Boat propeller strikes are the leading human cause of manatee injury and death in Florida, leaving many survivors with permanent scarring and disability.
Manatees struck by boat propellers suffer deep lacerations, rib fractures, and internal injuries causing acute and prolonged suffering. Survivors with significant injuries require weeks of intensive rehabilitation. Chronic injuries from previous strikes reduce mobility and foraging efficiency causing long-term welfare deficits. Manatees with permanent disabilities may require lifetime care. Each propeller strike victim represents preventable suffering from failure to reduce speed in designated zones. Florida manatees are literally scarred records of human carelessness on the water.