Wildlife

Welfare of Manatees and Boat Strikes

Florida manatees face severe welfare harm from motorboat propeller injuries that are a leading cause of mortality and chronic disfigurement.

Key Facts

Over 80% of adult Florida manatees bear propeller scars from boat collisions
Manatees breathe air and swim slowly near the surface making them vulnerable
Boat speed zones protect manatees but are inconsistently enforced
Cold stress syndrome from unusually cold water causes annual mass mortality events
Florida manatees were delisted from endangered to threatened in 2017 but remain severely affected by boat strikes

Welfare Considerations

Manatee boat strike welfare harm is ongoing and preventable. Propeller wounds cause severe pain and frequently fatal injuries. Speed zones work when enforced. Consumer boating behavior in manatee habitat areas directly determines individual manatee welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Observe speed limits in designated manatee protection zones
Never harass manatees or attempt to ride or touch them
Support enforcement funding for manatee protection zone regulations
Donate to Save the Manatee Club and related organizations