Celebrate November – It’s “Manatee Awareness” Month!
Greetings to you! It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the unique, friendly and curious manatee. The month of November is “Manatee Awareness Month!”
Manatee Awareness Month is celebrated every November. And this celebration helps raise awareness about protecting Florida’s beloved state marine mammal and preserving its aquatic habitat. The annual dedication serves as a reminder for conservation, education, and safe boating as manatees begin their winter migration.
What is the History of Manatee Awareness Month?
Founded in 1979: The late former Florida Governor Bob Graham and singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett co-founded the Save the Manatee Club, which first declared Manatee Awareness Month.
Official Recognition: While the movement began in 1979, the State of Florida officially designated November as Manatee Awareness Month in 2005.
The “Why November” Timing: As autumn temperatures drop; manatees migrate from their wider summer distributions back to Florida’s warmer freshwater springs and power plant discharge sites. They require water temperatures above 68°F (20°C) to survive the winter.
What are the Major Threats Faced by Manatees?
Despite having no natural predators, all three global species of manatees (West Indian Manatee, West African Manatee, and Amazonian Manatee) are listed as vulnerable to extinction:
Watercraft Collisions: Boat strikes are the leading human-related cause of manatee deaths. Slow-moving manatees must surface to breathe, making them incredibly vulnerable to fast-moving watercraft and propellers.
Habitat Loss: Coastal development frequently diverts the natural warm-water springs manatees rely on to escape lethal cold snaps.
Environmental Toxins: Harmful algae blooms, such as red tides, release toxins that can poison manatees and destroy the seagrass beds they rely on for food.
How can the Public Help?
If you’re local to coastal areas or looking to support from afar, key actions include:
“Go Slow and Lookout Below”: Boaters should strictly follow designated seasonal Manatee Protection Zones, wear polarized sunglasses to spot shadows, and look out for signature “manatee footprints” (circular ripples on the water surface).
Practice Passive Observation: Never touch, chase, feed, or give fresh hose water to wild manatees, as this alters their natural survival behaviors.
Attend Educational Events: Facilities like the Clearwater Manatee Aquarium host month-long events, including educational webinars, trivia, and rehabilitation center tours.
Report Injured Wildlife: If you spot a distressed, sick, or injured manatee in Florida, immediately contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922
To learn more about rare, unique, and incredible manatees, below is an awesome award-winning Kobee Manatee® book for children…
Synopsis: In late September, Kobee Manatee® is on a twelve-hundred-mile mission to get back home to Florida from Cape Cod, Massachusetts before the impending cold threatens his life. On his southbound journey, he meets two new friends: Tess the seahorse, who loves to learn, and Pablo the hermit crab, who is in search for a new shell. Will Kobee and his friends make it safely to Florida in time? Children learn all about manatees and their habitat!
We Have Excellent Reviews for Kobee Manatee®!
“Children can learn a great deal about manatees and their habitat by reading about Kobee and his friends and their traveling adventure.” – Dr. Katie Tripp, Director of Science and Conservation, Save the Manatee Club
“This luxuriously illustrated, infectiously charming story makes us want to save the manatee and have a plush version to hug.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews
“A swimmingly fun, educational trip sure to be enjoyed by young friends of the manatee.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Kobee Manatee: Heading Home to Florida is a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Using a rigorous evaluation process, entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media trust the MCA Honoring Excellence seal when selecting quality products and services for families and children.” – Mom’s Choice Awards
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