How digital technology could help save this keystone species
Saving the Manatee,
one step at a time
There are a multitude of solutions, some big and some small, for the many problems that the Florida manatee faces. And for most there is digitally analysed data that shows that effective change can be achieved.
On this page there are links to learn more from the headline actions suggested.
The single biggest way you can make an impact on manatee conservation is by talking to family and friends, voicing your concerns on social media or directly addressing your concerns to decision-makers.
By doing this, you are at the forefront of the paradigm shift that is needed to conserve the marine environment and its inhabitants.
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Global Warming
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Speak up!
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Power your home with renewable energy.
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Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.
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Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
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Reduce water waste.
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Actually eat the food you buy—and make less of it meat.
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Buy better bulbs.
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Pull the plug(s).
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Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
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Rethink planes, trains, and automobiles.
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Maintain your ride.
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Shrink your carbon profile.
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Natural Resources Defense Council
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming
Boat Strikes
'One big way that you can help protect marine life when you’re out enjoying the waterways is to have a designated marine animal spotter on board. Somebody that is looking out constantly for the dolphins, manatees and sea turtles that may be found in our waterways. Additionally, make sure you’re following slow speed and no wake signs.'
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium
https://mission.cmaquarium.org/news/help-protect-marine-life-boat-strikes/
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'Report accidents by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users may call #FWC or *FWC. It is important that you obtain immediate help for the animal! The sooner the animal is located, and its condition is assessed, the better its chances for survival.'
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Pollution
'Prevent pollution at its source'
'Aggressively reduce existing sources of pollution'
'Protect land to protect water'
'Secure Florida’s future water supply'
Provide adequate funding for Florida’s comprehensive water policy'
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Red Tide
'Take care of your watersheds (lands that drain into freshwater bodies and the sea), using tips from the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida to reduce stormwater runoff that can carry nutrients and other chemical substances...Share science-based sources of information and updates on Florida red tide provided by various partners statewide'
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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
https://mote.org/florida-red-tide-how-you-can-help
Entanglement
'Whenever you are out on the water or near any of Florida’s waterbodies:
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Secure items on your vessel or in your recreation area that may blow into the water.
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Bring a container with a lid to store plastic bags or used fishing line (e.g., tennis ball canister or coffee can).
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Collect any plastic items or fishing line you see.
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If you see an entangled manatee or one that may be towing a small buoy, please contact FWC via the Wildlife Alert Hotline 1-888-404-3922.'
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Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/entanglement/
Depletion of the Aquifer
'Water conservation measures, adoption of year-round landscape irrigation restrictions, increased use of reclaimed water and the use of Florida-Friendly landscaping techniques'
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
https://floridadep.gov/water-policy/water-policy/content/water-conservation
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Manatee 'survival will depend on protecting natural spring flow and maintaining the integrity of ecosystems and habitat sufficient to support a viable manatee population'.
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https://defenders.org/blog/2019/11/coexisting-florida-manatees
Harassment
'a change in the regulations and public education on interacting with manatees to a true “hands-off,” 100% passive observation as recommended by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Prohibited actions must expand beyond chasing, riding, or poking and include touching and petting.'
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Save the Manatee
https://www.savethemanatee.org/news/oped/manatee-harassment-case-reinforces-need-for-hands-off-policy/
Ultimately...
