Watch for manatees in Santa Fe River
News Release
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Media contact: Karen Parker, 386-758-0525
A pod of Florida manatees has been spotted on the Santa Fe
River, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) needs boaters' help to keep these animals safe.
"Water levels on the Santa Fe are extremely low," said Capt. Roy
Brown, area supervisor. "We're asking boaters to be extra vigilant
when enjoying the river, especially where this pod of manatees has
been seen."
The FWC said boaters should scan the water near, and in front
of, their vessel for swirls resembling large footprints, a
repetitive line of half-moon swirls, a mud trail or manatee snouts
or tails breaking the surface.
Boaters can help manatees stay safe by:
- Wearing polarized sunglasses to improve vision.
- Using poles, paddles or trolling motors when in close proximity
to manatees.
- Having someone aboard to scan the water for signs of manatees
while their vessels are under way.
"If you think you see a manatee, give it plenty of room, because
it may not be alone. It may have a calf or be traveling with
other manatees," Brown said.
For more information about manatees, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee.
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