Manatee Research

Mitigate the effects of invasive species of plant, Salvinia molesta, in Lake Ossa, Cameroon—African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization

The invasive plant Salvinia molesta had overtaken Lake Ossa and damaged vegetation vital to manatees. Funding supported the introduction of the Salvinia weevil, a natural predator of the plant, which led to a 20% reduction in Salvinia coverage within a year.

Identifying the effects of exposure of submerged aquatic plants to exposure to glyphosate—University of Florida

The study investigated if glyphosate concentrations released into the water could diminish populations and nutritional quality of native seagrasses, which are consumed by manatees

Manatee mortality in Nigeria, Africa—Biodiversity Preservation Center, African Aquatic Conservation Fund

Threat assessments and habitat monitoring were conducted in the Akwa-Cross region to track manatee hunting and regular patrols to locate and remove harmful nets and traps.

Manatee education in Cameroon, Africa—African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization

Assisted in purchase of a truck, which enhanced fieldwork opportunities and enabled access to more villages to increase scope of education and outreach programs.

Support capacity building, research, rescue of manatees in the Amazon estuary   

Local veterinarians, zookeepers, rangers, and zoo technicians received training in the care and evaluation of rescued manatee calves. Researchers met with Mosqueiro Environmental Park staff to plan educational workshops for children and teens. Genetic samples from four manatees were collected for DNA analysis.

Body condition of manatees using aerial imagery from drones—Save the Manatee Club, University of Florida, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Geological Survey

Drones provide a non-invasive way to assess manatee body condition by capturing high-resolution aerial images. Researchers use these images to take precise measurements of body shape, which can offer valuable insights into the health of manatees.

Aquatic Vegetation and Manatee Nutrition Study—Florida International University

This study investigated what influences Florida manatees' food choices in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and how these choices change with seagrass availability. Researchers analyzed the nutritional content of common forage species to understand how manatees select food based on nutrient quality and availability.

Aerial surveys for Health Assessments at Cape Canaveral Energy Center and FPL—Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife

Aerial surveys are used to locate animals, which are then captured and brought ashore for health assessments. This process was integral in evaluating manatee body condition during the Unusual Mortality Event.

Acoustic and citizen science project in Haiti—Haiti Ocean Project, Save the Manatee Club

This project investigates whether Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) still use coastal areas in southern Haiti, where they once thrived but haven’t been confirmed since the 1980s due to decades of hunting. The study focuses on three sites using acoustic monitoring and interviews with local residents and fishers to detect manatee presence, along with education and advocacy efforts.

Acoustic research on the African manatee—African Aquatic Conservation Fund, Save the Manatee Club

This study aims to assess the threats, distribution, and habitat use of African manatees in the Lower Ntem River. The objectives are to:

• conduct interviews to assess manatee threats and distribution
• conduct passive acoustic monitoring of manatees to assess habitat use
• raise awareness about the need for manatee conservation