USFWS Special Agent Frank Kuncir (left) and FWCC Officer Scott Prasse work (right) together during Operation Manatee Shield. (Photo courtesty of FWCC)

Over a 10-day period in March 2005, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard coordinated and conducted "Operation Manatee Shield"- a dual coast law enforcement effort patrolling manatee protection speed zones. Operation Manatee Shield was the largest effort to date, including over 35 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in 10 counties working together to protect Florida's endangered manatee.

During the winter, seasonal slow speed, idle speed, and no-entry manatee protection zones go into effect. These zones offer important protection to manatees as they travel to and from warm water sites, and allow manatees to rest harassment free in warm water refuges. As spring approaches, manatees are on the move dispersing away from refuges and boaters should be on the look out for signs that manatees are in the area. Operation Manatee Shield serves as a reminder that compliance with manatee protection speed zones is imperative to keeping manatees safe as they make seasonal movements along Florida's coast.

"Any time you have local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working so well together to raise awareness, protect our natural resources, and promote safe boating, you have a win-win-win situation," says Suzanne Tarr, Save the Manatee Club Staff Biologist. During Operation Manatee Shield, nearly 1300 vessels were stopped and over 1200 citations and warnings were issued. Save the Manatee Club thanks all the agencies and officers for their continued dedication to protect Florida's manatees. Let's hope Operation Manatee Shield becomes an annual event!

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

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