FWC investigating high level of manatee deaths
Through March 5, little more than two months into 2021, the number of manatee deaths in Florida is two-thirds of the way toward the number of deaths recorded in 2020.
There have been 432 manatee deaths recorded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Florida waters through March 5. For all of 2020, there were 637 manatee deaths documented.
In Lee County, the 33 manatee deaths recorded through March 5 is about halfway to last year’s total of 68 for 12 months.
The FWC has been investigating the high rate of manatee mortalities. A reduction in food availability is a contributing factor, according to the agency.
A mixture of a continued cold spell and pollution from stormwater runoff and lake discharges have been blamed for decreasing the salinity levels in estuaries, causing harm to seabeds.
Melody Kilborn, FWC spokesperson, said warm water is important because Florida manatees are affected by cold water temperatures. Prolonged exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees can cause a condition called manatee cold-stress syndrome, which can result in death. Cold water temperatures can occur in certain parts of the state and not in others at any given time, dependent on the weather.
On Fort Myers Beach, there were manatee deaths reported in January in Ostego Bay and Big Carlos Pass. Both deaths were labeled as natural. In February, there were no manatee deaths recorded in Fort Myers Beach.
There are an estimated 5,000 manatees left in Florida waters. Long on the endangered species list, they have been classified as threatened since 2016.
Most of the deaths documented by the FWC do not have a cause listed.
The following statement has been issued by the FWC on the issue:
“FWC manatee biologists have been working hard to respond to public reports of distressed manatees and rescue manatees that need assistance. The FWC takes manatee conservation seriously by actively implementing science-based conservation measures that are making a difference for manatees and habitat. Environmental conditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern. Preliminary information indicates that a reduction in food availability is a contributing factor. We will continue with a comprehensive investigation and share information as it becomes available. The FWC has always done a rigorous and thorough job at investigating threats to manatees.”
Of the 632 manatee deaths last year in Florida, 212 were not necropsied, 115 were considered perinatal deaths, 93 were undetermined, 90 were from watercraft, 52 were blamed on cold stress and 49 were considered natural.
So far in 2021, 297 of the 432 deaths have not been necropsied, 41 have been blamed on cold stress, 32 are considered natural, 29 cited as perinatal and 17 have been attributed to watercraft.
The FWC recommends the following ways you can help manatees:
• Call FWC’s Wildlife Alert toll-free number: 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) or #FWC on a cellphone if you see a sick, injured, dead or tagged manatee.
• Boaters will find them easier to spot if they wear polarized sunglasses and keep a lookout for signs of manatees such as the circular “footprints” they trace on the top of the water or their snouts sticking up out the water.
• Look, but don’t touch manatees. Keep your distance when boating, even if you are steering a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Be a good role model for others so that they learn how to watch and enjoy manatees without disturbing the animals.
• The plate you buy matters; support FWC manatee rescues and research. Next time you renew your tag, consider a “Save the Manatee” license plate!
• Show your support for manatee conservation by displaying a manatee decal. These high stickers feature original artwork and are available from your local Tax Collector’s office with a $5 donation.