Mission Manatee

Mission Manatee is a program to investigate the Estero Bay manatee population and to record and document behavior, scarring, and migration patterns. Through education, we plan to create an awareness and understanding of our endangered manatee.

Name

Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

Description

Large, seal-like body that tapers to a beaver-like tail. Two forelimbs with three or four nails on each. Thick skin, with stiff whiskers on upper lip.

Color

Gray or gray-brown

Size

9 to 10 feet long, weighing 1000 lbs. Can grow to be 13 feet, weighing more than 3000 lbs.

Behavior

Completely harmless and non-aggressive

Vision

Depth perception may be limited. Can differentiate colors

Hearing

Despite absence of external ear lobes, can hear well but directional hearing is limited

Communication

Emits sounds that are within human auditory range. May squeak or squeal when frightened. Also communicate between cow and calf.

Breathing

Nostrils on upper surface of snout close tightly like valves when submerged. When active, surfaces every few minutes. When resting, every 10-15 minutes

Range/Habitat

Primarily restricted to peninsular Florida and south Georgia. May be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, salt water bays, canals, and coastal areas particularlly where sea grass beds flourish. May live in fresh or salt water

Reproduction

Normally calve every 2 to 5 years

Protection

The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which make it illegal to harass, hunt, kill, or capture any marine mammal. The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 which states: "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee."



Anyone convicted of violating this state law faces a possible maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by fine up to $50,000 and/or 1 year in prison. The state of Florida can pursue prosecution under federal law in circumstances of extreme harassment, resulting in death or injury of a manatee.