The Endangered Species Coalition and the Save the Manatee Club are working together to protect manatee habitats.
Florida manatees, often called “sea cows,” typically grow between 9.5 and 13.5 feet/2.9 and 4.11 meters in length and can weigh up to 3,500 pounds/1,588 kilos. With no natural predators and limited eyesight, seeing only up to four feet ahead. They navigate coastal waters slowly and peacefully. For centuries, sailors mistook these gentle giants for mermaids.
Despite growing conservation efforts, manatees remain threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Poor water quality and warming ocean conditions have devastated seagrass beds, the primary food source for manatees. Contributing significantly to a recent population decline. Trash, debris and habitat destruction further disrupt their grazing and migration patterns.
Endangered Species Coalition Executive Director Susan Holmes said:
“Manatees were one of the first animals protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1973, and their recovery is deeply connected to the Act. When they were first listed, there were fewer than 1000 manatees in the United States. Today, there are over 8,000 of these gentle giants. The Endangered Species Coalition is raising awareness about these iconic marine mammals on Manatee Day to inspire the public to take action and to spread awareness about the Endangered Species Act and the amazing things it does to protect our most endangered wildlife.”
The Endangered Species Act is the US’s strongest and most effective law for preventing extinction. It has stopped the extinction of more than 99% of the species under its protection, including the Florida manatee, by providing habitat conservation, recovery planning and limits on harmful human activities.
In recent years, manatee populations have begun to recover. In Crystal River, Florida, hundreds of manatees congregate in the warm, constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit/22 degrees Celsius springs each year, a testament to what conservation protections can achieve, according to the coalition. Responsible ecotourism, through certified and ethical tour operators, allows people to swim alongside manatees without touching or harassing them, keeping both visitors and manatees safe and happy.
