Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Boat traffic in Florida increases during holiday weekends, and it's important for operators to be on the lookout for manatees and other marine life in Florida waters. Watercraft-related injuries and deaths are far too common for this imperiled marine mammal, and there are preparations and actions boaters and the general public can take to protect and conserve manatees and other wildlife during this busy holiday weekend. Andy Garrett, FWC's marine mammal stranding coordinator, offers some helpful tips for citizens and visitors to follow while enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer. If you see a distressed, injured, entangled or dead manatee in Florida waters, please contact our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Boat traffic in Florida increases during holiday weekends, and it's important for operators to be on the lookout for manatees and other marine life in Florida waters. Watercraft-related injuries and deaths are far too common for this imperiled marine mammal, and there are preparations and actions boaters and the general public can take to protect and conserve manatees and other wildlife during this busy holiday weekend. Andy Garrett, FWC's marine mammal stranding coordinator, offers some helpful tips for citizens and visitors to follow while enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer. If you see a distressed, injured, entangled or dead manatee in Florida waters, please contact our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
