You may have heard about how the manatee population is on the rise – and that as a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may remove them from the endangered species list. But the staff of Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center remains focused on raising awareness about what everyone must do to keep these magnificent mammals safe.
“We’re proud to have had the opportunity for 30 years to be part of a large community of advocates from all walks of life who are dedicated to keeping manatees safe,” said Jamie Woodlee, senior environmental technician with Environmental, Health & Safety. “It’s wonderful to see more manatees out there, especially when they show up at the Manatee Viewing Center for people to see up close.”
She added, “That doesn’t change the fact that no matter what designation they have, they’re the same gentle, slow-moving creatures that are just as susceptible to injuries or death from boats and other threats.”
Manatees visit Big Bend Power Station’s clean, warm water discharge canal – the body of water separating the power station from the Manatee Viewing Center – when the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. The canal’s warmth provides lifesaving protection for manatees, which have congregated by the hundreds in the canal at one time.
For boaters, people who fish and anyone in places where manatees might be – which, in local waterways, could be just about anywhere – here are some critical things to keep in mind to help ensure their safety:
- Don’t feed manatees; this will make them think they can come near humans, and not all humans will treat them nicely. It can also disrupt their feeding patterns.
- Don’t touch manatees if you’re swimming and see them in the water too.
- Never litter – always put your trash in trash cans.
- If you like to fish, never leave fish hooks or fishing line behind – it’s against the law. These things can cut and sometimes even kill manatees.
- In boats, keep an eye out for manatee tails, flippers, or a back or snout that breaks the surface.
- Boaters should observe all posted signs regarding speed, wake, and paths to steer.
- Motorboats should stay at least 50 feet away from manatees.
- Jet-skiers, water-skiers and anyone else enjoying high-speed water sports should stay clear of any areas manatees are known to frequent.
- Polarized sunglasses can help you spot manatees by reducing the sun’s glare on the water.
- Boats should stick to deep water and avoid beds of sea grass where manatees like to feed.
Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center offers free parking and admission and is open to the public annually through April 15. We suggest you check Tampa Bay water temperature and use the center’s east or and west webcams to get an idea whether you’ll be able to see manatees up close in the canal before you visit.
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