403 Florida Manatee Deaths Reported In First Two Months Of 2021

More than 400 Florida manatees died in the first two months of 2021, a staggering number compared to the deaths in recent years.

According to the preliminary statistics from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), 403 manatees died from the beginning of 2021 to Feb. 26. This is more than triple the five-year average in the same time period, which is 129 manatee deaths, a report from the Orlando Sentinel said.

From 2016 to 2020, for instance, the highest number of manatee deaths was 161, which was recorded in 2018. Meanwhile, 2017 had the lowest number with only 90 manatee deaths.

Based on the data for 2021, 39 of the manatees died from cold stress, but most of them have yet to undergo a necropsy to determine their cause of death.

Changing Water Conditions

In particular, a lot of the deaths were reported in Brevard County, with the Indian River Lagoon being of particular concern.

"Environmental conditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern," the FWC said. "Preliminary information indicates that a reduction in food availability is a contributing factor."

Only recently, St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle noted how changes in the manatees' habitat could impact their health in the Indian River Lagoon.

Apart from the significant reduction in seagrass coverage, Dr. Shortelle also noted recreational activity, faulty sewage treatments and nutrients from "overfertilized lawns" going into the water as contributing factors to the lagoon's changing water quality.

But with the conditions becoming warmer, the hope is that the manatees will naturally move away from their winter habitats and go to better ones.

Manatee Rescue Is Ongoing

Calling it a "high level of manatee mortality," the FWC noted that it is still investigating the deaths and responding to the manatees that need to be rescued.

"FWC manatee biologists have been working hard to respond to public reports of distressed manatees and rescue manatees that need assistance," the FWC said.

"The FWC takes manatee conservation seriously by actively implementing science-based conservation measures that are making a difference for manatees and habitat," it added.

Anyone who spots an injured, sick, tagged or dead manatee is advised to contact 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC on a cellphone.

Florida Manatee Population

Manatee populations in Florida have improved compared to the 1970s when their numbers became "frightfully low," the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said. In 2017, the species was moved from being "endangered" to "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.

But even with their improving numbers, the creatures still face various threats, such as boat collisions, habitat loss and water pollution.

For instance, because of the potential impact of fertilizers on water conditions, the SJRWMD suggests people only use fertilizer only when lawns need it and, "never just prior to rain."

"Even if you live several miles from a spring, lake or lagoon, your neighborhood swales and canals eventually lead there," the organization said.

It's also important to help protect manatees by reporting sightings. However, people are being advised not to touch manatees and to keep their distance even if they're only using a kayak or paddleboard.

"Be a good role model for others so that they learn how to watch and enjoy manatees without disturbing the animals," the FWC said.