Go slow, look out below for manatees

Manatees are on the move in April. Looks for signs of manatees at the surface. FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION / COURTESY PHOTOS

Watching for manatees is always important, but spring is a particularly important season for boaters to go slow and lookout below for the slow-moving mammals as they move from their winter refuges.

Manatees winter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, relying on water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As spring brings warmer temperatures, manatees gradually disperse from their winter habitats and are more likely to be in rivers, canals and nearshore waters.

Although adult manatees are large, spotting them in the water can be challenging. Going slow and looking out below helps boaters and personal watercraft users better spot manatees that might be in the area. People on the water can help manatees by wearing polarized glasses, following all manatee protection zones, keeping an eye out for visible snouts or manatee “footprints” — large circles on the water that are indicators that manatees are below the surface, and always giving manatees space.

From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts. Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees. FWC law enforcement officers patrol state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions. Boaters are reminded to abide by the regulatory signs they see on the water. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.” ¦

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