Manatee Month

Not a dolphin but still a beloved sea animal

These are animals that are never sold for sea aquariums. No one is out there capturing them for profit. They don't do tricks. They weigh between 800 and 1200 pounds. All they do is graze in shallow water and mind their own business.

This is the month of the Manatee and these sea cows are on the move swimming to Florida seeking warmer surroundings as do the snowbirds. The entire season for Manatees is from November 15 through March 31 in Palm Beach.

According to Wikipedia: "The number of manatee deaths in Florida caused by humans has been increasing through the years, and now typically accounts for 20%-40% of recorded manatee deaths. There were 417 manatee deaths in Florida in 2006 with 101 attributed to human causes according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission."

Some things to think about while out boating:

Motorboats are prohibited within the general vicinity of Florida Power and Light, Riviera Beach Power Plant discharge canals

You must Slow speed outside the main channel in the Loxahatchee River, and in the north and southwest forks of the Loxahatchee River

Idle speed and slow speed zones – Look for shore-to-shore speed zone changes north and south of Peanut Island near the Florida Power and Light Riviera Beach Power Plant.

Let's protect our manatees.