Fwc Fish And Wildlife Research Institute issued the following announcement on Nov. 18.
FWC has documented an unprecedented level of manatee deaths statewide (>1,000) for 2021, primarily due to the unusual mortality event (UME) along the Atlantic coast of Florida. Researchers have attributed this UME to starvation due to the lack of seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon. In recent years, poor water quality in the Lagoon has led to harmful algal blooms and widespread seagrass loss.
Rescuing manatees remains a priority and since January 1, 2021, FWC and partners have rescued over 130 manatees statewide.
We continue working closely with partners to investigate the mortality event and share information as it becomes available as well as exploring proactive options to assist affected manatees. The end goal for the FWC and partners is to restore the Indian River Lagoon to a healthy state, this is the solution that will most benefit manatees and other wildlife.
You can help manatee conservation by reporting injured, distressed or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Additional opportunities to help: https://myfwc.com/.../wildlife/manatee/myfwccomhow-to-help/
More on the Atlantic Manatee Mortality event: https://myfwc.com/.../manatee/rescue-mortality-response/ume/
Original source can be found here.
Source: Fwc Fish And Wildlife Research Institute
Alerts Sign-up