tagged w/ Florida Manatee
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By Nikolas Kozloff:
To the degree that Americans are paying attention to the environmental plight of marine wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico, they may focus most upon dolphins and whales.
However, the U.S. public is much less familiar with another marine mammal, the manatee, which could also be placed in jeopardy as a result of the BP oil spill. One of the most outlandish creatures on the planet, the shy and retiring manatee, which gets its name from an American Indian word meaning "Lady of the Water," is one of my favorite animals.
First described as a cross between a seal and hippo, the manatee has a wonderfully round body, mostly black skin the texture of vinyl, a bright pink belly, a diamond-shaped tail and a cleft lip. Manatees belong to the biological order Sirenia which includes dugongs and Steller's Sea Cow, the latter hunted to extinction in the Bering Sea during the 1700s.
"Sluggish, squinty-eyed and bewhiskered," notes the New York Times, the manatee "is more likely to have its rotund bulk compared to a sweet potato." Living life in the slow lane, manatees are fond of doing nothing much at all. When they're not eating, they take frequent naps. An exclusive vegetarian that feeds on water lettuce and hyacinth, the animal eats 10 percent of its body weight in a single day. Not surprisingly manatees are robust -- they can grow up to ten feet long and weigh nearly a ton.
In the wake of BP's disaster, the manatee could be in for a rough patch. Indeed, oil could ultimately result in death or significant injury in the event that manatees are exposed to petroleum.
The docile sea creature, which can be found along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, could ingest oil-damaged sea grass beds and other vegetation. If the marine mammals come into contact with surface oil, this could irritate their eyes and mucous membranes while clogging the animals' nostrils.
The manatee is already endangered and the BP spill poses yet a further problem for the animal. Because manatees need to surface to breathe air, they could become exposed to oil on the water. If they ingest oil, manatees could develop lesions and erosions of the esophagus, liver toxicity and kidney problems. Ingestion could kill the organisms in manatees' stomachs which aid in the digestion of sea grasses consumed by the animals.
Of particular concern is the plight of Bama, the first Alabama manatee to be tagged by scientists. From mid-May to mid-November, Bama and at least a dozen other manatees call Alabama home. Currently, Bama is migrating back home to Alabama from Florida. Though manatees don't tend to travel in pods or herds, it's likely that Bama represents the advance guard of manatees making their way back towards the northern Gulf.
In murky waters, the manatees' acute sense of touch and vibrissae, located on the face but also all over the body, come in handy. These bristly vibrissae serve to transmit information to the brain via nerve fibers. Though other animals such as dogs have vibrissae, they don't have them in such large numbers and typically only on the face.
"For now," notes the Times, "the question of how intertwined the sensory abilities of manatees might be remains unanswered. Yet even what is known reveals a degree of complexity that argues against labeling them as sweet but dumb -- peaceable simpletons."
Long derided as stupid by humans, the manatee will now have to steer clear of man's environmental folly in the Gulf. Though Bama and other manatees have poor vision, perhaps their other extra sensory abilities will alert them to danger. It may be the only tool they have at their disposal as the animals seek to survive the despoliation of their habitat.
http://www.nikolaskozloff.com/blog.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikolas-kozloff/bp-and-the-perilous-voyag_b_584267.htmlBy Nikolas Kozloff:
To the degree that Americans are paying attention to the... more
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(2009-12-22) - A record 419 manatees have died so far this year in Florida, and the year’s not over yet.
One of the biggest killers of manatees are boats, which share Florida’s bays and waterways.
The recession may be leading to more of these collisions, according to Katie Tripp, Director of Science and Conservation for the Save the Manatee Club.
“People have not stopped using their boats altogether, but they’ve stopped taking those longer trips,” she said. “So instead of going offshore, they’re staying in the intercoastal waterways and in those inland waters. You’re putting more boats where there are more manatees.
As of early December, 94 manatees have been killed by boats -- just one manatee shy of breaking the record for manatees/boat collision deaths.
Tripp says it’s up to boaters to look for subtle clues which show manatees are near.
“As they move their tail up and down, manatees leave a footprint on the water, a sort of circular swirl. You might also see their nose break the surface when they come to breathe, or actually hear them breathe,” she said.
The 419 deaths is two more than the previous record, set in 2006.
Cold weather last winter also helped lead to more manatee deaths. And a record number of newborn manatees – more than 100 – died this year.
Still, Florida’s manatee population is more than twice as high as it was 20 years ago, with an estimated 3,800 manatees statewide.(2009-12-22) - A record 419 manatees have died so far this year in Florida, and the... more
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How Will Climate Change Affect Manatees?
Imagine a Florida where the coral reefs have dissolved, droughts are the norm, humans are abandoning multi million dollar coastal homes and retreating inland, daily high tides flood the streets of coastal cities and neighborhoods, and exotic species outnumber natives.
Climate change could make this scenario a reality for the sunshine state, with some impacts being observed within as few as 10 years.
