See How Your Donations Are Making A Difference By Protecting Manatees From Extinction
Matthew Russell
The manatee, also known as the sea cow, is a gentle marine mammal that inhabits the waters of Florida and the Caribbean. According to Ocean Conservancy, these creatures have been around for millions of years, but today they are facing a number of serious threats that could lead to their extinction.
Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife FoundationManatees, also known as sea cows, are gentle giants of the ocean.
Hope for the Manatee
Despite these threats, generous donations from readers like you may help save these animals for future generations. Our holiday campaign funded the donation of 36,000 pounds of produce to feed starving orphan manatee calves off the coast of Florida through Greater Good Charities’ Project Peril program.
Thanks to your support of manatees and many other important causes, GreaterGood reached our $4M fundraising goal for 2022, allowing us to help people, pets and the planet right here at home and around the world! We've set our sights higher in 2023 with a goal to raise $5M. Please consider giving a gift to help support these vital manatee conservation efforts!
GreaterGood and Greater Good Charities previously raised and granted $103,000 to help feed the manatees in areas where the natural feeding habitat of mangrove trees had been all but destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Those funds were granted to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, which gave $35K each to the Jacksonville Zoo and Zoo Tampa. The remaining funds are being allocated to a restoration site at Lake George along the St. John's River, where seagrass will be replanted in a known manatee wintering site.
Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife FoundationThese slow-moving herbivores can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and measure up to 13 feet in length.
Since its founding in 1994, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida has raised and steered some $60 million to various educational programs and conservation causes ranging from species, waterways and landscape protection to recreational opportunities.
Since January 1, 2021, over 170 manatees have been rescued and brought to care facilities statewide. At least 80 of these rescues were necessary due to natural causes like starvation. This marks a devastating increase compared to the 27 manatees rescued in 2020 from natural causes. Sadly, 23 of the rescued manatees were orphaned calves. Mothers who can’t find enough food for themselves feed their babies until they’re no longer able to. Fortunately, rehabilitation facilities have a 96% success rate at rehabilitating and releasing manatee calves.
Photo: From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generous giving in 2022 and encourage you to continue giving generously in 2023 as we work toward our goal of $5m donated.
But the manatee is not out of the weeds yet.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Andrea IzzottiDue to habitat loss and human interactions, the manatee population is currently considered endangered.
The Manatee still needs your help
One of the biggest threats to manatees is habitat loss, reports Save the Manatee. The construction of dams, canals, and other water-control structures has fragmented and destroyed their natural habitats, making it difficult for them to find food and shelter. In addition, the pollution of rivers and coastal waters has made it difficult for manatees to find clean water to drink, Fight For Zero reports.
According to CBS News, In 2021, 1,110 manatees (about 15% of the population) passed away, making it the deadliest year on record. Most of these deaths occurred due to starvation.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Jeff StamerManatee conservation efforts, such as creating protected habitats and limiting boat speeds, aim to ensure the survival of these unique creatures.
A large power plant in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) of Florida provides warm waters during the winter months. Nearly one-third of Florida Manatees seek out these warm waters every winter, but the IRL has lost 60% of its seagrass beds due to harmful algal blooms and poor water quality, leaving manatees to starve. Work is in progress to replant seagrass beds and provide supplemental feeding, but more must be done to respond to this crisis if the manatee is to survive.
Another major threat to manatees is boat strikes. Every year, hundreds of manatees are killed or injured by boats and personal watercraft, reports the Center for Biological Diversity. These injuries can be fatal, and even those that survive often suffer from permanent damage. To reduce the number of boat strikes, it is important for boaters to be aware of the presence of manatees and to obey posted speed limits in areas where manatees are known to congregate.
Red tides, caused by high concentrations of toxic algae, also pose a serious threat to manatees. These toxins can cause respiratory problems and even death, and red tides have been known to kill large numbers of manatees in a short period of time.
Photo: Adobe Stock / NICOLAS LARENTOManatees are an endangered species, with only around 6,500 individuals remaining in the wild.
To help protect manatees, conservation efforts are underway to preserve and restore their habitats, and to educate boaters and the general public about the importance of respecting and protecting these gentle creatures. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Florida manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, and the species is also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.
You can also help make a difference. Here are five ways you can help save the manatee from extinction:
5. Reduce boat speed in manatee habitats
One of the biggest threats to manatees is boat strikes. Every year, hundreds of manatees are killed or injured by boats and personal watercraft. By reducing speed in areas where manatees are known to congregate, boaters can help to reduce the number of boat strikes and protect these gentle creatures, Sailors for the Sea reports.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Andrea IzzottiThreats to manatees include habitat destruction, boat strikes, and cold stress during winter months.
4. Report injured or dead manatees
If you spot an injured or dead manatee, please report it to the local authorities. This will help to monitor the population of manatees and make sure that they are getting the protection they need.
Photo: Adobe Stock / melissaConservation efforts, such as the creation of manatee sanctuaries and stricter boating regulations, aim to protect and preserve these unique marine mammals.
3. Be mindful of water pollution
Water pollution can harm manatees and their habitat. Be mindful of the products you use and how they may contribute to water pollution, and support efforts to clean up and protect bodies of water in manatee habitats.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Jeff StamerA close-up of a manatee's face shows the gentle and docile nature of these marine mammals.
2. Spread awareness
Share information about the plight of the manatee with friends, family, and local community members. The more people who know about the challenges facing manatees, the more people who will be willing to help protect them.
Photo: Adobe Stock / NICOLAS LARENTOThese slow-moving marine mammals can often be found grazing on seagrass beds.
1. Support conservation efforts
Support organizations that are working to protect and preserve manatee habitats, like Greater Good Charities' Project Peril. Donations to Project Peril, a program of Greater Good Charities, support its work in purchasing produce, especially leafy greens, for manatees recovering from malnutrition.
Photo: Adobe Stock / melissaDue to habitat loss and human interactions, the manatee population is currently considered endangered.
Manatees are facing a number of serious threats that could lead to their extinction. It is crucial that we take action now to protect these gentle marine mammals and their habitats.
By working together and taking small actions, we can make a big impact in saving the manatees for future generations. Sign the pledge to save manatees and click below to make a difference!
