count is consistent with models that show the manatee population is growing or stable in most areas of the state.

"Counting this many manatees is wonderful news," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "The high count this year shows that our long-term conservation efforts are working."

The cold weather that helped researchers obtain the record high count also highlighted the importance of warm-water habitat for the species. During the recent cold snap, biologists noted unusually large numbers of manatees gathered in the warm-water sites for extended periods of time. FWC researchers, managers and law enforcement officers closely monitored the large numbers of manatees dependent on these sites. To maintain the species into the future, the FWC will continue to monitor threats such as loss of warm-water habitat which, models indicate, can profoundly affect the manatee population.

For additional information about manatee conservation, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee. For more information on manatee mortality research, visit http://research.MyFWC.com/manatees.

2009: Record Year for Manatee Death in Florida

2009-12-20T08:08:00.006-05:00

Press Release and Photo from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

December 18, 2009

Contact: Carli Segelson

Phone: 727-896-8626

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute documented 419 manatee carcasses in state waters as of Dec. 11. This preliminary data indicates that the total number of manatee deaths for 2009 has surpassed the highest number on record for a calendar year.

Preliminary totals for 2009 will be available on Wednesday, Jan. 6, unless there is an unusually high number of manatee carcasses reported in the next two weeks. A statewide perspective on these numbers, including category breakdowns will be available at that time.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). For additional information about manatee conservation, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee. For more information on manatee mortality research, visit http://research.MyFWC.com/manatees.

Ilya "HOME" for Christmas!

2009-12-19T12:35:00.008-05:00

By Jack Nicas, Boston Globe Correspondent

After a long, strange trip that took him up and down the East Coast, with stops in Cape Cod, New Jersey, and Maryland, the famed manatee Ilya is home for the holidays in the warm waters off of Florida.

A crane at the Miami Seaquarium lifted the 1,100-pound mammal into Biscayne Bay this morning.

"It went really smoothly. He was great," said Dr. Maya Rodriguez, a Seaquarium veterinarian and manatee specialist, who helped rescue Ilya in New Jersey just before Halloween. "Before he took off, he stopped and turned and took a breath for everybody."

The last time Ilya dipped a flipper in the 77-degree Florida waters, he was just another 10-foot male in a pool of 3,800 manatees. But when he ventured north in July (in a quest to get a mate, scientists speculate) he became an aquatic celebrity.

On July 22, he was seen swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. Over the next two months, he navigated up the coast and was eventually spotted several times off Dennis and Orleans in mid-September, more than 1,000 miles from home.

Then he disappeared for a month. Scientists assumed he had fled back to Florida's warmth. But on Oct. 15, he startled an oil refinery worker in New Jersey, who found him hanging out near a warm-water discharge pipe. Two weeks later, after he escaped once, rescuers captured the crafty 16-year-old and flew him back to Miami on a Coast Guard C-130 cargo aircraft.

"He's definitely one of the most traveled manatees in Florida," said aquatic biologist Patrick Rose, executive director of Save the Manatee Club. "It's pretty rare to go that far."

For the past six weeks, Ilya has recovered from minor symptoms of cold exposure in a warm tank in Jimmy Buffett country -- at the Seaquarium, which is on Biscayne Bay. His instincts to find and huddle under the pipe in New Jersey saved his life, Rodriguez said.

"He had a real quick turnaround," Rose said, "really as good as you could hope for, given the circumstances."

In the tank, Ilya befriended a year-old orphaned manatee, Rodriguez said.

"He was really social. He was good at grabbing lettuce with his flippers, and she figured out that trick from him," Rodriguez said. "He taught her a few tricks."

But Ilya, named after a character from the 1960s television show "The Man from UNCLE," is now off on his own again. And he'd better be careful, Rose said.

So far this year, at least 91 manatees have been killed by watercraft near Florida, four short of the record for one year. Ilya has been struck twice by boats, leaving a white scar on his head and notches on his tail, which is how scientists identify him in the wild.

The Florida coast has become so hazardous for manatees, the Seaquarium's rehabilitation tank is almost always full, Rodriguez said.

Four hours after Ilya's release, a female manatee that lost a flipper took his place.

"As soon as we get them healthy we have to let them go, because they keep coming in," Rodriguez said. "It's a revolving door."

Ilya onboard USCG transport!

2009-10-31T06:44:00.001-04:00

Source: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/10/30/wayward_manatee_safely_back_in_fla/

Ilya gets a ride "home" to Florida!

2009-10-31T06:32:00.001-04:00

Update: Ilya the Manatee Gets a Ride Home to Florida
No byline, this is an excerpt from the complete story at: http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/nick_news/stories_weekly.jhtml?pollId=470824626&wstory=2

Ilya is finally back home in Florida - and not a moment too soon. Ilya is the manatee that was spotted off the coast of Massachusetts during the summer - way north of where manatees normally live. Around mid-October, Ilya resurfaced again - this time, outside an oil refinery in Linden, New Jersey, near New York City. The water coming out of the refinery was a comfortable 75 degrees - just right for a manatee. So Ilya hung around.

But away from the refinery, the temperature of the waters Ilya would have to swim through to get back to Florida had already dipped as low as the 50s - temperatures low enough to kill a manatee. So wildlife officials set about to rescue Ilya. There was just one problem. After gorging himself on lots of lettuce outside the oil refinery, Ilya disappeared - for a week-and-a-half.

Finally, on October 27th, he resurfaced near the oil refinery. According to the Miami Herald, it took rescuers four tries to catch him. After all, it's not easy to catch an animal that's estimated to be nine feet long and weigh 1,100 pounds. But the rescuers were finally able to get Ilya out of the water. They took him to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey. And on October 29th, he was loaded onto a US Coast Guard cargo plane and flown to Miami.

