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Letter to the editor

Managing manatees

People come from all over the world to swim with the manatees. But is it the right thing to do?

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 6, 2008

Nigel Brown swims with a young manatee in Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River last week. Brown was visiting with family from London and took the opportunity to go on a guided tour to see the endangered sea mammals. Special report: Violating their space?
	[Ron Thompson | Times]

"One of the things that really puts the wrong spin on it is this 'come play with the manatees' thing ... This invites trouble. Manatees aren't out there to be played with. They're out there to live their lives."

Helen Spivey, co-chairwoman of Save the Manatee Club.

"Obviously there are going to be some changes at some point down the road, and it would be important for us to be part of that process or we're going to get something shoved down our throats."

Marty Senetra of Bird's Underwater Manatee Tours.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS

LAW ENFORCEMENT

MANATEE REFUGE:

Crystal River's city motto once was "where man and manatee play." But should people swim with manatees? Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the United States where the federal government okays swimming with manatees. It attracts visitors from all over the world.

But last year, a video of people chasing and riding manatees, and other flagrant, illegal harassment, sparked outrage and offered compelling evidence for opponents of touching and swimming with manatees. Supporters, though, called the actions an aberration. Most people, they say, respect the gentle creatures and being allowed to swim with them is a uniquely Florida experience.

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will seek public input as it begins to create a 15-year conservation plan for the refuge, an increasingly popular spot for the endangered manatees and people eager to see and swim with them.

No one thinks it will be easy and the process could take two or more years to complete. "I'd call it a civil war." Crystal River Mayor Ron Kitchen said of past federal efforts to tighten manatee protection rules.

The 80-acre spot includes 46 acres of islands and water bottoms around Kings Bay. It was formed in 1983 to help protect the endangered West Indian manatee. The population has topped 400 some years. To simplify enforcement, federal officials are considering a new legal designation of "manatee refuge" to include surrounding waters - Three Sister Springs and Kings Bay - where most of the conflict with manatees is occurring.

WHAT: Public input meeting.

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. today.

WHERE: Crystal River National Guard Armory, 8551 W Venable St., Crystal River, next to the airport. Written comments also can be submitted for 30 days to: Refuge Manager, 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429 or via e-mail to chassahowitzka@fws.gov.
VIEW OR TOUCH?Both state and federal officials urge people to observe manatees. The state says don't touch, but federal officials have not banned touching. Instead they suggest touching manatees with one open hand. A 10-foot rule has been suggested for viewing, but even advocates question if it's practical or enforceable.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS: In seven sanctuaries scattered around Kings Bay at the headwaters of the Crystal River, manatees are protected from swimmers and boaters only in the winter when the manatee population is the highest. Idle and slow speed zones and a marked channel with speed limits provide more protections year-round.

ENFORCEMENT: Dive shop operators say existing rules are fine if enforced. Federal and state officials say enforcement dollars are limited. The refuge has just one law enforcement officer, but the position is currently vacant. State officers also patrol the area but locals say they are also a rare sight.

TOO MUCH CONTACT? There are 13 permits issued to dive operators, a requirement for businesses offering swim-with-the-manatees programs. Officials wonder if there are too many program already. The cost of the programs vary:

-On your own: $30 to rent a boat.

-Dropoff tours: $15 a person to take a large pontoon to a manatee gathering spot and get in the water for 30-45 minutes.

-Guided tours: $29-$34 per person. An enclosed boat with a guide who gets in the water with you. They often shoot video, which costs extra. Trips can last an hour or longer.

In all cases, gear is needed: mask, snorkel, fins and a wet suit, which can cost $20-$25 per person to rent.

Check out tampabay.com/manatees to see videos of swimmers that manatee advocates say violated federal rules regarding manatee-human interaction.

[Last modified February 5, 2008, 23:58:31]