Pair of manatees spotted in the Hague in Norfolk

Two manatees were spotted Thursday morning in the Hague, a relatively rare sight in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk.

The sea cows were spotted about 10 a.m. by a Daily Press/Virginian-Pilot staff photographer, who said they were about 6-8 feet long, from the Hague’s pedestrian bridge. A small group of people stopped to watch as the pair floated in the Hague. Just three weeks ago, a manatee surprised passengers coming back to the dock from a dolphin-watching excursion in Rudee Inlet.

The Hague has 25-30 large water outfalls entering it, according to the Elizabeth River Project . Because of that, pollution affects the water quality of the Y-shaped inlet. Still, there’s plenty of diversity in the water. From cownose rays to dolphins and seals, creatures often associated with the ocean can sometimes be spotted along the Elizabeth River.

Shrimp and oysters tend to thrive, as well.

Research suggests manatee populations — more often associated with Florida waters — will gradually double over the next 50 years, and sea cows will move north as water temperatures warm in South Florida. This is due to threats to seagrass (manatee food) and a rise in “red tide,” a toxic form of algae, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com