March 2024

Several people are in a pool, surrounding a manatee in a tarp that is being lifted by a crane. Another manatee is seen swimming in the pool.

Romeo And Juliet Removed From Seaquarium

A long time ago, the story of Romeo and Juliet began. But these were no fictional and overly-dramatic teenagers—they were manatees!

A young manatee facing forward, resting on a tarp while a rescue team prepares her for release.

Reckless And Churro Go Home!

It has been a busy winter for our partners from the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, with many rescues and releases across the state.

Two volunteers in bright lifejackets sit on a pontoon boat that has a banner reading, "Manatee Watch."

Multiple Cold Fronts Bring In Hundreds Of Manatees

There was excellent weather to view wintering manatees in the Homosassa Spring, spring run, and sanctuaries. Over 200 manatees were estimated to be in the area!

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Roller Coaster Weather Had Manatees Coming And Going

The season started on November 6, 2023, with 76 manatees present. Since then, weather changes caused manatee counts to wildly fluctuate.

Vector in Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of FWC.

Several Coastal Adoptee Sightings This Winter Season

After not being able to report much on our coastal adoptees these last several months, a few made some appearances this winter!

DISL/MSN staff collect field samples using testing equipment and protective gear donated through our wish list.
Photo courtesy of DISL/MSN.

Supporting The Heroes Who Protect Manatees

At the end of 2023, we asked our supporters for item donations from our wish list, and the support truly warmed our hearts.

The Club produces bright yellow, waterproof boating banners and provides them to Florida boaters to help warn other boaters when manatees are sighted in the area. By carrying the “Please Slow Manatees Below” banner in motor boats, kayaks, and canoes, it becomes easier to alert other boaters to the presence of manatees.

March Is For Manatee Appreciation, Seagrass Awareness

Every day is a good day to celebrate manatees, but dedicated awareness days provide an opportunity to spotlight critical issues and initiate conversations.

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Mortalities Decline From Record, But Remain High

Total manatee mortality has fallen for the second year in a row on the east coast of Florida and in the state, however the number of deaths is still staggering.

TexasTeeMiguel in Crystal River, outfitted with a tagging belt. Photo courtesy of J. Spannon, DISL/MSN contributor.

No Sighting Of Bama Over The Winter

While Bama hasn’t been sighted, formerly tagged manatees have been re-sighted and some of them re-tagged at warm-water refuge sites in peninsular Florida.

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20th Annual Save the Manatee 5K Raises $41,000!

This year’s in-person Save the Manatee 5K will be Saturday, September 28, in Harrison Township, and the virtual option is available year-round!