Did you know that manatees are being found in Pensacola and Perdido Bays and Rivers more frequently?
Photo by John Starrett, DISL/MSN Contributor.
You can help by reporting sightings!
Report Manatee Sightings via the Manatee Sighting Network.
If you have seen a sick or injured manatee, call FWC's Wildlife Alert Toll-Free:
1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922), press "7" for operator.
Or Dial *FWC or #FWC from a cell phone.
YOU can help protect manatees
VOLUNTEER:
- We are looking for volunteers to help us get the word out to other area residents and visitors, especially boaters and those who spend time along our coastal and inland waterways. Primary volunteer tasks include speaking to boaters at ramps and marinas, speaking to anglers at fishing piers and docks, engaging community members and visitors at events and festivals, and distributing outreach materials to visitors centers, water-related businesses, and other outlets.
- Volunteers must be 18+ to participate. E-mail [email protected] for more information about how you can get involved and subscribe to our monthly Volunteer Newsletter to stay up to date on volunteer training days and opportunities!
WHILE BOATING:
- Boat strikes are the leading human-related cause of manatee deaths. Operate with care and at Slow Speed when traveling through seagrass beds, manatee’s primary habitat
- Keep an eye out for manatees – look for their snouts, shadows in the water, or swirls of smoother water
- Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility
- Manatees also get entangled or accidently ingest marine debris. Safely dispose of fishing line and anything else that might entangle a manatee
- Clean up any trash and debris in and around the water
- If you accidently hit a manatee, report it immediately
- Report any manatee sightings to the Manatee Sighting Network
AT HOME:
- Reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticide you apply to your yard, especially if you live close to the water. Chemicals in our water harm seagrasses, manatee’s primary food source
- Manatees also get entangled or accidently ingest marine debris. Clean up any trash and debris, especially around the coastline, especially fishing line, plastic straps, and anything else that might entangle a manatee
Pensacola Bay Watershed Manatee Sightings
Perdido Bay Watershed Manatee Sightings
Data courtesy of: Carmichael RH, Hieb E, Aven A, Taylor N, Seely C, Delo J, Pabody C (2022). Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Manatee Sighting Network Database (1912-2022). Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama, USA. https://data.disl.edu/dataset/the-west-indian-manatee-population-in-mobile-bay-al-and-surrounding-waters-1912-2021 (last accessed 24 Jan 2023).
