Help End Manatee Harassment
in Crystal River, Florida!

Videos show people grabbing, walking on, and riding manatees

Background on the Issue:

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is comprised of 80 acres encompassing 20 islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by the spring fed waters of Kings Bay. The refuge aids in preserving Florida’s most significant naturally occurring warm water refuge for the manatees and provides critical habitat for hundreds of the nation’s endangered Florida manatee population. In addition, the refuge provides habitat and protection for other wildlife species including wading birds, raptors, alligators, and fish.

Manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act, so grabbing them, feeding, surrounding, or chasing them can be considered harassment and is therefore illegal. Harassment alters the manatee’s behavior in the wild, perhaps causing them to leave a warm water area, which makes them susceptible to potential harm. Also, people can inadvertently separate a mother and calf by trying to touch manatees. Manatee calves depend on the care of their mothers for up to two years, so a calf that is separated from his or her mother could ultimately die without her.

Due to budget cuts, staffing has been severely reduced for the Chassahowitzka NWR Complex (of which Crystal River NWR is only one of five refuges). For the entire Refuge Complex, there is only one full-time law enforcement officer. This number needs to be increased and needs to include at least 1 full-time law enforcement officer dedicated solely to the Crystal River NWR.

More Info on the Management Plan Process:

The USFWS is currently working on a new Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Crystal River NWR. The plan will address the management of plant species, wildlife and fish populations, endangered species, cultural resources, contaminants, public use, education, research, and partnerships. The CCP will establish management direction for the refuge for a 15-year period.

See other videos and articles:

How Close is Too Close When Humans Meet Manatees?
Read an article in the St. Petersburg Times
on the recent meeting in Crystal River, FL

Managing Manatees
Read an article on the manatee harassment
issue in the St. Petersburg Times

Manatee Paparazzi
Another video documenting harassment at Crystal River

Blue Spring and Crystal River
A video comparison of manatee viewing practices at both locations

Please Don't Ride The Manatees
Read an article in the St. Petersburg Times documenting
harassment in the Homosassa River

Manatee Petting: Just Good Fun Or Harassment?
Read an article in the St. Petersburg Times
View the accompanying video