Manatees are protected animals under the law. First is the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Second is the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These regulations, enforced by both the United States Federal Government and the State of Florida, unequivocally make it illegal to hunt, capture, harass, or kill manatees. Additionally, manatees benefit from protection under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. This strictly outlaws any intentional or negligent action that annoys, harasses, molests, or disturbs them. Therefore, strict compliance with the rules to follow when swimming with manatees is essential.
Stringent Regulations.
Manatee protection laws are enforced by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC). These two agencies collaborate to ensure the safety of manatees by preventing any endangerment caused by individuals entering their habitat. In fact, violating a manatee protection law can incur penalties at both the state and federal levels.
For instance, violating state law can result in a maximum fine of $500, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both. However, for severe violations, such as extreme harassment leading to injury or death, the state of Florida may involve federal authorities. This could lead to fines of up to $50,000, a maximum imprisonment term of 1 year, or both. Government agencies are serious about protecting manatees.
What are the rules to follow when swimming with the manatees?
- Float on the water surface and observe the animals passively. Passive observation is the best and recommended way to interact with manatees and all wildlife.
- Do not touch the manatees. That is, no matter how excited you are, you must never touch the animals. When they come near you, seeking interaction, refrain from touching them.
- Do not disturb or wake up a sleeping animal. These actions can result in a significant fine. Avoid approaching a resting or sleeping manatee, and refrain from cornering or surrounding one.
Chasing, pursuing, riding, or harassing a manatee is prohibited when encountering one in the water near you. This is whether snorkeling, swimming, diving, operating a boat, or paddling. If a manatee attempts to avoid you, do not pursue it for a closer look. Harassment refers to any action that could alter the animals’ natural behavior.
Keep your hands and objects to yourself. Do not snag, grab, hook, hit, pinch, ride, or strike a manatee. Likewise, avoid prodding, poking, or stabbing a manatee with your hands, feet, or any object. Allow the animals space to move and never isolate an individual manatee or separate a calf from its mother.
Refrain from feeding manatees or offering them water. Engaging in these actions can lead to the habituation of manatees to humans. This process may subsequently alter their behavior in the wild and decrease their innate fear of humans and boats. Consequently, this can render them more susceptible to harm.
When a manatee is nearby, avoid excessive splashing and noise. The abrupt noise and splashing can have the effect of startling resting manatees. Furthermore, this situation could potentially place them in a risky position if they become frightened and opt to depart from their secure habitats. Additionally, avoid using scuba gear or devices that could prompt manatees to depart their areas. Instead, employ snorkel gear and remain at the water’s surface passively to observe manatees.
Adhere to the “No Entry – Manatee Refuge” markings; these areas are essential for the animals’ survival. Follow viewing and sanctuary guidelines, respecting directions from manatee volunteers and law enforcement officers. Similarly, avoid touching tags and research equipment, and abstain from actions that might disrupt research activities.
Personal Responsibility.
Manatee protection isn’t solely under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies. It is a duty shared by everyone entering or operating in manatee habitats. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these animals falls on each individual to prevent harm, injury, or death. When engaging in activities like snorkeling with manatees, it’s crucial to recognize that your actions carry weight. Disregarding the established rules for swimming with manatees makes you liable and subject to individual charges for your behavior. Strict compliance with rules to follow when swimming with manatees is utmost importance.
At Captain Mike’s, we’re dedicated to ensuring you fully understand and follow the three fundamental rules of snorkeling with manatees. These guidelines encompass several crucial aspects. Firstly, there’s the necessity to minimize splashing noise. Additionally, it’s crucial to move slowly in the presence of the animals. Lastly, it is of the utmost importance to refrain from touching the animals with both hands or on their back and stomach. Our instructional video will demonstrate proper conduct in the water. For comprehensive information on laws, guidelines, and appropriate behavior within manatee habitats, visit Captain Mike’s Swimming With the Manatees website.