Always wear polarized glasses and watch for manatees while boating.
You may only see a break in the water’s surface or the tip of a nose or a tail.

If you choose to water-ski or tube in quiet, protected coves - please remember that manatees prefer these areas, too.

Take it easy! Please observe the slow speed boat zones and no entry areas. Remember that manatees are frequently found in shallow grass beds and at the mouth of rivers and canals.

If you have to get your boat up on a plane to get over the grass flats - maybe the water’s just too shallow for you. Manatees are not only hit by props but can also be crushed against the bottom by the hull of the boat.

Please do not encourage manatees to interact with humans. Many manatees now follow kayaks, idling boats and are approaching fishermen out on the flats and along the shoreline. When manatees come begging – just say no!

If a manatee approaches while you are fishing, please pull in your fishing line. Manatees will not take your bait but if the line brushes against them, they often roll – wrapping and entangling themselves.

Please do not put a ‘curtain’ of fishing line across the entrance of a creek or waterway – especially at night. This may be a good way to catch a fish but it’s an excellent way to catch a manatee.

Dispose of mono-filament fishing line properly. Please use the mono-filament recycling stations that have been placed at popular fishing sites and marinas throughout Florida. Please avoid using braided fishing line and consider the environmental benefits of biodegradable mono-filament fishing line.

Please keep dock lines, trap lines and bait bucket lines tied up and out of reach of manatees. Never leave fishing lines unattended.

Please report all dead or injured manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
1-888-404-FWCC

How to Protect Manatees

Help Protect Your Local Manatees

Please do not attempt to assist manatees yourself.