Ilya is continuing his recovery at Miami's Seaquarium. He's getting special medical treatment - and all the lettuce he can eat. "It looks like he does have a good chance (to recover)," said Seaquarium veterinarian Maya Rodriguez, in an interview with the Associated Press. "He doesn't have severe signs of cold stress." Ilya also has some company, reportedly - a young female manatee. "Right away, they were touching noses," Rodriguez told the Boston Globe. "It'll be good for him, because he hasn't had company for awhile."

Scientists say they've been tracking Ilya for the past ten years or so. They say he has swum north in summers past. But he has never stayed up north so late in the year. Now, thanks to some caring humans, Ilya is back where manatees are supposed to be - the warm waters of Florida. "We're very relieved," said Bob Schoelkopf, the co-director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, in an interview with the Associated Press. "We spent a lot of days worrying about him."

Great Video Story on the James River Manatee

2009-10-24T06:25:00.003-04:00

Keep an eye out for the James River manatee, who may be headed on south towards Hampton Roads, VA! Read more about it and watch the video here:
http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-manatee-story,0,1326718.story
or here:
http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-manatee-james-river,0,4906136.story

And Ilya is still stalled in New Jersey: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/10/17/wayward_manatee_may_settle_in_secaucus_nj/

Manatees sighted in NJ and VA

2009-10-22T05:44:00.006-04:00

It's that time of the year along the eastern coast of the USA. With a sudden drop in temperatures last week, at least 2 manatees may be too far north to make it back home to Florida for the winter. As behavioral thermoregulators, these unique and endangered "sea cows" seek warmer water when temperatures drop below ~68 F. Extended periods of time in cooler water is lethal.

I have hope for the manatee in the James River, near Richmond, Virginia. There is a warm water effluent there, which the manatee may know from previous travels. It's not unusual to hear reports of manatees in the Chesapeake Bay watershed as late as the Urbanna Oyster Festival, which is held on the first Friday & Saturday in November each year.

The NJ animal, probably Ilya, who has been sighted several times in the area over the past month, may not survive if the rescue team cannot find and recover him.

I'm hoping for a warm spell so these and any other sirenian wanderlusts can find their way south for the winter.

Here are the latest reports on both sea cows:

Fearing chilly end for manatee seen in Kill Van Kull (New Jersey)
Source: http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/bayonne/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1256106329212650.xml&coll=3
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 By CHARLES HACK JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Animal rescuers fear for the welfare of a sea cow that was last reported in the Kill Van Kull near the Atlas Yacht Club in Bayonne on Monday, several hundred miles north of its native Florida waters, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

A caller reported seeing a manatee - also known as a sea cow - at about 8:30 p.m. Monday night to U.S. Coast Guard, officials said. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center were unable to find the manatee and confirm if it was Ilya, a manatee that wandered north from Florida, where it has been living for at least a decade.
It was spotted near Massachusetts and Connecticut in August and most recently in the Arthur Kill near Linden on Friday.

"We don't know with certainty it was Ilya," said Chuck Underwood, a public information officer from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, based in Jacksonville Fla. "The sighting was only for two to three minutes so although it seems likely we can't confirm it."

Ilya, a 6-to 8-foot-long male manatee with a thick fan-shaped tail with propeller scars on its back, was previously seen Friday afternoon in the Arthur Kill between Staten Island and the ConocoPhillips refinery in Linden, after first being spotted in the area the day before.
Director Robert Schoelkopf said the mammal appeared healthy at the time, but officials are now concerned it could die in the chilly New Jersey waters.

==========================
Manatee reported in James River (Richmond, Virginia)
Source: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/MANAGATER21_20091021-122002/300695/
By Rex Springston Published: October 21, 2009

A manatee has been spotted in the James River, wildlife officials say. The large aquatic mammal, also called a sea cow, was reported Tuesday just below downtown Richmond and several miles downriver, officials say.

Pictures sent in by a witness show what appears to indeed be a manatee, said Julia Dixon, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. "It does look like we have a manatee hanging around the area," Dixon said today. The docile, plant-eating animals are native to Florida. Some head north in summer, apparently looking for new places to live. When the water turns cold, they go back south.

The average adult is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1,000 pounds. Anyone who sees the manatee or gets a picture of it should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (804) 693-6694.
However, a wildlife service official asked that people not go out looking for the animal, which is an endangered species.

Officials don't want people hitting the manatee with their boats or otherwise disturbing it. A manatee was spotted in Richmond in 2002.

Dugong Hunter Turns Protector

2009-08-02T08:54:00.012-04:00

Nguyen Van Khanh used to be known as "The Dugong Slayer of Phu Quoc"

The 44 year-old fisherman learned how to fish dugong from his father when he was 19. Since that time, he has caught about 200 dugongs weighing from 150-800 kg (~300-1600 lbs). His father, who was also a famous dugong hunter on Phu Quoc island, Vietnam, caught even more dugongs during his lifetime. "If my family caught 500 dugongs alone, then Phu Quoc fishermen must have caught into the thousands," said Khanh, who long longer hunts dugong. Photo from http://www.thanhniennews.com/.

The IUCN Red List has classified the dugong as "vulnerable to extinction", primarily due to overhunting, pollution, and unsustainable development. The mammal has already disappeared from several of its natural habitats. But, the dugong's endangered status is only part of the reason why Khanh stopped hunting the endangered cousin to the manatee.

Khanh says he stopped hunting dugong in 2002 due to a more personal experience. "I saw a baby dugong squealing, like it was crying, while watching its mother entangled in our net. The mother couldn’t do anything but stare back at its child with sad eyes." Although he had heard about the marine mammal's "deep maternal love" since he started hunting, Khanh had never experienced it first-hand. "I then swore not to hunt dugong anymore."

The southwestern Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, which includes Phu Quoc, has banned the hunting of dugong and other rare species. Khanh now works for a World Wild Life Fund marine conservation project on the island. He spends his days visiting local villages to help increase awareness of the dugong's endangered and protected status. Although many fishermen stopped hunting dugong after the ban, some still take dugongs illegally. "I advise any person who is still hunting for dugongs to quit," said Khanh. "Some listen to me, but others get angry with me, saying I’m poking my nose into their business ...but I’m not discouraged, because this is how I pay my debt to the sea."

