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Manatee Festival

Respect manatees. Obey the law

By JAMES KRAUS, Guest Columnist
Published January 11, 2007

Visitors from throughout the world arrive each year at Crystal River to experience something unique. The opportunity to see large numbers of manatees in a relatively accessible environment and to further observe them "up close and personal" in the water is especially unique.

This privilege comes with a responsibility shared by all, whether local resident, tour operator, domestic or foreign visitor to Crystal River.

Compliance with established U.S Fish and Wildlife Service refuge guidelines for manatee/human interactions is essential to assure protection to local manatees dependent on sanctuaries and speed zones, particularly during winter months when they are most susceptible to disturbance and potential cold stress.

Information is provided to all permitted dive/tour operators in the form of an educational CD to be viewed by their clients, refuge pamphlets and special manatee permit conditions, as well as posted waterway markers and buoys marking seasonal no entry zones. Visitors may also come to the refuge office at 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, next to the Port Hotel in Crystal River or call (352) 563-2088 for additional information.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge advocates "passive observation" and interaction as an ideal. This means allowing the manatee to have the right of way and when the manatee leaves your area, let it go.

We do not condone or favor a "petting zoo" atmosphere or philosophy. Some amount of contact, within reason, is permissible, owing to the nature of the situation on the water and individual variations in behavior, but harassment is a serious concern and is strictly illegal under state and federal law.

Observance of the manatee guidelines on an individual level protects the manatees from unnecessary/excessive contact that can potentially cause them to leave the thermal security of spring areas during cold weather or alter their behavior.

In addition, it also makes for a more positive, high-quality experience for visitors themselves. This is especially important to consider, given increasing levels of visitation to the area.

We ask that you consider carefully, the consequences of your actions as a visitor, and take a positive role in the stewardship of the manatee population at Crystal River.

James Kraus is the manager of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 06:42:04]