Some individuals have tried to simplify the effects of climate change on manatees by assuming that warmer waters will benefit the species.
However, as the previous paragraphs discussed, climate change is comprised of many more facets than just increasing water temperatures. We also cannot forget that manatees are part of an inter-connected aquatic ecosystem, and are affected by the health of the plants and animals that share this and the surrounding terrestrial ecosystems.
As a species, manatees already face a myriad of threats, including watercraft strikes and red tide, which may compromise the long-term health of individuals and impede recovery of the species. As humans adapt to climate change, other species, including manatees, are likely to be adversely affected.
While some have postulated that increased sea surface temperatures associated with climate change may benefit manatees, this view fails to recognize how the species may be affected by the myriad of other consequences associated with climate change, including sea level rise, changes in seagrass abundance and location, and losses of funding as agencies shift resources away from individual species in an attempt to confront climate change.How Will Climate Change Affect Manatees?
Imagine a Florida where the coral reefs... more
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Manatees, the wonderful sea cow, are supposed to weigh 900-1,200 lbs (or 400-550 kg). So why are we seeing manatees maybe half that weight? As, you may know, manatees are endangered, therefore being so underweight can't be good for the manatee population.
Is it because food is becoming scarce? Unlikely, they eat algae and sea grass.
Are they being chased out of their feedings areas by humans or other predators?Manatees, the wonderful sea cow, are supposed to weigh 900-1,200 lbs (or 400-550 kg).... more
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Watercraft-related mortality is an ongoing yet preventable cause of manatee injuries & deaths. There were 42 confirmed watercraft-related manatee deaths through June 5, 2009 & there have been a total of 240 mortalities so far this year.
historically, watercraft has been the leading known cause of manatee deaths. However, with the cooperation and vigilance of the boating community, we hope that manatees can be protected from further injury during the July 4th weekend and the remainder of the summer boating season. Boaters often travel in waterways shared with manatees so they play an important role in protecting this endangered marine mammal.”
Boaters should follow all posted boat speed regulations, slow down if manatees are in the area, and stay in deep water channels when possible.
Call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on your cellular phone, or use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio:
* if you see a manatee with a pink or red wound or with deep cuts. These are signs of a recent watercraft strike.
* if the manatee is tilting to one side, unable to submerge, or seems to have trouble breathing.
* if you observe a manatee calf (less than 6 feet in length) by itself with no adults around for an extended period of time. Manatee calves may remain dependent on their mother for up to two years. If the other dies before the calf is weaned, or if the two are separated, there is a strong likelihood that a dependent calf will not survive alone.
* if you see anyone harassing a manatee.
* if you see boaters speeding in a protected area.
* if you see a manatee entangled in monofilament line, crab trap lines, or other debris. Do not attempt to remove debris by yourself. Debris may be embedded underneath the skin and only a trained veterinarian can adequately assess and treat the wound.
* if you see a dead manatee.By doing a necropsy, scientists can often determine the cause of death and better understand the threats faced by manatees.
* if you see a manatee tagged with a radio or satellite transmitter. Sightings of tagged manatees help provide researchers with information that can be used to protect manatees and their habitat. Do not attempt to remove the transmitter. These devices are designed with a safety mechanism to prevent manatee entanglement if the tag becomes caught or obstructs a manatee’s movement in any way.
Florida boaters can request a free, “Please Slow: Manatees Below” waterproof yellow banner by contacting Save the Manatee Club via e-mail at education@savethemanatee.org. Include full mailing information along with the area where you boat in Florida.
PHOTO: Jennifer Dorning from Fort Myers, Florida enjoys boating from Sanibel to Cayo Costa. She often uses the Club’s banner to quickly alert other boaters that manatees are present. “The bright, easy-to-read banner is a great idea,” she said. “Before I had it, I was pointing to show other boaters where there were manatees, but often they couldn’t see what I was doing, and if they did see me, they had no idea why I was pointing.”Watercraft-related mortality is an ongoing yet preventable cause of manatee injuries... more
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A manatee cow and her newborn are resting and gathering strength in a Jacksonville Beach lagoon.
The two were spotted Friday morning in a cove of the Jacksonville Beach Marina on the northeast side of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Steve Cane thought the mother manatee might have been injured.
"She wasn't moving very much and seemed to be ignoring the calf that was up by her head," said Cane, who called Fish & Wildlife to report the mammals.
"But a wildlife guy came and told me it was natural for the mother manatee to come into shallow water to regain her strength after giving birth."
Fish & Wildlife biologist Ryan Berger arrived shortly after noon to take notes on the pair.
"They do this when they're traveling up from the warmer southern Florida waters," said Berger.
"They find a place where there's warmer water without much of a current and she'll just rest for a few days."A manatee cow and her newborn are resting and gathering strength in a Jacksonville... more
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(February)
Cold weather dips down to Florida, and some natives are looking for ways to stay warmer.
About 100 manatees huddled together in the water near a power plant.
The animals like the water because it's warm when it comes out of the plant.