Poaching continues to be a serious problem for sirenians (manatees & dugongs) in poor countries around the world where they are hunted for their bones, tusks and meat. In Vietnam, a pair of tusks can bring the equivalent of $500-$900 US dollars. In Ghana, one West African manatee can sell for the equivalent of a year's income and similar situations exist in Central and South America for West Indian and Amazonian manatees.

Because manatees and dugongs are long-lived, have a low reproductive rates, and long generation times, females investment a great deal of energy in each offspring. Calves remain with their mothers for up to two years, nursing and learning to navigate among activity areas suitable for feeding, resting, mating, and giving birth. In some cases, this includes long migration routes.

Even under the most optimistic conditions (e.g. no human-induced mortality) a sirenian population is likely to increase at no more than 5% per year. This makes manatees and dugongs extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation. For example, Steller's sea cow, another member of the Dugongidae Family, was hunted to extinction in 1768, just 27 years after it was discovered by modern man in the Commander Islands of the North Pacific.

The modern dugong’s range spans at least 48 countries and an estimated 140,000 km (~87,000 mi) of coastline in the Pacific and Indian Oceans from Okinawa, Japan, to Mozambique, East Africa. Although the total size of the global population is unknown, local populations are thought to be declining in at least one third of the range.

Sirenian International is dedicated to the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. You can read more about the dugong project we supported in Con Dao, Vietnam online, just click the hyperlink above. And please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org/. View great photos of dugongs and dugong hunting activities by Doug Perrine online at http://seapics.com/.

References

Author Unknown. 2009. From Slayer to Protector. Downloaded on 2 August 2009.
Marsh, H. 2008. Dugong dugon. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 2 August 2009.
Self-Sullivan, C. & Mignucci-Giannoni, A. 2008. Trichechus manatus ssp. manatus. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 02 August 2009.

SeaWorld Releases Another Manatee!

2009-07-31T07:21:00.007-04:00

O'Doul, a 9-foot, 970-pound adult male manatee, was released back "into the wild" on July 30, 2009, following four months of care at SeaWorld Orlando's rehabilitation facility. OK, so KARS Park at Kennedy Space Center, is not exactly "the wild", but it's pretty darn close by Florida standards. According to the Orlando Sentinenl staff reporter Ludmilla Lelis, Bob Wagoner, who is the assistant curator of mammals at SeaWorld, said the manatee had been rescued off Merritt Island on St. Patrick's Day 2009...hence his Irish name. O'Doul was suffering from cold stress and a probable watercraft strike, evidenced by several propeller scars that appeared to have recently healed. Over the past 4 months, O'Doul gained weight and recovered from the cold stress, making him ready for release. Photo (c) SeaWorld Orlando.

O'Doul was the 13th manatee rescued and the 11th manatee released this year by SeaWorld Orlando's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Team. According to state and federal authorities, cold stress caused at least 13 of ~75 manatee deaths in Brevard County so far this year and 52 of 297 manatee deaths statewide.

SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to emergencies involving injured, ill or stranded animals. The Team have rescued all sorts of marine wildlife, from endangered manatees suffering from cold stress to endangered sea turtles that have lost their way. Over the past 30 years, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove parks have rescued more than 14,000 injured, ill or orphaned animals. SeaWorld also participates in critical Species Survival Plans for dozens of endangered, threatened and at-risk species. Since 2003, more than 300 on-the-ground wildlife conservation projects have been supported across the globe through the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Read more SeaWorld an the Florida manatee it at these links:

SeaWorld Press Releases: http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=116
Florida FWC Manatee Information: http://myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/manatee_index.htm

Group Petitions to Ban Swim-with-Manatee Tours

2009-07-28T07:56:00.031-04:00

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) has formally petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ban swimming with manatees. According to a quote published on wtsp.com, the Florida director of PEER said, "The next stop would be litigation and we're keeping all options open at this point."

As a manatee scientist and conservationist, I have written to PEER encouraging them to re-examine their proposal to ban swimming with manatees. Here is my argument against the ban:

A ban on swim-with-manatee tour operations will have little or no impact on the overall conservation of manatees and manatee habitat in Florida. Resources would be much better spent working towards a viable compromise that reduces or eliminates manatee harassment, increases conservation awareness, recruits manatee advocates, and supports the local community. I honestly don't understand why PEER, or any other national-level organization, would take such a radical position on an issue that is primarily a problem in one small town, Crystal River, Florida.

Despite a prediction by Shackley (1992) that swim-with-manatee tours would be the final nail in the manatee's coffin, the manatee population in Crystal River has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades. As an alternative to banning a commercial industry the supports manatee conservation and provides a strong economic base in Crystal River, I would encourage all stakeholders to work together to establish limits of acceptable change, stricter rules, and stronger enforcement (see Sorice et al. 2003, 2006).

Most tour operators in Crystal River are strong advocates for manatee conservation. They educate and instill values in the general public and recruit new advocates for manatee conservation each day as a result of their tours. Yes, there are serious problems, but a ban on commercial swimming with manatees is not the solution.

First and foremost, the federal (USFWS) and state (FL FWCC) agencies MUST publish guidelines that are congruous, including a NO TOUCH rule! Documents published by the USFWS and the FL FWC do not agree. The FL FWC html document (http://myfwc.com/WildlifeHabitats/Manatee_ViewingGuide.htm) clearly says "look but don't touch" online but the PDF version does not (http://myfwc.com/docs/WildlifeHabitats/Manatee_FLTreasure_bklt.pdf).

