Manatees are vulnerable to boat strikes due to their surface-feeding behaviour and slow movement, with propeller injuries causing a major welfare burden.
Propeller strike injuries cause severe laceration, internal trauma, and chronic pain in manatees. Fatal strikes cut short the lives of these gentle, long-lived animals. Speed restriction zones are proven interventions. Boater compliance with go-slow areas is the single most impactful measure for reducing manatee boat-strike welfare harm.