Marine Mammal Bounces Back… in Record Numbers!

Manatees are officially returning to record-breaking numbers in Florida following extensive conservation efforts.

“Florida’s manatee population continues to strengthen because of our record investments in manatee protection programs and water quality improvements. I am grateful for FWC (Flordia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) for their proactive rescue and rehabilitation efforts,” says Flordia’s Governor Ron DeSantis.

1,100 manatees died in 2021, and another 800 died in Florida waters in 2022, according to official counts from the FWC. Extensive conversation efforts shortly began to ensure the species’ survival within the state, with Governor DeSantis approving over $50 million for manatee protection, rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat restoration. The state also invested $325 million into restoring its world-renowned springs, which serve as critical havens for manatees when they seek warmer winter waters. The state is reaping the fruits of its efforts, seeing a record-breaking 932 manatees seeking warmer waters in its springs this January. Furthermore, 2023 marks Flordia’s lowest manatee mortality rate since 2017.