The US FWS guidelines say don't poke, chase, kick, etc., which may leave the swimmer to think it's OK touch or pet gently. In a PR dated 12 March 2007 (http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/Releases-07/001-07-Joint-FWS-FWC-manattee-harassment-031207.htm) the US FWS says that intentionally touching manatees is illegal. But, the guidelines further down the press release and posted elsewhere only say "Never ride, chase, poke or surround manatees." In the US FWS Manatee Manners video (http://www.fws.gov/video/FLASH/manateemanners.html), swimmers are shown touching manatees during the clip that says "don't poke, etc.," again leaving the swimmer thinking that gentle touching is OK. This video should be re-done removing any clips that show swimmers touching manatees.

Yes, tighter rules are needed, including a requirement to use licensed guides, a no touch rule, and limits on the number of people in the habitat at any given time.

Yes, enforcement is lacking, but that could be dealt with through peer pressure, as well as through education and licensing processes. A lottery model, like the one for whale sharks in Belize, would work to control the number of people in the habitat during the peak season.

Of all the possible charismatic megafaunal ambassadors from the wild, manatees are absolutely the best suited to interact with humans. Let's work together with the tour operators and other resource users, not try to put them out of business!

Literature Cited

Shackley, M. 1992. Manatees and tourism in southern Florida: opportunity or threat? Journal of Environmental Management 34:257-265.
Sorice, M. G., C. S. Shafer, and D. Scott. 2003. Managing endangered species within the use/preservation paradox: understanding and defining harassment of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Coastal Management 31:319-338.
Sorice, M. G., C. Scott Shafer, and R. B. Ditton. 2006. Managing endangered species within the use-preservation paradox: the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) as a tourism attraction. Environmental Management 37:69-83.

Read the Petition: http://www.peer.org/docs/fws/09_15_7_Swim_With_Petition.pdf
WTPS Local News Story: http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=110033
US FWS on Manatees: http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/Manatee/manatees.htm
FL FWCC on Manatees: http://myfwc.com/WildlifeHabitats/Manatee_ViewingGuide.htm
US FWS Manatee Manners Video: http://www.fws.gov/video/FLASH/manateemanners.html
Youtube Videos focused on the issue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vVqXByilj8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WETLHncfz8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbCPiD1NjeQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVr2G5enWiQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29uku6eNyDQ
Whale Sharks in Belize: http://www.friendsofnaturebelize.org/AboutUs.htm

Snooty the Manatee Celebrates his 61st Birthday!

2009-07-22T03:56:00.009-04:00

Bradenton, FL - Thousands of visitors descended on the Parker Manatee Aquarium to wish Snooty "Happy Birthday" yesterday. How do we know Snooty's exact birthday? According to my sources...in 1948 the old Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company had an adult female manatee in captivity, but didn't know she was pregnant! Aquarium staff were quite shocked to find “Baby Snoots” in the pool with his mom on July 21st, 1948. To the best of my knowledge, Snooty was the first manatee ever born in captivity.

In 1949, Snooty was moved to Bradenton as part of the Desoto Celebration where he has greeted more than one million visitors. Snooty is South Florida Museum's very own ambassador and as such he has participated in research, education, and conservation project through New College, Mote Marine Lab, and the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership. On a daily basis, he helps musuem docents give interpretive talks to visitors of all ages.

Snooty is also Manatee County’s official mascot! Aquarium staff help him “correspond” with students from around the country. And once a year, on July 21st (also my grandson's BD), Snooty hosts a free Birthday Bash and Wildlife Awareness Festival for the public.

The Parker Manatee Aquarium, built to house up to 3 adult manatees, opened in November 1993. In February 1998, as part of the Manatee Rehabilitation Network, Snooty welcomed his first pool-mate “Newton”. Since then, Snooty has also shared his pool with Mo, Palma Sola, Desoto Park, Salvador, Angelito, Fort Myers Baby, Passe Grille Baby, Whitaker, Muddy Baron, Baby Coral, Little Coral, Snitch, Baby Coral & Baby Sister. These manatees were rescued through the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership, rehabilitated at Parker, and released back into the wild. In the United States, our laws require that all captive manatees be released into the wild population if possible. However, Snooty is "grandfathered" under this law, meaning he was in captivity prior to the law being passed and does not have to be released into the wild.

Learn more about Snooty here: http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/
Track released manatees here: www.wildtracks.org.
More Birthday photos here: http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/generic/photos/snooty_turns_61/

"New" Manatee in Chesapeake Bay

2009-07-22T03:49:00.008-04:00

Miami-Based Manatee Is Spotted in Chesapeake Bay
By Martin WeilWashington Post Staff WriterTuesday, July 21, 2009
In an unusual northern foray, a manatee has made its way into the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, authorities said last night. The sighting, made Saturday in waters off of Havre de Grace, Md., was confirmed by photos, said Jennifer Dittmar of the National Aquarium. Dittmar, the aquarium's coordinator for the marine animal rescue program, said the photographs also made it possible to identify the manatee by name: Ilya. "That makes this a pretty unique case," she said last night.

28 July 2009, posted by Caryn: Ilya continues to hang out in the Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of the Susquhanna River near Perryville, MD. Staff from the National Aquarium in Baltimore are monitoring him closely. Manatees are sighted in the Chesapeake Bay annually during the summer and fall months, often as late as October. It's great to get such good photos of this one, who could be identified by his scars and paddle. Updates, stories, and photos here:

Mermaids and Manatees in New Jersey?

2008-03-02T09:03:00.011-05:00

Interview with local biologist, Dr. Louise Wootton

Mermaids, Ambassadors from Sea to Sea just returned from a one-week mini-tour of New Jersey. I am grateful to Dr. Louise Wootton, Associate Professor of Biology at Georgian Court University, who hosted the mini-tour and shared her knowledge of Mermaids, Manatees, and coastal resources in New Jersey.

New Jersey is one of the few places, outside the tropics, where mermaid legends overlap with modern manatee sightings. Legend has it that in 1869, two local fishermen caught a mermaid in Barnegat Bay, near the Tom's River inlet! According to the local news article in the Port Jervis Evening Gazette, the captors became "hugely frightened" and allowed the creature to escape!

