Due to greater areas of water pollution as well as an increased boating presence on the water due to a mild winter and boat friendly economy, Florida manatee deaths are set to break 2009’s morbid record with ease. As of July 22 there have already been 71 recorded deaths by boat, a much faster pace than that of 2009 when a total of 97 manatees were killed.
It’s a game of ratios and the more boats on the water the more likely there are to be constant manatee deaths, but officials are urging boaters to heed manatee awareness zones as well as go slower in waterways to minimize possible contact.
