Manatee encounters must not be harmful

By JIM KRAUS

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 12, 2001

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1983 for the primary purpose of protecting the endangered Florida manatee. As part of a national network of protected land and water dedicated to wildlife conservation, this makes the Crystal River area aspecial place indeed for wildlife lovers.

The National Wildlife Refuge system protects a variety of living things, everything from indigo snakes and Kodiak bears to Karner blue butterflies, sea turtles and scrub jays, and habitats as diverse as coral reef communities and arctic tundra.

The seven manatee sanctuaries and associated springs in Crystal River are unique. They are the only sites so designated on the federal level under special manatee protection provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Manatees are also protected on the federal level under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This double safety net assures that the species will be protected from harmful activities of humans and provides the basis for establishing areas free of disturbance where manatees can rest and feed in the safety of the warm water environments necessary for their survival during winter months.

At the same time the area is a national and international attraction for recreational diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water activities. The close proximity of people and manatees, both on and in the water presents unique management challenges to those of us in the business of looking out for the manatee's welfare as a public resource.

One of the most vexing problems in manatee protection is harassment. Because the species is so intolerant of cold temperatures, it is critical to avoid unnecessary disturbances to manatees during the coldest periods of the year, from Nov. 15 through March 31.

This means allowing manatees the right of way wherever possible and remaining as passive around them as you can. Repeated disturbance under extreme cold conditions has the potential to disrupt natural feeding and resting behavior and thus compromise the animal's health.

Harassment can result in steep fines so please take these regulations seriously. Enjoy your experience on the waters of King's Bay and Crystal River, and when you pass along the word about manatees in Crystal River, be sure to emphasize the importance of knowing and following the rules regarding speed zones, sanctuaries and proper interaction while snorkeling and diving around the manatee sanctuaries.

Under no circumstances can you enter the clearly marked sanctuaries. Comply with the slow speed and idle speed zones in the area. Pay close attention to the manatee educational video and other materials you will see at whatever dive shop or tour operator you patronize. Use restraint when boating and entering the water where manatees are found. Do not pursue or corner individuals or separate calves from their mothers.

Diplomatically exercise peer pressure when you need to if anyone gets a bit over anxious or forgetful in their activities in manatee areas.

Finally, if you witness violations, contact the authorities below immediately in order to alert law enforcement officers to a problem on or in the water.

Respect for manatees and education of our fellow humans about threats to their survival and the rules designed to protect them are the key to a secure future. With this respect and the conservation ethic that follows, future generations may also experience this unique species in perhaps the best place in Florida to see large numbers of manatees in a natural

Respect for manatees and education of our fellow humans about threats to their survival and the rules designed to protect them are the key to a secure future. Freshwater spring system inhabited by a wide variety of species, including fish, river otters, bald eagles, blue crab, tarpon, anhinga, ospreys, egrets, brown and white pelicans and wood storks. We are the caretakers, not just of the natural resources of the moment, but also those of the future. Only what we preserve and guard together today will pass along intact to our children and grandchildren. This should be more than enough to inspire us all to do the right thing.

- Jim Kraus is the manager of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. To report violations, contact the refuge office at 563-2088 or call (800) DIAL FMP (342-5367). For information, contact: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429.

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