During the educational outreach expedition, events were held at Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, Wetlands Institute, and Brookdale Community College. Many thanks to Asbury Park Press and Press of Atlantic City for covering these events. To book events in your area, contact caryn@sirenian.org.

Caryn: Louise, the summer we met at Horn Point Marine Lab, Chessie, the Travelin' Manatee, made his first documented migration from Florida to Rhode Island and back, passing by the New Jersey Coast twice. I understand that he might have been sighted since then and that there was another sighting of a female manatee here in 1998. Can you tell me any more about the manatees that have used the coastal waters of New Jersey during summer months?

Louise: We've had several manatee visitors in NJ in recent years. As you mentioned after visiting the Chesapeake Bay in 1994, Chessie visited NJ on his way to Rhode Island in 1995. He came north again in the following years, reaching Virginia several times, but has not been sighted in NJ again. A different, unidentified, manatee who was dubbed "Tappie" (because he was seen swimming in the area under the Tapan Zee Bridge in New York) visited the area in 1998. Most recently, in July of 2006 another manatee spent several days around the entrance to the Barnegat Bay. He was then seen in New York where he swam up the Hudson quite a ways. He then set off northward, ending up in Falmouth, Massachusetts a few weeks later, beating Chessie's record for the furthest North that a Manatee has been observed in US waters, before returning south again under his own steam.

Caryn: We are here at Barnegat Bay Lighthouse, looking north up the Bay. As manatees travel along the coast, we know they need access to resources such as fresh water, warm water, and seagrass. What resources might they find in Barnegat Bay?

Louise: Well the Barnegat Bay is a very shallow lagoonal estuary that is protected by a series of sandspits and barrier islands, so it warms up nicely in the summer time. In addition, the Oyster Creek nuclear power station on the shore of the Bay lacks cooling towers, so it draws water directly from the Bay to cool its reactors, and returns that water to canals that flow into the Bay. As a result there are areas of water in the Bay that are warm year round, though manatees don't seem to have discovered them yet. A number of rivers flow into the Bay, so those would be one source of freshwater. In addition, groundwater from a number of aquifers empties into the bottom of the Bay and in the nearshore region of the Jersey coast, and these underwater seeps would also form another possible source of drinking water for visiting m anatees. In terms of food, the most common seagrass in the Bay is eelgrass which grows particularly well in the shallow "flank" areas of the Bay, especially near the inlets and on the eastern side of the Bay. A little further up (where its a little less salty) we see widgeon grass, especially on the Western shores of the Bay. Finally, in the lowest salinity areas of the Northern Bay we see beds of sago pondweed.

Caryn: I understand that the New Jersey coast is renowned for marine resources. What kinds of plants and animals live in this area?

Louise: In the winter, harbor and grey seals often visit New Jersey's shores, whereas pods of dolphin are common visitors in the summer. We also see a wide variety of seabirds, including gannet, black skimmers, piping plover, a variety of tern species including the endangered "least tern" as well as lots more common species like gulls, herons and egrets. In recent years we have also started to see brown pelicans as relatively common summer vis itors to our shores. Under the water, blue crabs, flounder, weakfish and menhaden are relatively common, and clams like quahog and blue mussels are also still quite common. Bay scallops that used to be quite common in the area are now relatively rare, whereas the much less popular sea-nettle jellyfish have been increasing in abundance rapidly in recent years. Diamondback terrapins used to be so common in the Bay that they were served so often as food to slaves and servants that (like manatee in the south) a law had to be passed limiting the frequency with which masters could make their slaves eat these foods. These terrapins are still found within the Barnegat Bay today, but they are now so rare that they are a candidate for endangered species status. Above water, the Bay is increasingly being surrounded by dense human populations. However, some areas of relatively pristine sand dune are still found especially along the shores of Island Beach State Park on the Bay's Eastern Shore. These dune ecosystems are home to plants like American beachgrass, seaside goldenrod and beach pea. Behind those dunes is a unique maritime forest where you'll find red cedar, American holly, bayberry and beach plum trees among others. On the Bay's Western shore is another unique ecosystem: the New Jersey Pine Barrens. This low nutrient, and high acid hab itat is characterized by pitch pines and a variety of oak trees as well as a bunch of interesting smaller plants like pitcher plants, sundews and another endangered species: swamp pink.The highly tannic waters of the rivers and streams draining this area means that water on the Western shores of the Bay often tends to have a distinctly brown color.

Caryn: Are there any threats to the coastal ecosystem here in NJ?

Louise: Oh boy, are there ever! The sandy soils of the areas surrounding the Barnegat Bay mean that what happens to water on land rapidly affects rivers and the Bay. Because population densities in Barnegat region are rising fast, the watershed is becoming increasingly urbanized. As a result, many of the wetlands, forests and other natural areas have been covered by impervious surfaces, such as roofs and pavement. An average of 20% of the areas surrounding the region's river are developed or in altered use (cultivated, grassland, barren) and in some watersheds of some of the Bay’s Northern Rivers, this number is over 50%. Without natural land to absorb excess rain and filter contaminants, more contaminants such as oil and grease from streets and parking lots, bacteria, lawn care products, and heavy metals enter the estuary in stormwater. Trace metals like arsenic, copper, lead and mercury and zinc enter the Bay from a variety of sources including the treatments used to prevent rotting in wood used to build docks and bulkheads, and boat engine emissions, are also a problem. Because these toxins increase in concentration at each step in the food chain (a phenomenon known as biomagnification), these pollutants may pose particular health risks to humans and other “top” predators within the system. High mercury levels have been found in the eggs and feathers of several colonial-nesting bird species in the Barnegat Bay, such as Forster's tern, black skimmer, great egret and snowy egret. The levels found in the eggs of some of these were in the range known to have serious impacts, such as increased embryo and chick mortality, reduced hatching and reduced chick weight. However, probably the biggest problem in the Bay is eutrophication: the addition of excess nutrients. Over 450,000 people live within the Barnegat Bay watershed year round, and that number more than doubles in the summer as people flock to the shore. Nutrient inputs to the watershed have been increasing steadily in recent decades, with more than 75% of these inputs being associated with non-point source pollution (particularly fertilizers and pesticides from domestic lawns and golf courses, but fumes from car exhausts are an increasingly important source of nutrient pollution, equaling or even exceeding the amount of pollution that enters the Bay in surface and ground water, and pet waste is also an important contributor to nutrient pollution too. These nutrients stimulate phytoplankton growth which then shades the seagrasses and limits the depth to which they can grow in the Bay. Once they die they start to decompose which can cause hypoxia or anoxia, even in the relatively shallow waters of the system. This can kill any animals in the water, especially those living in or on the bottom like quahogs and mussels, which can 't move away. For example, stimulated by these nutrients, blooms of the "brown tide" algae have become increasingly common in recent years, which in turn have contributed to the decline of the quahog populations in the Bay.

