Florida's Dying Manatees: Animals Die From Starvation, Habitat Loss, Red Tide Bloom

According to the latest report, the manatee deaths in Florida managed to slow down due to seagrass recovery.

In 2022, about 669 manatees died.

Experts have been monitoring the population of manatees, which usually suffer from habitat loss, starvation and red tide bloom.

They may not look small, but manatees stay in shallow waters, estuaries and coastal areas where seagrass is present . The adult manatees can weigh up to 3,500 pounds.

Manatees moves and travel around in parts of South Carolina, Texas and Alabama during the summer. In the winter season, they move to parts of Florida.

The urgent protection of manatees is essential to save their species from decline, especially since they could slowly repopulate.

Dying Manatees in Florida

Florida is a favorite place of manatees during the winter season. They also prefer to swim over the coast of Louisiana and West Texas.

The warmer waters in Florida cause them to migrate in the region.

Manatees, also known as sea cows, can stay in seagrass. Even if they don't have external ear lobs, they can swim and hear around their area for possible predators.

Recently, experts were concerned about the trend of manatee deaths in parts of Florida. While the record slowed down, the urgent conservation of manatees is crucial.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatee Program showed at least 7,520 animals.

In addition, the report revealed the decline in deaths in 2022.

• 2021 recorded 928 deaths of manatees
• 2022 recorded 669 deaths of manatees

According to the report, the migration of manatees in winter months could likely lead to the deaths of manatees due to starvation.

The Indian River Lagoon, a vital area for manatees, suffers from seagrass decline. As a result, seagrass recovery in the said areas helped slow down the deaths of manatees.

Furthermore, the manatees also die from shipping or vessel collisions. They also suffer from human-related causes and stress.

Because manatees can swim into canals, they can likely consume fishing hooks or other toxic materials. Fishing gear entanglement can also harm their species.

Recently, 12 manatees were finally released to the wild. They were rescued after suffering from injuries and starvation on Florida's coast.

To monitor the manatees, researchers put GPS tracking devices to save aquatic animals from potential threats better.

In Florida, the Blue Spring State Park is essential for manatees' habitat and conservation.

More facts about the manatees in Florida

Manatee mothers take good care of their calves for at least two years, and the young animal stays with her mother.

To consume aquatic plants, they use their upper lips to move and catch possible food or seagrasses.

Unlike other animals, the report showed that manatees' heartbeat can reach 50 to 60 beats per minute.

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