It’s November- Let’s Talk About Manatees

Photo credit: www.cepf.net 

Did you know that the manatee is Florida state’s official marine mammal?

And that makes perfect sense because the coastal waters of Florida are home to many of these humble giants.

Did you also know that there is an entire month dedicated to manatees? Hmm. Well, now you do.

November is Manatee Awareness Month and in Florida the month is dedicated to manatee conservation and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting these mammals and their natural habitats.

It has even become tradition for the Florida governor to sign the Manatee Awareness Month Proclamation which calls on public, private and governmental organizations to work together to ensure long term survival for these animals.

One international non-profit organization has been speaking out for endangered manatees since 1981. Save the Manatee Club was co-founded by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet to “ensure manatees and their aquatic habitat are protected for today and into the future.”

The club has since become the world leader in manatee conservation and education efforts.

SeaWorld, another company that participates in the month’s efforts, is one organization legally allowed to rescue manatees. Aside from rescues, SeaWorld seeks to educate people on the lives of manatees so they better understand the need for conservation efforts.

You can learn more about their rescue program here.

Manatees are defenseless against nearly all threats they face which makes conservation efforts that much more difficult. Those efforts demand public knowledge and cooperation in ensuring that habitats are protected, boat drivers remain mindful, and injured manatees are reported to the appropriate organizations.

November was chosen to be the awareness month because this is the time of year when manatees are heavily returning to the warm Florida waters to spend the winter.

There are several ways you can look out for manatees and their homes.

• Remind boat operators to be mindful of manatee habitats.
• Ask local fishermen to dispose of their lines and hooks in a responsible manner.
• Don’t litter! It will eventually reach our oceans.
• If you see an injured manatee (or any animal) report it to the appropriate authorities.

Looking for more ways to help?

Check out savethemanatee.org to see what you can do.

Source: www.hernandotoday.com