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Habitat Characterization, Assessment and Protection

FWC manatee habitat staff coordinated with intergovernmental agencies in working groups and task forces to manage human activities in natural systems used by manatees.

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The recovery of the manatee population in Florida cannot occur without suitable habitat. Human population in Florida, and associated extensive coastal development, is a long-term threat to manatee habitat. Historically, coastal development has resulted in degradation of water quality and destruction of seagrasses and freshwater aquatic plants - important manatee forage. Ways to minimize negative effects of coastal development are being implemented and new strategies explored. Reductions in the flow of warm spring waters, due to consumptive human uses, threaten significant natural warm-water refuges in the northern half of the state. An uncertain future for the power industry, with looming operational changes and existing power plant senescence, also poses possible threats to established artificial warm-water refuges. Understanding the manatee’s habitat needs, habitat carrying capacity and assessing habitat health and stability is a primary focus of habitat protection work.

To view highlights from the 2007–2008 fiscal year, download
Habitat Characterization, Assessment and Protection 2007–2008 Highlights (PDF File—240 KB)

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