Governor Crist Issues Proclamation
for Manatee Awareness Month
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. Click this link to view the 2008 Manatee Awareness Month proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist.
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2008
In recognition of Florida’s official marine mammal, Governor Crist recently signed a proclamation to “extend greetings and best wishes to all observing November 2008 as Manatee Awareness Month.” It is a tradition Florida’s governors have supported for many years.
The proclamation states that, “manatees face a very high risk of extinction due to human related threats including the loss of warm winter habitat,” and that “it is important for Floridians to understand their role in protecting manatees, especially in light of near record-setting manatee mortality.”
Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club, agrees. “I hope that during the month of November all Floridians will take a moment to consider what they can do to ensure the long-term survival of the endangered manatee. This is the ideal time to brush up on manatee protection tips and facts. With extra effort from watchful citizens and the boating community, many more manatee lives can be saved in November and beyond,” said Rose.
Save the Manatee Club frequently acts as a clearinghouse for injured manatee calls from the public, helping to facilitate a successful rescue. Over the years, the Club has also assisted manatee rescue efforts by donating rescue boats, tracking and other equipment, as well as funding.
The public is urged to rapidly respond to the following situations by calling 1-888-404-FWCC
(3922), *FWC or #FWC on their cellular phones, or by using VHF Channel 16 on their marine radios:
- If you see a dead manatee.
- If you see a manatee with a pink or red wound. This means the wound is fresh.
- If the manatee is tilting to one side, unable to submerge, seems to have trouble breathing or is acting strangely.
- If you observe a manatee calf by herself with no adults around for an extended period of time. Manatee calves may remain dependent on their mothers for up to two years. If the mother dies before the calf is weaned, there is a strong likelihood the calf will not survive alone.
- If you see anyone harassing a manatee in any way.
- If you see boaters speeding in a protected area.
- If you see a manatee entangled in monofilament, crab-trap lines or other debris. Do not attempt to remove debris by yourself. Debris may be embedded underneath the skin and only a trained veterinarian can adequately assess and treat wounds.
- If you see a manatee tagged with a radio or satellite transmitter.
There are more ways to help with manatee protection. Florida shoreline property owners can request a free aluminum dock sign from Save the Manatee Club which says, “Please Watch for Manatees: Operate with Care.” E-mail education@savethemanatee.org, or call toll free at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) and be sure to include contact information plus the address where the sign will be posted.
Also, the Florida boating public can request a free “Please Slow: Manatees Below” waterproof banner which allows quick communication with other boaters whenever manatees are present.
Free boater awareness posters are also available to dive shops, marinas, businesses, schools and libraries interested in displaying a poster in store-fronts and hi-traffic areas to help educate others about manatee conservation. The message says, “Navigate with Care, Manatees are There,” and encourages the boating community to “Boat Safely.”
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