Boat strikes are the leading cause of non-natural manatee mortality in Florida, causing traumatic injuries to one of North America most beloved marine mammals.
Manatees struck by propellers sustain severe lacerations that can cause death from blood loss or secondary infection. Survivors carry permanent disfiguring scars and some have lost flippers or sections of their tails. Injuries cause significant pain during healing and may affect swimming and feeding efficiency permanently. The cumulative impact of chronic boat traffic in warm-water refugia causes chronic disturbance stress beyond direct injury.