The state is on pace to have one of the deadliest years on record for manatees. FWC reports that through the 5th of March 432 manatees have died already in Florida. In all of 2020 the state recorded 637 manatee deaths, 607 deaths in 2019.
Why are so many manatees dieing this year? Center for Biological Diversity Director Jaclyn Lopez told The Sun Sentinel, “It’s this combination we have of cold weather, we have a reduction of where manatees can go, and in the places where manatees can go, as a consequence of human development and other activities, we have poor water quality which has resulted in these grass die-offs.”
The highest number comes from Brevard COunty where 179 manatees have died.
On Thursday FWC said it was aware of the high number of deaths and is investigating. “Environmental conditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern. Preliminary information indicates that a reduction in food availability is a contributing factor. We will continue with a comprehensive investigation and share information as it becomes available. The FWC has always done a rigorous and thorough job at investigating threats to manatees.”
If you see a sick, injured or dead manatee you should call FWC’s Wildlife Alert toll-free number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) or #FWC on a cellphone.