The sea mammals gather at the Tampa location every winter when it gets too cold.(February)
Cold weather dips down to Florida, and some natives are looking for ways... more
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BRISTOL TOWNSHIP - A dead manatee was found earlier this week near the banks of the Delaware River in Croydon.
The mammal, an endangered species concentrated in Florida, was spotted in cold waters Sunday in Neshaminy State Park near the park's marina ramp in Bristol Township.
Rescuers worked for more than an hour Monday morning removing the manatee from the river bank, according to Josh Swartley, the park's manager.
This is the first for Neshaminy State Park, he said. While manatee sightings up north are becoming more common, a Florida nonprofit organization confirmed that manatees swimming around Pennsylvania waters are rare.
Swartley said the manatee was not full-size. The average adult manatee grows to about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds, according to Save the Manatee Club, a national nonprofit organization established by former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham and singer Jimmy Buffet.
Katie Tripp, the organization's director of science and conservation, said that despite a manatee's large size, the mammals often develop immune system problems when in water below 68 degrees.
“It almost becomes a hypothermia-type situation,” she said.
Although it's not clear if that's what happened here, the National Weather Service said the Delaware River's temperature has been about 46 or 47 degrees.
There's been an increase in manatee sightings in the Northeast lately, according to Save the Manatee Club. A manatee was rescued Oct. 11 from Sesuit Harbor in Dennis, Mass., but died the next day en route to a medical treatment facility at SeaWorld Orlando. Other sightings include manatees around Baltimore and in North Carolina.
“Something seems to be changing. Either that, or we're just seeing them more,” Tripp said.
“These recent sightings highlight the importance of public involvement in locating wayward manatees and coordinating with authorities in an effort to ensure timely rescues,” she said.
According to the organization, 264 manatees died through Oct. 12 from a variety of causes. Of those, 71 were attributed to watercraft accidents, which account for about 25 percent of all manatee deaths, experts say.
Although they are listed as endangered, manatee populations are growing, some researchers say. The highest population count was taken in 2002, when about 3,300 manatees were counted in Florida.
BRISTOL TOWNSHIP - A dead manatee was found earlier this week near the banks of the... more
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Who Else Wants To Help Save The 3,200 That Occupy The Florida Coast?
American Tourism, Leisure Water Activities, and the Fishing Industry are the Main Causes of the Decline of Manatees.
PLEASE see the bottom of this page on how you can help the gentle manatee.
Oct 21, 2008 – Indian Rocks Beach –
Many public awareness campaigns, research and educational programs, and lobbying groups help protect manatees. Approximately 3,200 occupy the southeastern portion of US coastal waters, yet as many as 100 die each year.
American Tourism plays a vital role in manatees becoming endangered species. With Florida as one of the largest vacation spots in the country, manatees are losing their natural habitats from red tide, the destruction of marine grass and chemical pollution from runoff.
Additionally, with Americans continually rushing even during leisurely activities such as jetting on large yachts, partying on fast speedboats, and jet skiers zipping through the waterways resulting in collisions, we can only expect manatees to become endangered.
Manatees have also become endangered because of large fishing boats and entanglement in fishing lines.
To help raise public awareness on the Florida manatees, Indian Rocks Beach artist, Karen Justice created a hilarious greeting card line. The designs contain vividly bright colors and were created in warm, tropical settings. Deep blues, vibrant yellows, and flirty pinks are the signature colors Karen uses. Light-hearted, warm, and clever sayings are splashed across each one of her designs. Because the designs are innovative and unique, she has become one of the most influential artists of her time.
Karen is an advocate of animal rights and is strongly committed to the preservation of manatees.
Now, relax with a cup of coffee and visit the www.wildjunglechick.com website. Soak in the beautiful colors of each card and laugh at the manatee designs. The relaxation and laughter felt after viewing her designs is her mission.
Coming soon to the website is the chicken's blog. It will include a Q&A on a variety of topics. Join the chicken's world by visiting www.wildjunglechick.com
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Greeting Cards, magnets, and prints sold via online to wholesalers, a retail store in Indian Rocks Beach, and an online retail site coming soon.
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ALERT!
Despite exploding human population growth and shrinking aquatic habitat in Florida, manatees will lose their protections as a federal endangered species under a new plan prepared by the Bush administration.
You can help! Send a quick online letter to decision-makers letting them know you strongly oppose the manatee’s downlisting at this time. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5215/t/3138/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=491
PLEASE BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS!
http://www.savethemanatee.org/
http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/Manatees/manatees.htmlWho Else Wants To Help Save The 3,200 That Occupy The Florida Coast?
American... more
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Crystal River Florida is one of the only places in the world that allows people to swim with and touch wild manatees. But tour operators are breaking rules and guidelines to insure that manatee encounter. I made this film to examine our role as consumers in manatee harassment and abuse. Winner of the prestigious 2008 Our World Underwater Video Competition. Crystal River Florida is one of the only places in the world that allows people to... more
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