News

Letter to the Editor by Stephanie Cohen
Public Relations Specialist, Save the Manatee Club

November 1, 2024
Contact: media@savethemanaee.org, 407-539-0990

Dear Editor,

As we enter November, it’s time to reflect on an important anniversary for Florida’s iconic marine mammal: Manatee Awareness Month. This year marks 45 years since the late former Governor Bob Graham first declared this special month in 1979, shining a spotlight on the need to protect manatees and their fragile aquatic habitat. These gentle giants, Florida’s official marine mammal, face numerous threats, from habitat loss and watercraft collisions to pollution.

Manatees are particularly vulnerable this time of year, as dropping temperatures force them to seek refuge in Florida’s warm-water sites. Despite their size, manatees cannot tolerate water below 68ºF for long periods, so their survival depends on these critical habitats, and protected sites like Blue Spring State Park in Central Florida become lifesaving sanctuaries each winter.

The public plays a vital role in manatee conservation, especially as this imperiled species returns to their winter refuges. Whether you’re boating, paddling, or enjoying water activities, we all need to keep an eye out for manatees and report any that appear injured or in distress. You can report these sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922 or by texting “FWC” to 847411.

This November, Save the Manatee Club would like to remind everyone of their free educational resources, videos, and celebrated live webcam feeds to help people learn more about these unique animals and how to protect them. It’s a chance for all of us to get involved, whether by volunteering, advocating for stronger conservation policies, or simply spreading awareness. 

This 45th Manatee Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that protecting Florida’s manatees is a shared responsibility. As we celebrate how far we’ve come, we must also recognize the work that still lies ahead to ensure manatees, and their habitat are safeguarded for future generations.

For the manatees,
Stephanie Cohen

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Stephanie Cohen is the Public Relations Specialist at Save the Manatee Club, whose work focuses on manatee outreach and conservation. She has her Master’s in Science from Canisius University in Anthrozoology.