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Protecting Manatees

Introduction | Basic dos and don'ts | Designated manatees refuges | Observing posted signs | Protection by law

Introduction

To protect the manatee, swimmers, boaters and divers need to be aware. Look but don't touch. Interactions with humans may be hazardous to the manatee's well-being. This topic explains what you can do to protect manatees, as well as how you can help.

Basic dos and don'ts

Background

The Florida manatee is an endangered species and is protected by state and federal law.

Don't harass manatees

Please avoid harassing or disturbing manatees. Harassment is defined as: any activity that alters the animal's natural behavior. By altering the manatee's natural behavior, you may create the likelihood of danger that is bad for the animal and against the law.

Guidelines

Here are some guidelines for being near manatees:

Designated manatees refuges

There are areas that are designated "No Entry - Manatee Refuge." These areas have been identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services as crucial for manatee survival.

Observing posted signs

The following table explains the various signs that are posted.

Sign	Explanation
Idle Speed Zone	An idle speed zone is a zone in which boats are not permitted to go any faster than necessary to be steered.
Slow Speed Zone	A slow speed zone is a minimum wake zone where boats must not be on a plane and must be level in the water.
Caution Area	A caution area is an area frequently inhabited by manatees, requiring caution on the part of boaters to avoid disturbing or injuring the animals.
Resume Normal Safe Operation	Resume Normal Safe Operation is a sign indicating that you may resume safe boating speed; visible as you leave a protected area.
No Entry Zone	A No Entry Zone is a protected zone that prohibits boating, swimming and diving for the protection of manatees.

Protection by law

Federal laws

The manatee is protected under federal and state law as described in the table below.

Act Name	Description
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and Endangered Species Act of 1973	These acts make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal.
Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978	This act states: "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass or disturb any manatee."

Associated fines

Anyone convicted of violating this state law faces a possible maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison. The State of Florida can pursue prosecution under federal law in circumstances of extreme harassment, resulting in the death or injury of a manatee.