Manatees and dugongs are slow-moving herbivorous marine mammals facing threats from boat strikes, entanglement, and habitat loss. Their welfare needs are distinctive and their recovery requires specific protections.
Manatee and dugong welfare is compromised primarily by human infrastructure and activity in their coastal habitat. Boat strike injuries cause severe wounds and pain before death, or permanent disfigurement in survivors. Cold stress events cause hypothermia and immune suppression. Seagrass loss through pollution forces manatees to travel further for food, increasing exposure to boats and cold. Speed zones in manatee habitat areas are among the most direct and effective welfare interventions.