Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Manatees 

Designated as the state marine mammal, the Florida Manatee is a charismatic herbivore that migrates between coastal waters and freshwater systems, attracting millions of tourists to Florida every year. For decades, the Florida Manatee faced a considerable risk of extinction. Thanks to research, policy, regulations, public engagement, and conservation efforts, the Florida manatee has recovered to a healthy population and has been reclassified from endangered to threatened.  

The risk of losing this keystone species has significantly reduced, but the Florida manatee still needs our help. One thing we can do to help speed up the recovery of this species is to reduce human-related threats, like watercraft collisions, which account for 20 to 25% of reported mortalities. 

For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.