Manatees are struck by boats with alarming frequency in Florida waters, and wildlife rehabilitation programs play a critical role in their survival and recovery.
Boat strikes on manatees cause severe blunt trauma and propeller lacerations that can require months of rehabilitation. Injured manatees suffer from pain, infection risk, and the stress of captive rehabilitation environments. Animals that survive often carry permanent injuries limiting their function. Strict boat speed limits in manatee habitat zones are the single most effective welfare intervention.