Florida Manatee Research Paper

Everyone loves the Florida manatee because they look like big puppy dogs with a cute endless smile. In addition, they are beautiful creatures that bring a smile to every face that sees them floating along in their natural habitat or in the local aquarium. Undoubtedly, the Florida manatee is one of the friendliest species in the world even though they are huge animals weighing up to twelve hundred pounds and reaching ten-foot long. Despite what this gentle creature has been through at the hands of human beings, the Florida manatee looks as happy as ever when they are sighted feeding in their natural environment. However, the manatee population is being threatened and needs help to prevent further decline. The reduction in the Florida manatee

population is a result of human disregard and red tide, but lawmakers, researchers, and by the participation of some boaters have helped preserve the gentle giants.
Unfortunately, human interaction and red tide have played a significant role in the decline of the Florida manatee population.

In the nineteenth century, the Florida manatee population started to decline in numbers due to settlers hunting them for their meat (Pittman 15). In addition, during that time some of the scientists started to notice a decline in manatee sightings in areas they were known to migrate. Since permits were being granted to kill Florida manatees for science, and poachers were hunting them for their meat, government officials and researchers were concerned for the manatee's future (Pittman 17). Currently, there are many factors the Florida manatee is facing that poses a threat to their existence. Unfortunately, the greatest threat to the Florida manatee in the twenty-first century is boating and the loss of their natural habitat (McAullife 18). In fact, many boaters who have businesses have protested that their businesses are more important than the clumsy animals. Currently, another public concern for the Florida manatee is the increase of toxic blooms that cause red tide. In addition, since records have been kept researchers have discovered that red tide has been playing a role in the decline of the Florida manatee as well (Raloff 56). Red tide is a form of many toxins that are consumed by the manatee when they feed on seagrasses causing lung

paralysis.
Furthermore, as a result of human disregard, the Florida manatee has lost habitat and suffered in their numbers. During the nineteenth century, settlers did not only hunt Florida manatees for their sweet tasting meat, but they hunted them for their bones, which is hard like ivory and great for making weapons and tools (Pittman 15). Another problem that was taking place during that time was many of the manatee specimens were being taxidermized and put on display in local museums. Moreover, killing Florida manatees for the sake of science was causing additional losses in their numbers. Consequently, the permits granted for studies helped aide in the process of endangerment (Pittman 17). Although restrictions were put in place, manatees continue to be endangered in the twenty-first century.
Currently, the Florida manatee is facing an uncertain future because of the loss of their natural habitat by land developers and collisions by boaters. Undoubtedly, what is left of the areas the Florida manatee migrates to is lacking in speeding wake zones. Kathleen McAullife points out in her article, "Saving Manatees" boating collisions killed one-quarter of the Florida manatee population alone in 1999 (18). However, much of the Florida manatee habitat has been overdeveloped by local construction companies, which have caused interruptions in their natural migration patterns. In addition, many of the Florida manatees today wear scars on their backs as a result of boater collisions. Furthermore, according to The Save the Manatee Club, "Boating collisions and habitat destructions are causing the Florida manatee to sink further towards extinction" (qtd Pittman 231). On the other hand, another threat the Florida manatee is facing currently as a result of human interaction is red tide. For example, according to Janet Raloff, an increase in the worlds ocean traffic may be playing a role in frequent red tide blooms (56). Red tide is a toxic cocktail of microorganisms that has caused many deaths in the Florida manatee population. Although the Florida manatee has had many misfortunes, some people are trying to make a difference for the friendly creatures.
Assuredly, researchers and Florida lawmakers have been working on solutions to increase the Florida manatee population.

Clearly, when local politicians and researchers saw that the Florida manatee population was decreasing back in the nineteenth century, they decided to present a bill to The House of Representatives to protect the manatees from being killed. For example, on April 4, 1893, the state passed House Bill 295, "An act to protect the manatee" (Pittman 16). As a result, the Florida manatee is protected from being hunted or killed for the sake of science in the State of Florida. Currently, in the twenty-first century, researchers have been studying Florida manatee migration to help state lawmakers apply wake zones to prevent fewer boater collisions with the species (McAuliffe 18). Furthermore, the outcome of the manatee migration study has helped boating problems that exist today to be somewhat successful. Due to the wake zones implemented by the state, boater participation has resulted in fewer annual Florida manatee deaths since 2007 ( Pittman 364). In addition to the boating problem today, many researchers believe increased ocean traffic may be causing frequent red tide recurrences. Janet Raloff points out in "Toxic Surfs" that a decrease in the worlds ocean traffic may reduce red tide (56). Undoubtedly, this may be the hardest solution yet in helping the Florida manatee survive because it involves compliance with the world and not just Florida

citizens.
On the other hand, the Florida manatee population can be increased and preserved if government agencies and Florida citizens work together to do what we can. Although humankind has been negligent in the past and present, we can make a difference in the outcome for the Florida manatee's future by abiding by boating laws set in place by the state. Furthermore, it is our duty to educate the rest of the world on current issues causing frequent red tide recurrences like the increased ocean traffic problems. Fortunately, the Florida manatee has no known underwater predators affecting their numbers other than humans, so if we can stop human interaction the Florida manatee population will grow. Finally, although the Florida manatee population has suffered in the past years due to human disregard and red tide blooms, thanks to lawmakers, researchers, and boater participation we are making an advancement.