Conservation Efforts
While natural causes such as diseases may be threatening to manatees, the primary threat to not just manatees but to many animals throughout the world comes from human encroachment.Over the years many federal and state laws have been passed to protect Manatees around Florida. The Marine Mammal Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prohibited the hunting, capturing, killing or harassing manatees. Yet still manatee deaths still occur in extensive amounts.
Manatee Scars
In 1999, the manatee death toll reached the all time high of 268 deaths within
the first three months of that year. Most of these deaths occurred due to
collision with boats.
Sadly, it took 1999s wake up call to help us to remember just how crucial the manatee situation is. Since then Manatee deaths have been steadily decreasing and just recently the status of Manatees has been lowered from Endangered to Vulnerable.
( I credit George Stover Adventure Productions for this informative video. )
The Save the Manatees Club is dedicated to insuring the survival of the Manatees.