Caryn: Tell me more about your personal research and other activities along the NJ coast.

Louise: My own research has mostly focused on the problems caused by invasive species in New Jersey's coastal ecosystems. Acre for acre, coastal dunes are the most valuable ecosystem in New Jersey, serving to protect the communities behind them from flooding during storm as well creating a reservoir of sand for our beaches. When exotic species invade the dunes they may change those ecosystems so that they no don't do these things nearly as well. In addition, the invasive organisms may also not provide the necessary food or habitat for the other organisms which live in or around the dunes. My research currently focuses on two closely related species of sedge. Carex kobomugi, the Asiatic Sand Sedge, and Carex macrocephala, the large he aded sedge. As well as working to provide an inventory of the areas affected by these species, we are working to understand how they spread, and what their effects are on the plants and animals that are usually found in the coastal dune ecosystem. We are also working on building public awareness of the problems caused by invasive species by creating curriculum materials for use in local schools. Students in my lab have also been studying chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which have been dubbed “the PCBs of the 21st century”. Commonly used as flam e-retardants, PBDEs are found in a wide variety of products including furniture and electronic equipment. PBDE residues have been found in the tissues of marine and terrestrial species around the globe, and to have major impacts on animal and human health. For example, PBDEs are linked to decreased eggshell thickness in peregrine falcons and decreased bone densities in polar bears. PBDEs have also been found to be potent thyroid disruptors, have been implicated in the development of learning disabilities in mice and are likely carcinogens. PBDE concentrations in human tissues have increased about 100 fold over the past 30 years, with concentrations in people from the United States being about 20 times higher than in people from Europe, where there has been stronger regulatory control over PBDE manufacture and use.Concentrations of PBDEs in New Jersey’s Coastal Ecosystems are poorly known, so my students and I are working with a colleague who is an environmental chemist to develop the necessary methods to measure these chemicals so that we can monitor levels of PBDEs in sediment, water and biota within the Barnegat Bay in the future.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

Conch sends his "heartfelt" thanks to everyone who donated during America's Giving Challenge. The mermaid videos generated 56 donations totaling $2,350. These funds will enable Sirenian International to award at least two small grants to projects in developing countries this year. If you missed the America's Giving Challenge deadline, Conch has a special offer for you:

"Make a donation in any amount to Sirenian International by February 14th, you may adopt him, or any of our other 4 Mermaid Ambassadors, at no additional cost!"

Each of our Mermaid Ambassadors represents one of only four manatee & dugong species left in the world today. When you adopt Conch, Maya, Yara, Elandra, or Bahari, you support our educational outreach programs, capacity building programs, and research & community conservation projects around the world.

As a special Valentine thank you, any donation made online or postmarked by February 14th, 2008, automatically includes the adoption of a Mermaid Ambassador. You will receive an Adoption Certificate, a glossy 4"x6" photograph, and a FACT SHEET about the species your Ambassador represents. During the next year, your ambassador will bring you true stories about the manatee and dugong populations our Ambassadors represent via A Mermaid's Voice, our new members only newsletter.

Yes! You may have the adoption placed in the name of a loved one as a Valentine's Day gift. How? Simply visit our Mermaid Ambassadors online at www.sirenian.org and learn more about Maya, Yara, Elandra, Bahari, and Conch.

Today's the Last Day!

2008-01-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

Join America's Giving Challenge, Swim with the Mermaids and donate $10 or more by January 31st to help Sirenian International win $50,000 for our research and educational programs. With your help, we're Saving the Mermaids @sirenian.org. Learn more at http://www.sirenian.org/

Penalties for manatee harrassment in Florida include jail

2008-01-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

Two remorseful young men face jail time, probation, and community service for harassing a manatee and posting video of the event on "My Space".

Kudos to the "My Space" witness for reporting the incident to "Save The Manatee Club", to the Club for reporting it to the authorities, and to the district judge who dealt out reasonable punishment for harassment of an endangered species.

If similar charges were brought against tourists who "unintentionally" harass manatees while swimming with them, perhaps we would see better compliance with the Federal Guidelines for human-manatee interactions.

Please support Manatee Tour Operators who comply with federal guidelines, visit CEOs for Wild Manatees.

Related News Stories Online:

CBS4 New Report
Central Florida News 13
Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Sea Change?

2008-01-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

If you were to ask Dr. Craig Gilman, Professor of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University, whether I was an optimist or a pessimist, he would probably remember me as a pessimist. Eleven years ago, when I participated as one of 30 or so students in his first Environmental Science course at Coastal, I was very much convinced that it would take a catastrophic event to change the human behaviors that are destroying our Mother Earth. Today, I'm not so sure...

Since 1998, I've had the opportunity to live in the developing world almost as much as the US. I discovered a strong conservation ethic held by many people--only to return to the US and witness over-consumption and waste. Those of you who travel and immerse yourself in local culture know what I mean...the greatest culture shock if often returning home!

