Go slow and look out below — manatees are on the move

Photos available

This Manatee Appreciation Day, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the springtime reminder that Florida's manatees are starting to naturally disperse from their winter refuges. Boaters and other watercraft users are advised to go slow and look out below for the slow-moving mammals when on the water.

During this time of year, manatees are more likely to be present in rivers, canals and nearshore waters. Manatees overwinter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, and will gradually disperse from these winter habitats as water temperatures rise each spring.

With this seasonal increase in movement, people are more likely to cross paths with manatees when on the water. To help protect manatees and prevent collisions, go slow when on the water and follow all manatee protection zones regulations, while keeping an eye out for them underneath the surface. Spotting manatees in the water can be challenging, to make it easier to see them, wear polarized glasses and watch for visible snouts or manatee "footprints" - large circles on the water that are indicators that manatees are below the surface. If you encounter manatees, admire from a distance and always give them plenty of space.

From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts. Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees. FWC law enforcement officers patrol state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions. Boaters are reminded to abide by the regulatory signs on the water. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on "Data and Maps."

As a reminder, manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them. Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm to the manatee and might put you at risk of serious injury. Instead, please report injured, distressed, orphaned, sick or dead manatees to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can assist.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee. What should you do if you see a manatee? The Viewing Guidelines page provides helpful tips on respectfully viewing manatees, additional guidelines for boat and personal watercraft operators, and information on what you can do to help these iconic aquatic mammals.

Are you interested in supporting the FWC's manatee research, rescue and management efforts? You can purchase a Florida manatee license plate or donate $5 to receive a collectable FWC manatee decal. Both are available from your local Tax Collector's office.

Spring is an active time for many of Florida's wildlife species. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/News and click on "Spring Wildlife News."