The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), or sea cow is a large, plant-eating aquatic mammal which is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, rivers, canals, and springs of Florida. They range in color from gray to brown, and are seal-shaped in appearance, with flat, rounded tails. Adult manatees average 9.8 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds.
Many manatee mortalities are human-related. Most human-related manatee mortalities occur from collisions with watercraft. Other causes of human-related manatee mortalities include being crushed and/or drowned in canal locks and flood control structures; ingestion of fish hooks, litter and monofilament line, entanglement in crab trap lines; and vandalism. Loss of habitat is also a serious threat facing manatees.
Manatees are present in Palm Beach County year round and are most common in Lake Worth Lagoon during winter months, when many migrate to the warm water discharge at the Florida Power and Light Riviera Beach Power Plant in Lake Worth Lagoon. This area, noted on the boater's guide map, is recognized as one of the most important water manatee refuges on the east coast of Florida. They are often observed swimming, resting, or feeding near submerged seagrass beds. Seagrass beds are generally found in water less than 6 feet deep. Seagrass appears as beige or dark green patches against white colored sand. In dark colored water, manatees are more difficult to see, but may be identified by their dark, round snouts which break the surface of the water to breathe. Large, circular swirls in the water may also indicate the presence of manatees. The primary threat from humans in Palm Beach County is watercraft which accounts for 39% of manatee strandings. High mortality, primarily associated with human activity, as well as a low reproductive rate and loss of habitat continue to keep the number of manatees low and threaten the future of the species.
To report violations, manatee injuries, or deaths, call the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-DIAL-FMP.
Coastal Resources
