JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sixteen manatees died in Duval County last year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Statewide 518 died in a variety of ways.
Manatees are a threatened species because of pollution, climate change and hunting. Many wind up injured due to collisions with boats and ships in shallow water.
Spring is a particularly important season for boaters to go slow and look below for manatee.
The slow-moving mammals naturally leave their winter habitats, traveling to other parts of the state.
While manatees are large, they can be difficult to see in the water.
That is why it is important to go slow and follow all manatee protection zones, wear polarized glasses and look out below while boating or using personal watercraft.
A visible snout or large circles on the water are indicators that manatees are below the surface -- and always give manatees space.
A reminder that while manatees are friendly, in Florida, it is illegal to harass, disturb, or play with them.