the move from endangered to threatened include: the fact that there is more freedom for officials and managers to make decisions regarding manatee conservation if they are listed as threatened instead of the very strict process required under an endangered listing; the freeing of resources to protect other species and habitats that may need more immediate attention or funding; and the fact that other protective measures will remain in place for manatees including federal laws and local manatee protection plans.
So, traveler, what does this all mean for you if you take a trip to Florida this year? It means nothing has changed and nothing will change for quite a while. As a reminder, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 prohibits the harassment of marine mammals including, but not limited to, feeding, watering, riding, touching, traveling at speeds above posted limits in manatee zones, or even approaching manatees too closely, with federal consequences of up to $50,000 in fines and a maximum sentence of a year in federal prison and Florida state consequences of up to 60 days in prison and a $500 fine. As a rule of thumb with marine mammals in their natural environment, it is okay to take pictures without flash and admire them from afar, but it is important to avoid giving into the temptation to interact with them. Interactions with humans over time can disrupt an animal’s natural behaviors such as feeding and nursing their young.
Depending on where you visit in Florida, you may see excursions advertising the chance to swim with wild manatees even though I just described the protective laws above. Confusing, right? This is why, in the summer of 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed new rules to limit access to manatees by tourists and vessels during the manatee’s wintering season from November to March. While we wait for that outcome, it is important to do your research if you think you might be interested in one of these excursions. Swimming in areas near manatees and allowing the animals to approach you is not illegal, but the laws are, at times, unclear, giving operators room for interpretation. Steer clear of any tour that guarantees interactions with wild manatees or advertises opportunities to feed them. If ever you feel confused about what is being offered and the trustworthiness of a tour operator, it is always okay, and strongly encouraged, to call and ask how they respect the safety and well-being of both the manatees and guests, as well as if the company chooses to offer educational materials regarding manatee conservation issues. Ecotourism companies are often invested in conservation and education because without natural resources to share with visitors, they don’t have a business to run. A great rule of thumb as a traveling marine conservationist, whether by profession or hobby, is to lead by example by viewing manatees and other wild animals responsibly and lawfully.
While I have my own personal opinions about what should be done for manatees under the Endangered Species Act, I tried to take the advice of Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird and “delete the adjectives” so you have only the facts to begin your research and formulate your educated opinion, even if it happens to differ from my own. Please take the time to send your comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Federal Register before April 7, 2016, when the public comment period ends and certainly reach out to us here at SEVENSEAS if you have any questions.
Marcus is a former marine mammal trainer. He is now pursuing a graduate degree from the University of Miami in marine conservation and science communications.
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