However, in the past few months I've noticed an increasing awareness of human impacts on our environment in the US. I'm not sure why, perhaps it's the upcoming Presidential Election...we can hope! Media coverage is increasing, investors and politicians are talking green, and people are thinking. Connections are being made between the economy, human health, and our environment. Folks are talking about conservation strategies that will increase quality of life AND expand job opportunities. If it's not too late, perhaps we can avert a catastrophic event...hang in there Mother Earth, your children are maturing!

Manatee & Dugong Story Links:
Wintering manatee attract admirers in Florida
Florida's Manatees Almost Not Endangered
Slow Down for Dugongs
Good News for Manatees
Manatee Politics

News from Elandra, our Dugong Ambassador: Australia and EAD

2008-01-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Manatee and dugong populations around the world continue to be threatened with extinction, primarily due to unsustainable human activities. News from around the world is gathered by our Mermaid Ambassadors, Conch, Maya, Yara, Elandra, and Bahari. Here are two stories gathered this month by Elandra, our Dugong Mermaid Ambassdor:

Dugong Rescue in Australia
© The Daily News, January 2008, http://www.thedaily.com.au

By Sam Benger - Beachgoers aren’t the only ones being affected by the wild weather conditions on the Coast this week – a 300kg dugong was stranded in shallow water off the northern top of Bribie Island on Wednesday. The mammal was spotted by Caloundra City lifeguards patrolling Bulcock Beach and rescue crews were immediately called to help the dugong into deeper water. The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, along with a vet from the Australian Wildlife Hospital and Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers, headed out in wet and windy conditions to help save the struggling dugong. Rescue unit manager Brian Coulter said the dugong was stranded by a dropping tide, about 200m from deeper water, but showed no signs of injury and was in a good condition, which assisted the rescue efforts. The rescue team put the two-metre long, 300kg animal in a sling and physically carried it over to the deeper water. and waded with it for a short time to ensure it had its energy back. “After a short time, he took off like a rocket,” Brian said...
For full story and images see http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/jan/04/dugong-rescued/

Endangered Dugongs killed by driftnets in Abu Dhabi
© Wildlife Extra, December 2007, http://www.wildlifeextra.com

A team of field scientists from the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) discovered two dugongs trapped in an abandoned drift Gillnet, close to Abu Al Abyad Island. "This discovery clearly demonstrates once again the vulnerability of these majestic animals to human threats. We call on the community once again to help support our efforts in protecting this endangered treasure," said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.
For the full story and images (discretion advised, images are of dead, entangled dugongs) see http://www.wildlifeextra.com/dugongs-killed768.html

Mermaid Kisses $10

2008-01-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a unique opportunity to turn $10 into $50,000 for Sirenian International, our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of manatees, dugongs, and their aquatic habitats around the world!

Parade Magazine, in collaboration with Network for Good, will donate $50,000 to four US & four International Charities and $1000 to one hundred US & International Charities on January 31st, 2008.

I've created a Campaign Badge online at www.sirenian.org. Simply visit this page and double click on the Donate button and make your tax-deductible contribution of $10 or more!

Click on "Watch My Video" to receive your Mermaid Kiss!

Click on the Share tab to place the Campaign Badge Link on your Webpage or Blog.

Remember, the $50,000 prize goes to the charity whose Campaign Badge generates the most "unique donors" between now and January 31st, so even if you cannot afford to donate $10, you can help by putting the Badge on your Website, on your Blog, or in the signature line of your emails!

The 8 Campaign Badges that generate the most "unique donors" between now and January 31st 2008 will win $50,000 for their charity!

For complete details on this contest, see http://www.parade.com/givingchallenge/nfg

Weekly News Archive 17-23 January 2007

2007-01-25T05:38:00.000-05:00

New report lowers manatee death toll (23 January 2007)
Source: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Enviro/envENV01012307.htm
Volusia County officials are breathing a sigh of relief this week after learning the state has officially adjusted the number of manatees killed by boats in the county last year. After re-analyzing the manatee death information for 2006, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has said only two manatees were confirmed killed by collisions with boats. That's six less than a preliminary report had suggested. That's also good news because it means the number of boat-related deaths dropped by six from 2005, said Georgia Zern, the county's manatee plan coordinator.

FWC Chairman vows full manatee recovery (20 January 2007)
Source: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/NEWS0105/701200450/1075
The manatee death rate in Florida will continue to rise "over my dead body," a top fish and wildlife official said Friday. Rodney Barreto, chairman of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, felt misleading information about manatee deaths appeared in media reports across the state one too many times. So on Friday, he sent a feisty editorial letter to all 200 newspapers and 400 radio and TV stations in Florida to defend the FWC's position. "We are setting the record straight," Barreto said. "This agency is doing nothing less than what it's going to take to protect the manatee. It's kind of unfair that we are getting caught in the debate that's not always centered around the facts." READ THE FULL STORY AT THE LINK ABOVE.

Sirenians on the Edge of Existence (17 January 2007)
Sources: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2007/january/news_10348.html; http://www.edgeofexistence.org/home.asp
Dugongs and Amazonian manatees are listed among the Top 100 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered Mammals on Earth, according to The EDGE of Existence programme, a project to help save the worlds most extraordinary and threatened species. EDGE, Led by the Zoological Society of London, aims to focus attention on conserving the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. The animals included are genetically unique and have very few relatives in the wild. If they disappear, there will be nothing like them left on the planet. They are also threatened by alarming rates of global extinction which some scientists believe rival the mass extinction that killed off the dinosaurs 65 millions years ago. EDGE aims to conserve the world's most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species by implementing the research and conservation actions needed to secure their future.

The Belizean Model for Manatee Conservation

2007-01-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

This satellite image of Belize may help you understand why we call her the Jewel of the Caribbean. Note her crowning glory, the Belize Barrier Reef and 3 of the only 4 atolls in this hemisphere. Image courtesy of MODIS Rapid Response Project at NASA/GSFC.

