Staff Report
The Save the Manatee Club, one of the leading groups dedicated to manatee conservation, is asking boaters to help keep the sea cow's natural habitat safe as summer brings more boats to the mammal's waters.
The non-profit organization has asked that those boating on manatee-inhabited waters abide by all boat speed regulations and keep their vessels at a low speed when manatees are visible. Whenever possible, the club asks, boat in deeper waters, which the animals tend to shy away from.
In addition, SMC asks that people:
- Refrain from touching manatees that are encountered. This can lead to the animals becoming dangerously comfortable around people and their boats.
- Try to make minimal noise in and around the water when around manatees so to not attract their company.
- Not feed manatees, as this can also give them incentive to swim toward boats.
- Keep their waters clean and safe by properly discarding trash, fishing hooks and line, etc.
- Avoid entering designated manatee sanctuaries.
The club does encourage that boaters enjoy observing the threatened species from a distance.
SMC has outdoor public awareness signage available for parks, boat ramps and marinas. It also has free awareness materials for boaters and waterfront property owners. These items can be ordered by emailing education@savethemanatee.org or by calling toll free at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).
There is also an app that helps people to report injured manatees and harassment of the animals. It can be downloaded for free on iPhones and iPads
here.
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