As the temperatures drop, one of Florida’s most cherished residents—the manatee—begins its move into warmer waters beginning this month. The Indian River Lagoon is a critical winter haven for these gentle giants, providing refuge from colder ocean temperatures that can be life-threatening to manatees.
But manatees on the Treasure Coast remain vulnerable following an unusual mortality event (UME) that began in 2021 and lasted well into the spring of 2023, claiming the lives of around 2000 manatees. Massive loss of seagrass in the lagoon, a primary source of food for wintering manatees, led to starvation-related deaths and malnutrition, which interfered with normal reproductive cycles for many of those that survived.
The Current Manatee Situation
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that the situation appears to be improving, though the long-term impacts on the overall manatee population in Florida will likely remain unknown for the foreseeable future. Supplemental feeding and rehabilitation programs were conducted by the agency in parts of the lagoon during the winters of 2022 and 2023. By March 2024, the pace of manatee deaths had slowed significantly. FWC has no plans to continue the supplemental feeding program this winter. They note that certain parts of the estuary, such as the Mosquito Lagoon, are exhibiting seagrass recovery, likely improving foraging opportunities and contributing to an overall improvement in manatee health. Unless there are setbacks, another supplemental feeding trial will likely not be necessary, they say.
Observing Manatees on the Treasure Coast
Known for their slow-moving grace and curiosity, manatees are a joy to watch, but it’s essential, now more than ever, to observe them responsibly to ensure their safety and their futures by respecting and protecting their natural behaviors and habitats.
During winter, manatees gather in warm-water sites along the Indian River Lagoon. Local parks, boardwalks, and designated wildlife areas provide excellent vantage points without disturbing these gentle creatures. Reliable spots along the Treasure Coast include Manatee Overlook at St. Sebastian River Preserve, around Veteran’s Memorial Park in Vero Beach, Round Island Park on the lagoon side of A1A, in down town Fort Pierce in and around Moore’s Creek near the Manatee Observation & Education Center* and Seven Gables House, and around Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach.
Tips for Responsible Viewing
To enjoy observing manatees without disrupting their routines or endangering them, follow these best practices:
Keep Your distance: Stay at least 50 feet away from manatees at all times. If you’re in a kayak or boat, do not navigate directly toward them.
Don’t Feed: Feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behavior.
Don’t Touch: Even a gentle touch can harm manatees by encouraging dependence on humans or altering their behaviors.
Safe Boating Practices
Manatees often rest near the surface, making them vulnerable to boat strikes, a leading cause of injury and death for these animals. Here’s how to navigate the lagoon safely:
Watch for “Manatee Zones”: Obey posted signs indicating areas where manatees are likely to be found.
Use Polarized Sunglasses: These can help you see manatees just below the surface.
Avoid Sharp Turns and Sudden Stops: A steady approach gives manatees time to recognize and move away from the boat.
Winter is a wonderful time to watch manatees in their natural habitat along Florida’s Treasure Coast, but it’s up to all of us to keep these experiences safe and sustainable. By practicing safe and respectful viewing habits, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of this important marine species.
*Please note that the Manatee Observation and Education Center does not have and never will have manatees in captivity, nor is there any guarantee of seeing manatees to visitors of the MOEC.