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Florida Wildlife Grant Helps Fund Research to Monitor Manatee Habitats

Conservation Posted November 24, 2019

Manatee underwater

Photo credit: Steve Ando Photography.

Grant From Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Provides Funds to Monitor Manatee Use of Silver River

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the proud recipient of a $17,098 grant from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, announced on Nov. 21, 2019, to monitor manatee use of the Silver River. The project seeks to learn more about how manatees are using the river, how often they return to it and if it is an optimal habitat for refuge.

“Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to preserving our environment and that begins with research and education,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, VP of Research and Conservation. “With thanks to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, we will be able to continue our mission by providing data that is vital to help preserve and protect the Silver River springs and the manatees that use them.”

Silver River Spring Manatees
Manatees at Silver River. Photo credit: Nicole Barlett, CMA Research Assistant.

Important Winter Refuge for Manatees

Thanks to a citizen sighting network, several manatees were observed using the Silver River, a tributary of the Ocklawaha River, during the winter of 2017-2018. Last winter the river hosted an increased number of manatees because of a loss in vegetation at nearby springs. This adaptation in the manatees’ behavior highlighted the importance of maintaining a diversity of warm water sites within the St. Johns River in case a catastrophic event occurs at one or more springs.

manatee pair underwater
Photo credit: Steve Ando Photography.

Healthy warm water sites benefit more than manatees. Increased tourism for manatee sightings provides economic opportunity for the communities and businesses near Silver River. However, additional tourists on the water present opportunities for conflict with manatees, decreasing the animal’s ability to feed or rest.

To mitigate these concerns, a key component of the project includes public education on the best practices for recreational viewing. Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s senior research scientist Monica Ross shared that “spotting a manatee is a cherished experience, but getting too close can be to their detriment, especially when they need to conserve energy for winter survival. Give a manatee at least 25 feet of space and never follow or pursue if they move away from you.”

Manatee swimming by
Photo credit: Steve Ando Photography.

“This project will not only help manatees in Sliver River now, but has far-reaching, long-term benefits,” said foundation president and CEO Andrew Walker. “Ultimately this project will provide critical data to federal and state partners outlining a sustainable warm water network, helping to protect these habitats and the animals that depend on them.”

Help Protect Florida Springs

Grant funding came from the “Protect Florida Springs” license plate containing the image of a scuba diver. $25 from each purchase of the springs tag supports the research, conservation and restoration of Florida’s freshwater springs. Grants were approved by the foundation board of directors at its September 30 meeting. This funding follows a recent partnership with The Nature Conservancy that involved a $120,000 commitment to study manatees in the Panhandle and improve their habitat at Warm Mineral Springs.

Learn More

November is Manatee Awareness Month — learn more ways CMA helps manatees and how you can make a difference, too!


All manatee research was conducted under USFWS Research Permit #MA37808A.

Previous Post: Stranded Manatee Rescued and Released With Help From a Bulldozer in Georgia
Next Post: Manatee Tracking – Jno

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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