How YOU Can Help!
Click this picture for a link to Adopt-A-Manatee
There are several organizations that are trying to increase awareness of the endangerment of manatees. The Save the Manatee Club, started by Jimmy Buffet and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, aims to remind people that human activities are putting manatee lives in danger. The SMC's mission is to protect and recover manatees and their aquatic habitat, educate the public on the reasons for endangerment, and attempt to take manatees off of the endangered list. This group also created the Adopt-A-Manatee program that allows manatee-lovers to adopt a real Florida manatee. The funds go toward rescue, rehabilitation and research efforts, education and public awareness projects, and protects manatees and their habitats through advocacy and legal action.
The Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also offers a "Save the Manatee" license plate. Proceeds go towards research and education programs. Boating accidents are the leading cause of West Indian Manatee deaths, so boaters in manatee habitats are encouraged to go through a number of safety precautions to prevent accidents. They are asked to avoid known habitats, follow speed limits in designated Manatee Zones, use propeller guards on small motorboats, and donate to manatee protection by purchasing a boat decal when registering for their boating license. Boaters should also remember to wear polarized sunglasses to help them see underwater better. It is also recommended that they avoid shallow sea-grass beds where manatees may be feeding and instead stay in deep water.
The Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also offers a "Save the Manatee" license plate. Proceeds go towards research and education programs. Boating accidents are the leading cause of West Indian Manatee deaths, so boaters in manatee habitats are encouraged to go through a number of safety precautions to prevent accidents. They are asked to avoid known habitats, follow speed limits in designated Manatee Zones, use propeller guards on small motorboats, and donate to manatee protection by purchasing a boat decal when registering for their boating license. Boaters should also remember to wear polarized sunglasses to help them see underwater better. It is also recommended that they avoid shallow sea-grass beds where manatees may be feeding and instead stay in deep water.
The Humane Society of the United States also encourages people to report manatees in trouble. If you see an injured, dead, orphaned or harassed manatee, contact the local fish and wildlife conservation group immediately. We also encourage you to spread the word! The more people that are aware of the impending danger facing manatees, the more people that will be able to help save these gentle giants.