Boat propeller strikes are the leading human-caused source of manatee injury and death, with clear prevention measures available through speed zone enforcement.
Boat propeller strikes cause catastrophic injuries to manatees: deep parallel lacerations across their bodies that require extensive veterinary treatment when animals survive. Many injured manatees are found with chronic wound infections, lost flukes, and permanent disability from past strikes. The prevention is straightforward — reduced boat speeds in designated manatee zones allow both animals and boaters to detect each other and avoid collision. Enforcement of existing speed zones and expansion to cover new habitat are the primary welfare interventions needed.