Manatee Herd Delights Marco Beach Walkers

During the early sunrise morning hours of July 3rd, nature’s gift unfolded for the lucky beach walkers on Crescent Beach. First came the loud splashes and what looked like manatees thrashing or playing in the shallow waters with flukes and flippers visible. The initial concern was that a manatee might be injured. It soon became apparent to most of the beach walkers that they were witnessing a manatee mating ritual.

According to Save the Manatee, a single female or cow will be followed by a group of a dozen or more bulls forming a mating herd. They mate in the spring through fall and it is quite common for the female to come close to shore in shallow water. Keeping their distance from the water, beach walkers started recording the mating ritual with their cell phone cameras. Kim Nussbaum of Marco was on the beach that morning along with a group of walkers and remarked, “Islanders got more than fireworks this 4th of July!”

According to FWC, the manatee is Florida’s state marine mammal and is one of the State’s most imperiled species protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy, or molest manatees.

The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee and is native to Florida. They are large, gray in color, with tube-shaped and leathery looking skin with whiskers, flippers and paddle-shaped tails. Often referred to as “sea cows” due to their grazing habits.

Unfortunately, manatee mortality remains high in Florida. In 2022, the total number of manatee deaths in Florida (800) was higher than the five-year average (741) and fortunately was less than the record number in 2021 (1,100). In 2021, an estimated 1,100 manatees died from starvation, and experts say it was due to severe seagrass loss (manatee’s favorite food) on the Indian River Lagoon due to persistent algal bloom. Statewide data shows that in the first half of 2023 (January to June 2023) there have been 345 manatee deaths across Florida with boat strike as the leading cause.

Did you know? The average lifespan of manatees is 40 years old. If they can keep out of the way of boats and find plenty of food, they can live long lives. Snooty was the oldest known manatee who lived to be 69 years old in captivity – a World record!

These are examples of illegal activities found in FWC’s “Guidelines for Protecting Florida Manatees”:

• Disturbing manatee mating herds

• Separating a mother and calf

• Pursuing or chasing manatees either while swimming or with a vessel

• Disturbing resting manatees

• Hitting, jumping on, standing on, holding on to or attempting to ride manatees

• Fishing for or attempting to hook or catch a manatee

• Giving food or water to manatees, or using food or water to attract manatees

• Blocking a manatee’s path

Frequently Asked Questions on Manatees

Can I be arrested for touching a manatee? You will not be arrested if a manatee brushes up against you.  But practically anything you might want to do to a manatee is illegal.  Touching a manatee is punishable under the Manatee Sanctuary Act with a fine of up to $500 and/or jail time of up to 60 days.

Can I feed manatees? No. Don't feed manatees or give them water. The more they get used to being around people, the more they lose their natural fear of humans and boats which can be very dangerous for the animal. Also, it's illegal.

FWC said it’s common to see a manatee mating herd in shallow waters near the shore in the upcoming months and caution to keep a good distance away and not to approach them. But if you find any sick, injured or dead manatees, please call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922.