Protect Our Natural Heritage – Protect Manatees
It’s Patriotic!
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Crystal River Mayor Ron Kitchens and SMC Board of Directors Co-Chair Helen Spivey with the red, white, and blue sculpture of a manatee presented by the Club to the city.
(Photo courtesy of Helen Spivey.)
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For further information, contact:
Janice Nearing,
Director of Public Relations
Phone: (407) 539-0990
E-mail: jnearing@
savethemanatee.org
Note: A high resolution jpeg (300 dpi) of a manatee image is available upon request. Also, check out the Club’s new Boat Safely PSAs to feature in your publication.
For Immediate Release: June 14, 2007
Parades, picnics and fireworks add to the fun and patriotic good times on the 4th of July. Expressions of patriotism, though, explains Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club, can extend further. “Conservation of our country’s natural resources is a concern shared by most Americans,” he says. “Protecting our forests, wetlands, and endangered species, including Florida’s manatees, are all part of being patriotic.”
And there’s plenty to watch out for and help protect on Florida’s busy waterways during the upcoming Independence Day holiday -- from the wildlife to the many people enjoying summer recreation with family and friends. There are over one million registered boats in Florida along with another 500,000 boats from other states that also share the waters, putting manatees, other aquatic wildlife, and the boating public at risk. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer, Joanne Adams, 38 people have died in Florida boating accidents so far this year. A news release issued by the FWC last month emphasized a concern that if the pace continues, “2007 will eclipse the all-time record for Sunshine State boating fatalities by a wide margin.” “Learn how to boat safely,” advises Rose, who is an avid boater, fisherman and diver. “Learn where the speed zones are, pay attention, and be responsible.”
Also keep in mind, collisions with boats are the major cause of manatee injuries and deaths. There were 417 manatee deaths recorded in 2006, and 92 were the result of watercraft -- six more than the FWC originally reported.
Those who plan to be out on the waterways on the 4th of July can show their patriotic spirit by watching out for others in their community, and by following these general guidelines to help protect Florida’s manatees, which are part of our country’s rich and diverse natural heritage.
Wear polarized sunglasses, as they can help eliminate the glare of the sun and can help you see below the water’s surface.
Stay in deep water channels, and follow all posted boat speed regulations.
Avoid boating over shallow sea grass beds where manatees might be feeding.
Look for the manatee’s snout, back, tail, or flipper breaking the surface of the water. A swirl or a flat spot on the water signals a manatee may be swimming below.
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And if you see a manatee when operating a powerboat, remain a safe distance away – about 50 feet. If you want to observe the manatee, cut the motor, but don’t drift over the animal.
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Also, if you spot an injured, dead, tagged or orphaned manatee, or if you see a manatee who is being harassed, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on your cellular phone, or use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio.
Florida boaters can request a free, “Please Slow: Manatees Below” bright yellow waterproof banner by contacting Save the Manatee Club via e-mail at education@savethemanatee.org, by regular mail at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751, or by calling toll free at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). Please include your name, mailing and e-mail addresses, along with the area where you boat in Florida. The banners can be used to quickly alert other boaters that manatees are present in the area.
In addition, Florida shoreline property owners can get a free aluminum dock sign which reads, “Please Watch for Manatees: Operate With Care.” Include your name, address where the sign will be posted, and mailing address (if different).
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