New Publication Standardizes the Vernacular Names for Manatees

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) researchers part of manatee renaming.

CLEARWATER, FL (May 30, 2024) – A new publication in the journal, Caribbean Naturalist, has standardized the vernacular names for manatees throughout North, Central, and South America. The research, titled “What’s in a name? Standardization of vernacular names for Trichechus manatus,” was conducted by 24 researchers, three of whom are from Clearwater Marine Aquarium, including doctors Anmari Alvarez-Aleman, James “Buddy” Powell and master’s of science Jamal Galves.

The publication emphasizes the importance of renaming the species to accurately reflect their geographic range. Dr. Alvarez-Aleman, who has been researching manatees in Cuba and other areas in the Caribbean with CMARI for several years, stated, “This is very important, as it homogenizes the names of the species. They have now been divided in accordance with the real geographic range of the manatees,” she said.

The vernacular name suggested by the publication for the species is American manatee, with its two subspecies known as Florida manatee and Greater Caribbean manatee. The publication also standardizes these names in Spanish, French, Dutch, and Portuguese.

The lack of standardized vernacular names for manatees has led to confusion and miscommunication, hindering conservation efforts for this species. The authors of the publication highlight that while scientific names are unequivocal, standardized vernacular names help communicate to lay audiences, disseminate important information about the species, and raise awareness about conservation and threats.

To ensure widespread adoption, 24 co-authors from each country where manatees naturally reside have agreed to standardize the common or vernacular name for the Trichechus manatus species. The species presently has two recognized subspecies, T. manatus latirostris, and T. manatus manatus. Additionally, the authors surveyed 40 Spanish-speaking active manatee professionals in 11 Spanish-speaking countries to vote on the names to be used in Spanish.

Dr. Antonio Mignucci, director of the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center and marine sciences professor at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, one of the lead authors of the publication, stated, “By establishing clear and universally recognized standardized vernacular names, we foster a sense of connection and scientific language responsibility, improving public awareness and understanding of these magnificent creatures and ultimately aiding in their protection and preservation.”

Spanish: T. manatus— manatí de las Américas, T. manatus latirostris—manatí de la Florida, T. manatus manatus—manatí del Gran Caribe
French: T. manatus—lamantin d’Amérique, T. manatus latirostris—lamantin de Floride, T. manatus manatus—lamantin de la Grande Caraïbe
Dutch: T. manatus—Amerikaanse lamantijn, T. manatus latirostris—Florida lamantijn, T. manatus manatus—Groter Caribische lamantijn
Portuguese: T. manatus—peixe-boi das Américas, T. manatus latirostris—peixe-boi da Flórida, T. manatus manatus—peixe-boi do Grande Caribe

Authors: Mignucci-Giannoni AA, González-Socoloske D, Álvarez-Alemán A, Aquino J, Caicedo-Herrera D, Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Claridge D, Corona-Figueroa MF, Debrot AO, de Thoisy B, Espinoza-Marín C, Galves JA, García-Alfonso E, Guzmán H, Khan JA, Kiszka JJ, Luna FO, Marmontel M, Olivera-Gómez LD, O’Sullivan C, Powell JA, Pugibet-Bobea E, Roopsind I, Silva CJ.

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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.

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.

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