Photo Identification Studies

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project has conducted manatee research throughout Florida and the Caribbean since the late 1970’s. Research has included the photo-identification of distinctly scarred manatees. About 80-90% of all adult manatees bear permanent scarring resulting from boat strikes. Images of scarred manatees have been compiled and cataloged in a computerized state-wide database, creating extensive life history studies of over 2500 individual manatees. These studies provide important information on population trends, movement patterns, reproductive behavior, boat strikes, habitat, and entanglement issues.

Extensive efforts have been taken to consistently photo-document individually scarred manatees throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties and the Florida Keys since 1987. The relatively clear waters and highly-developed shorelines of the southeastern Florida offer exceptional sightability and photographic opportunities. Of the approximate 800 manatees that typically use Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, about 350 have been fully documented and cataloged. Many individuals have been consistently documented for over 20 years, providing extensive life histories.