Wildlife

Manatee Boat Strike Prevention and Welfare

West Indian manatees suffer thousands of boat propeller injuries annually, making watercraft strikes one of the leading causes of injury and death.

Key Facts

Over 40 percent of living manatees bear propeller scars from boat strikes
Florida manatee deaths from watercraft exceeded 100 annually in recent years
Most strikes occur in warm water aggregation areas in winter
Speed zones in critical manatee habitat reduce but do not eliminate collisions
Manatees are listed as Threatened under the US Endangered Species Act

Welfare Considerations

Manatees struck by boats suffer severe lacerations, broken ribs, and internal injuries that cause prolonged suffering. Non-fatal injuries leave permanent scars and may cause chronic pain. Speed restrictions and idle-only zones in manatee habitat are the most effective interventions to reduce this preventable harm.

What You Can Do

Observe posted speed limits when boating in Florida waterways
Use propeller guards in high-risk manatee areas
Report injured manatees to FWC immediately
Support enforcement of existing watercraft speed zones
Donate to manatee rehabilitation programs and conservation organizations