decreasing manatee mortality in Florida, although malnutrition is still a problem

 By  The Associated Press 

January 12, 2023

                      FLORIDA'S ST. PETERSBURG (AP) – Manatee fatalities decreased in 2022 after reaching a record high the previous year, but Florida wildlife authorities warned on Wednesday that chronic hunger brought on by water pollution remained a serious issue.

800 manatee fatalities were officially reported in Florida last year, according to preliminary numbers provided by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Compared to more than 1,100 in 2021, this number. Both figures exceed the average yearly mortality rate for marine animals.

The latest statistics come as state and federal authorities try to stop manatee hunger deaths by feeding them hundreds of pounds of romaine lettuce at a warm-water power plant on Florida's east coast. The vulnerable animals were given more than 200,000 pounds (90,700 kg) of lettuce during the first trial run last year.

The feeding programme undoubtedly benefited some individual manatees, but according to FWC manatee biologist Michelle Pasawicz, the drop in mortality may also be related to the weakest, sickest animals dying in the first few months of the die-off.

During an online press conference, Pasawicz stated that "the manatees do look to usually be in better form overall." "We must have been aiding some manatees, in my opinion. The chances of the manatees are undoubtedly improved by a warmer winter."

At the location on the Indian River Lagoon, close to Cape Canaveral, manatees have been fed around 30,000 pounds (13,600 kilogrammes) of lettuce thus far, which was purchased with contributions. Pasawicz estimated that an additional 25,000 pounds (11,300 kg) are on their way when more manatees arrive.

"This is a long race. We'll have plenty for several months "said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Jon Wallace.

According to authorities, restoring the seagrass meadows on which manatees depend is essential for their long-term survival. Water pollution from farmland, septic tanks, urban runoff, and other factors has killed the seagrass in the miles-long Indian River Lagoon on the east coast.

Republican governor Ron DeSantis declared on Tuesday that $100 million yearly of the $3.5 billion he requested for environmental financing will go "for priority initiatives to improve water quality" in the lagoon, including as reducing harmful pollutants and increasing seagrass plants. Additionally, funds would be put aside to maintain task forces on red tide outbreaks and destructive blue-green algae blooms brought on by water pollution.

The Legislature must appropriate that sum of money. On Wednesday, wildlife authorities had few specifics regarding manatees but were grateful for any increase in funding.

Tom Reinert, spokesman for the FWC's manatee programme, said, "We're looking forward to it. "I'd like to assume that at least some manatees benefited from our feeding programme."

Manatees, often known as sea cows, are thought to number between 7,000 and 8,000 in Florida, according to estimates from the state. They may live up to 65 years old and are related to elephants, although they breed slowly.