Please Protect the Manatees

Details

26 Feb

Message from Snell Isle President

I would ask everyone to please be mindful of our need to protect these gentle giants, our manatee population. They have no means to protect themselves so it’s all up to us. Many manatees enjoy Coffee Pot Bayou since it’s a NO WAKE ZONE and most who enjoy this waterway observe those rules. The FFWC say to maintain 50 yards and do not approach.

Sunset Cove, the “inlet” inside Coffee Pot Bayou is a protected area and nursing calves, with their mother, live in this area. In May, Mama Manatee reacquaints with her 4-5 suitors but prior to that time, Sunset Cove is their home. Earlier today, this area had 7 kayakers, 2 paddle boarders and 2 small power boats very close to the big tail flipping of all of the above manatee activity. They are very inquisitive and will stop their intended behavior to see what is approaching.

Many new residents and visitors to our area of course mean no harm but getting too close does just that. It scares the manatee and changes their natural behavior. The waters in our State of Florida, the environment they love, lost many, many manatees to boat incidents and red tide this past year and we need to do all we can to help protect them. Many of us who live on the water post signs to PROTECT the MANATEE and STAY AWAY. Please share the message. Thanks for your help!

Bonnie Hargrett Your Snell Isle President