Governor Supports Manatee Protection;
Signs 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. View the ‘09 Manatee Awareness Month proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Crist.
For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009
Governor Charlie Crist recently issued a proclamation recognizing November 2009 as Manatee Awareness Month, a tradition supported by Florida’s governors for many years. Manatees are listed as endangered at the state, federal, and international levels. The proclamation states, “Manatees face the risk of extinction due to human related threats.”
Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club, credits Governor Crist with helping to bring much needed attention and support to protect Florida’s official marine mammal at a time when it is critically needed.
Rose explains that despite more recent gains in manatee protection measures, this year is proving to be one of the worst for manatees. “It is likely that by year’s end, the total number of manatee deaths from all causes – and the number of manatees killed by boats – will be higher than in any previous year. Already this year, more than 374 manatees have died from all causes, and historically, collisions with watercraft represent nearly 34% of all manatee deaths where a cause of death could be determined. Clearly, first and foremost, we must expand our efforts to raise public awareness about the presence of manatees in our waters and to reach more people about how to help prevent their deaths, including the millions who vacation here from outside Florida and around the world.”
Another serious threat to the manatee population is the potential loss of warm-water winter habitat, such as natural springs and the outfalls of power plants, where manatees gather to keep warm during winter cold spells. Manatees cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Governor Crist’s commitment to proclaim November as Manatee Awareness Month puts the endangered manatee in the spotlight, and highlights the threats to their long-term survival and how we can all help,” added Rose. “There is much we can do together to safeguard Florida’s docile and defenseless manatee, like obeying posted speed zones and properly disposing of our trash when boating. Thankfully, manatees are cherished by so many, and for that we remain hopeful and optimistic.”
The Club provides a variety of ways for the public 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 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 helps to alert other boaters whenever manatees are present.
Free boater awareness posters and posters discouraging harassment are also available to dive shops, marinas, businesses, visitor centers, schools and libraries interested in displaying them in areas to help educate others about manatee conservation.
###
Return to the Manatee News page
