How digital technology could help save this keystone species
Informative Websites
A global organization dedicating resources to replenishing seagrass beds that are so vital to manatee survival
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, part of Florida Atlantic University, has developed a manatee protection system based on sensors that has already saved the lives of a large number of these animals
The USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center maintains a manatee sighting database and has complied photographic documentation of over 3800 manatees.This enables identification of manatee site fidelity and habitat use, long-distance movements and rescued manatees and manatee carcasses. Genetic fingerprints provide a means to monitor individual identification and lineages.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is a key player in manatee research and conservation. Biologists use satellite telemetry and other technologies to study manatee movements, habitat use, diving behavior, and response to human activities. They are also a key resource for manatee rescue.
Photograph by Jean Hall for WFLA.com
