USFWS Special Agent Frank Kuncir (left) and FWCC Officer Scott Prasse (right) work together on law enforcement efforts to protect manatees. (Photo courtesy of FWCC)

By Suzanne Tarr, SMC Volunteer

In December, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) launched “Operation Slow Speed,” the largest statewide law enforcement effort yet designed to enforce manatee protection speed zones and keep the waterways safer for both manatees and the public. Over the weekend of December 3, the FWCC worked alongside 45 federal, county, and local law enforcement agencies in 19 counties.

It’s been a tough year for manatees. Red tide events have caused manatee deaths along Florida’s west coast. In addition, recent hurricanes caused major damage to signs in several waterways, making protective zones unenforceable. Worse yet, missing signs put manatees at additional risk from boaters who may not know zones exist. Before Operation Slow Speed, nearly 360 manatees had died, including at least 70 manatee deaths from watercraft injuries.

Although recent hurricanes caused major damage to signs in several waterways, on the east coast the FWCC worked with the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to survey and replace missing and damaged signs in time for the winter migration. SMC thanks FWCC Officer Scott Prasse for largely coordinating Operation Slow Speed and for working with FIND’s Mark Tamblyn to make sure the important manatee zones in Palm Beach County were enforceable. Nearly 400 manatees travel through Palm Beach County and use the Riviera Beach power plant as a warm water refuge. Without protective slow and idle speed zones, the trip for manatees would be much more treacherous.

Although the weather wasn’t the best for boating, law enforcement officers made contact with about 5,000 boaters on nearly 1,800 vessels. Approximately 750 warnings and citations were issued. Cooperative law enforcement efforts not only protect manatees, but also educate boaters, raise awareness, and promote environmental stewardship. We think this is an excellent way to have started the winter manatee season!

For more information on safe boating, go to
Manatee Protection Tips for Boaters!

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