A few months ago, I gave an interview praising Belize as a World Model for conservation of manatees (PDF). Shortly afterwards, I was asked to comment on proposed commercial development in the Belize City area with respect to its impact on the Belizean manatee population. Below is a condensed version of that commentary.

My most serious reservations are not over any one particular development proposal. I am more concerned with the cumulative impact of unabated development that involves the cutting of most, if not all, mangroves from any island between the Belize Barrier Reef and the mainland. The cutting of mangroves, dredging of seagrass beds, and filling of entire islands is incredibly destructive to this complex and dynamic ecosystem. Especially when no silt screen is used during these activities--not that silt screens provide a solution to the problem of increased sedimentation, but they certainly should be a minimal requirement.

If the decision makers in Belize continue to allow development of 'small' projects in the coastal zone without an EIA, or if they continue to appove EIAs that call for clearing of mangrove islands and dredging of seagrass beds, then the incredibly rich habitat in the vicinity of Belize City will be significantly degraded.

So what? Are seagrass beds and mangrove islands really important? We don't eat them, do we? No, but seagrass beds and mangrove islands are essential to the continued viability of manatees, dolphins, sharks, and commercial fisheries within the Belize Barrier Reef System. Additioanlly, they provide protection to the mainland and the coral reef, itself. Conversion of mangrove islands to sandy beach resorts changes thier function from "an essential filter" to "a source for additional erosion and sedimentation". This endangers not only the manatee population but an entire ecosystem and complex food web, including commercial fisheries and the Belize Barrier Reef. The human population of Belize is directly threatened by reducing the effectiveness of these islands to mediate tropical storm energy; and indirectly threatened by the loss of income from the fishery and tourism industries.

In my professional opinion, the destruction of seagrass beds and mangrove islands near Belize City will have a negative effect on the Belizean manatee and dolphin populations, the lobster and conch fisheries, and ultimately--the Belize Barrier Reef. One of the most important factors limiting population viability is available habitat...especially foraging and nursery habitat for which this enviroment is famous. Clearning of managrove islands will lead to fewer seagrass beds, and ultimately fewer manatees, dolphins, lobsters, conch, and finfish. The increased turbitity and sedimentation will smother coral polyps and allow for increased algae growth on the reef.

But, back to my focus on sirenians....since Belize is believed to be the last stronghold for the endangered Antillean manatee, reduction of this population would also have a negative impact on the entire sub-species. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protection of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System reaches beyond Belize and Belizeans as an obligation to the conservation of essential places of significant global importance to biodiversity.

I call Belize my 2nd home and I have 'lived' in the Drowned Cayes for at least 6 months each year since 1998. Still, I firmly believe the decisions made in Belize with respect to development and conservation of natural resources should be made by Belizeans. However, if I did not convey my professional opinion with respect to the consequences of current policy in this area, I would be neglecting my obligation to Belize and the Belizeans who have enabled me to conduct research in this magnificent and pristine jewel of the Caribbean for the past decade.

As a former real estate broker and a current marine scientist, I honestly believe that conservation of Belize's Natural Resources can survive sustainable development. But, if development is un-sustainable, then it will be in vain as the Jewel of the Caribbean tarnishes. And the tourists will move on to some new, pristine, undiscovered place.

Manatees & Dugongs on the EDGE of Existence

2007-01-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

Dugongs and Amazonian manatees have been listed among the Top 100 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered Mammals on Earth, according to The EDGE of Existence Programme, a project to help save the worlds most extraordinary and threatened species.

For those of us who focus our research, education, and conservation efforts on the Order Sirenia, this is certainly not news. We know only too well how unique and endangered our elusive 'mermaids' are on a global scale. With the new dugong exhibit at London's Natural History Museum, thousands of visitors each day will learn more about the plight of the only 4 extant species in this evolutionarily distinct Order. Kudos to EDGE and the NHM in London!

Elusive Sirens of the Caribbean

2007-01-18T09:01:00.000-05:00

As we idled around the corner of Swallow Caye I sighted two manatee noses in the distance. They were barely visible as they broke the surface of the clear Caribbean water. Gilroy, my Belizean colleague and field assistant, spotted them at the very same instant – before I could motion to him, he had already shut down the engine on our little boat. We waited in silence, hoping they would surface again. So it goes with research on the elusive manatee – the mermaids of ancient folk lore.

Many mermaid studies have been done on Florida manatees, either in captivity or in the clear waters of Florida’s many springs. But only recently have we begun to study wild manatees outside of the United States. My mermaids are Antillean manatees. They are distributed throughout the Caribbean, but their habitat is fragmented and their species is endangered. Unless we reduce our impact on Mother Earth, my great-grandchildren may never enjoy the magic of finding a mermaid in the sea. For me, the source of life’s energy is the sea – I cannot imagine a world without the magical creatures of the ocean. I invite you to come with me today, as I follow my passion, my dream come true – to celebrate a moment of oneness with a mermaid or two in the sea.

Five minutes passed - how long can these creatures stay down? What are they doing down there? I heard them before we saw them. Both noses broke the water with a forceful exhalation at virtually the same moment. Then they were down again. I quietly entered the water and stealthily snorkeled 50 meters towards their last location. Where did they go? Stop. Look. Listen. I heard them breathe again. As they finally, magically, came into focus underwater, I though to myself, "Uh oh... a mother calf pair -- they are going to run away."

But they didn't run – nor swim - away. The larger animal was about 10 feet long and probably weighed 1000 pounds - almost twice as big as the smaller one. She was gently nuzzling the small one's back with her big prehensile lips. The next time they surfaced to breath, they were nose to nose in a manatee kiss. As I floated closer, they noticed me and the nuzzling stopped. They sank slowly to the soft muddy bottom and I heard a few squeaks. Then silence as they rested side by side in typical mother-calf fashion, for almost three minutes. When the smaller one rose to the surface to breathe, I caught a glimpse of its belly and could tell it was a female; but what a surprise I had when the larger animal surfaced and I saw that she was a he! --CSS, 1999