Dugong and Manatee Welfare: Gentle Giants Under Threat

Dugongs and manatees are slow-moving herbivores that face welfare threats from boat strikes, entanglement, and habitat loss.

Key Facts

Dugongs are listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List
Manatees in Florida show extensive scarring from boat propellers on most individuals
They feed on seagrass beds which are declining globally from water pollution and coastal development
Manatees can be cold-stunned during winter when water temperatures drop unexpectedly
Dugongs and manatees reproduce very slowly with single calves born after 12 to 14 month pregnancies

Welfare Considerations

Boat strike injuries are a major cause of chronic suffering in manatees and dugongs. Propeller scars cover most Florida manatees and cause lasting injury. Cold stunning in winter causes hypothermia, immune suppression, and opportunistic infections in manatees. Seagrass habitat loss forces animals to travel further for food, increasing energy expenditure. Entanglement in fishing gear causes drowning and injury. Each individual lost takes decades to replace due to slow reproduction.

What You Can Do

Observe boat speed limits in manatee and dugong zones strictly
Support seagrass restoration projects in dugong habitat areas
Donate to the Save the Manatee Club which funds rescue and research
Advocate for mandatory speed zones near manatee habitat in Florida and Caribbean
Reduce agricultural runoff pollution through support for cleaner farming practices near coastal areas