Manatee Watching: How to Do It Right

As the cooler months approach, many of Florida's beloved marine animals are preparing for their seasonal migration, including the iconic manatee. These gentle giants, also known as sea cows, migrate to warmer waters when temperatures drop, seeking refuge in natural springs and power plant outflows where the water stays consistently warm. With temperatures falling, manatees will soon be on the move, and it's important for all Floridians and visitors to understand how to observe these creatures safely—and why it's illegal to touch them.

The Manatee Migration

Manatees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. When water temperatures dip, they are at risk of cold stress, a condition that can be fatal. To avoid this, manatees migrate to warm-water habitats during the winter months. Popular manatee gathering spots include Florida's natural springs, like Crystal River, Blue Spring, and Homosassa, as well as areas near power plants, where warm water from cooling systems creates an artificial refuge.

During this time, boaters and people on the water are more likely to spot manatees, and it’s crucial to exercise caution. Manatees tend to swim slowly, and boat strikes are a leading cause of manatee injuries and deaths. Observing safe boating practices, such as adhering to slow-speed zones in manatee habitats, can help prevent such tragedies.

Why It’s Illegal to Touch a Manatee

As endearing as manatees might be, it is illegal to touch, feed, or harass them. Under both federal and state law, manatees are protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. These laws are in place to ensure manatees are not disturbed by human activities, which can cause stress, alter their natural behaviors, and jeopardize their survival.

Touching a manatee or otherwise interacting with it can:

1. Cause Stress: Manatees are gentle creatures, and being touched or harassed can stress them, making them more vulnerable to illness or other threats.
2. Alter Natural Behaviors: Feeding or interacting with manatees can cause them to become accustomed to human presence, potentially leading them into dangerous situations, like areas with heavy boat traffic.
3. Jeopardize Their Safety: Human interaction may deter manatees from migrating to essential warm-water habitats during winter, putting them at risk of cold stress.

Violating manatee protection laws can lead to steep penalties and even jail time. Protecting these creatures means respecting their space and allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats.

How to Safely Observe Manatees

If you’re lucky enough to encounter manatees in Florida’s waters this winter, enjoy the experience from a respectful distance. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends following these guidelines:

• Observe from a distance: Stay at least 50 feet away from manatees at all times. If you’re in a kayak or boat, avoid steering directly toward them.
• Don’t feed or water manatees: Feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behavior.
• Look but don’t touch: Even a gentle touch can harm manatees by encouraging dependence on humans or altering their behaviors.
• Use polarized sunglasses: This can help you spot manatees beneath the water's surface, so you can avoid them when boating.

The Importance of Protecting Manatees

Manatees are a vital part of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. As herbivores, they help maintain healthy seagrass beds, which provide habitat for many other marine species. Protecting manatees helps preserve the delicate balance of these underwater ecosystems.

This winter, as manatees make their way to warmer waters, let's do our part to keep them safe. Learn more about how you can protect manatees and other marine life by following responsible wildlife viewing practices and spreading the word about why it’s essential to leave manatees undisturbed.

For more information about manatee protection and the laws that govern their safety, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Together, we can ensure Florida’s manatees continue to thrive for generations to come.