MIAMI—The Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Miami-Dade Police, and the City of Miami Police-Marine Patrol units, all increased their enforcement in manatee and no-wake zones throughout the Miami area, especially the Miami River and Black Point Channel, starting Saturday Aug. 13. The main purpose is to keep manatees from being hit by boats, and of course to prevent human injuries. According to an announcement, they will not tolerate any speeding boats.
All watercraft vehicles are reminded to take precaution in slow-speed and wildlife protection areas.
As recreational boaters prepare for Florida’s waterways for the last holiday weekend, the Save the Manatee Club sends out reminders to exercise safe boating practices and to take extra precautions for endangered manatees.
According to the United States Coast Guard in their 2010 annual report, Florida had 608 accidents and casualty damages up to $7,408,264—the worst figures in the nation for recreational boating.
“We have enacted speed zones for areas that are high coincidences with boats and narrow passageways based on scientific data. The leading cause of manatee mortality rate comes from watercraft mobility, the second being natural causes which include red tide and stress from the cold weather, as manatees suffer when it is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Thomas Reinert, a research administrator for the Manatee Program at the FWC in a telephone interview.
The manatee protection rules established by the FWC restrict the speed and operation of vessels to protect these marine mammals in areas that are especially important to these animals. These rules can prohibit or limit entry into an area, as well as restrict what activities can be performed. FWC adopted these rules through the Manatee Sanctuary Act.
Local governments can also establish protection zones through local ordinances; however, these zones must be approved by the FWC before they can take effect. Protection zones that are excluded are marked main channels of the Florida Intracoastal Waterways or waters within 100 feet of them.
“We have received a number of complaints during the boating seasons. The Miami River is considered a critical area, as it is a designated natural habitat for manatees. During the summer months, Biscayne Bay is a feeding ground,” said Katie Tripp, Director of Science & Conservation at the Save the Manatee Club, in a telephone interview.
Tripp added, “Manatees are a unique species and they are an icon for the State of Florida, and tourists come to Florida to see these animals. They have historically helped clean out waterways. Protecting these animals also helps to protect acres of seagrass in addition to protecting other wildlife in these areas.”
Manatees are slow-moving, and because they are mammals they need to surface to breathe. They prefer shallow waters where they feed on seagrasses. These are the factors that make them vulnerable to boat accidents, as many are injured or killed by the impact of the hull and the blade of the propellers.
Watercraft operators are encouraged to participate in the protection of these mammals by being active participants. Waterproof banners are available free from the Save the Manatee Club.
All watercraft vehicles are reminded to take precaution in slow-speed and wildlife protection areas.
As recreational boaters prepare for Florida’s waterways for the last holiday weekend, the Save the Manatee Club sends out reminders to exercise safe boating practices and to take extra precautions for endangered manatees.
According to the United States Coast Guard in their 2010 annual report, Florida had 608 accidents and casualty damages up to $7,408,264—the worst figures in the nation for recreational boating.
“We have enacted speed zones for areas that are high coincidences with boats and narrow passageways based on scientific data. The leading cause of manatee mortality rate comes from watercraft mobility, the second being natural causes which include red tide and stress from the cold weather, as manatees suffer when it is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Thomas Reinert, a research administrator for the Manatee Program at the FWC in a telephone interview.
The manatee protection rules established by the FWC restrict the speed and operation of vessels to protect these marine mammals in areas that are especially important to these animals. These rules can prohibit or limit entry into an area, as well as restrict what activities can be performed. FWC adopted these rules through the Manatee Sanctuary Act.
Local governments can also establish protection zones through local ordinances; however, these zones must be approved by the FWC before they can take effect. Protection zones that are excluded are marked main channels of the Florida Intracoastal Waterways or waters within 100 feet of them.
“We have received a number of complaints during the boating seasons. The Miami River is considered a critical area, as it is a designated natural habitat for manatees. During the summer months, Biscayne Bay is a feeding ground,” said Katie Tripp, Director of Science & Conservation at the Save the Manatee Club, in a telephone interview.
Tripp added, “Manatees are a unique species and they are an icon for the State of Florida, and tourists come to Florida to see these animals. They have historically helped clean out waterways. Protecting these animals also helps to protect acres of seagrass in addition to protecting other wildlife in these areas.”
Manatees are slow-moving, and because they are mammals they need to surface to breathe. They prefer shallow waters where they feed on seagrasses. These are the factors that make them vulnerable to boat accidents, as many are injured or killed by the impact of the hull and the blade of the propellers.
Watercraft operators are encouraged to participate in the protection of these mammals by being active participants. Waterproof banners are available free from the Save the Manatee Club.
