Remember, Manatees are Illegal to Touch, Illegal to Pet
Manatees, often called "sea cows," have captured the hearts of Floridians and visitors alike. These peaceful creatures are frequently spotted in Florida's warm waters during the winter months when they seek refuge in natural springs and power plant outflows. While it may be tempting to swim near, touch, or pet a manatee during an encounter, doing so raises critical legal and ethical questions. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether it is legal to touch a manatee in Florida, why these regulations exist, and how you can responsibly enjoy manatee encounters without harming them.
A couple of years ago a Florida man posted pictures on Facebook of himself and his daughters playing with a baby manatee. Sounds innocent enough, but according to the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, “it is illegal to molest, harass, disturb or touch a manatee”. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission authorities arrested the Florida native.
The man had no idea it was illegal to touch the “vulnerable species”. The man faced a misdemeanor charge that entailed a couple of hundred dollars fine and a couple of months in jail. He meant no harm to the little manatee.
The Law: Hands Off the Manatees
Under both federal and Florida law, it is illegal to touch, pet, feed, or harass manatees in any way. Manatees are protected by two primary pieces of Federal legislation:
- The Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- Manatees are listed as threatened under the ESA, which makes it unlawful to harm, harass, or disrupt their normal behavior.
- The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
- This federal law prohibits any actions that could disturb marine mammals, including manatees.
And by one State-Level Act:
- Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act
- At the state level, the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act designates the entire state of Florida as a sanctuary for manatees. The law specifically prohibits activities that may injure or harass manatees.
Why Is It Illegal to Touch Manatees?
The legal protections for manatees exist for good reason. Here are the main reasons why touching manatees is prohibited:
- Protecting Manatee Health
- Manatees have sensitive skin and a fragile immune system. Human touch can transfer bacteria, oils, or chemicals that may cause infections or harm their health.
- Preventing Human Dependency
- Frequent human interaction can cause manatees to lose their natural wariness of people and boats. This can increase their risk of injury or death from boat strikes—a leading cause of manatee fatalities.
- Preserving Natural Behavior
- Manatees need to engage in natural behaviors like grazing on seagrass, nursing their calves, and seeking warm water habitats. Interacting with humans can disrupt these critical activities.
- Reducing Stress
- Approaching or attempting to touch a manatee can cause stress, leading to erratic behavior or even abandonment of safe habitats.
What About Passive Observation or Swimming with Manatees?
While touching manatees is strictly prohibited, passive observation is encouraged. In certain areas, such as the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, people are allowed to swim near manatees under strict guidelines. Passive observation means:
- Maintaining a safe distance (usually 6–10 feet).
- Avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.
- Allowing manatees to approach you rather than initiating contact.
Even in these designated areas, touching or chasing manatees remains illegal.
How to Responsibly Enjoy Manatee Encounters
To appreciate manatees without endangering them or breaking the law, follow these guidelines:
- Watch from a Distance
- Whether kayaking, boating, or snorkeling, maintain a safe distance from manatees. Use binoculars or cameras with zoom lenses to get a closer look.
- Adhere to Posted Signs
- Many waterways in Florida have designated manatee zones with speed limits or restricted access during certain times of the year. Respect these rules to protect manatees.
- Avoid Feeding or Attracting Manatees
- Feeding manatees or luring them with fresh water (e.g., from hoses) is illegal and can disrupt their natural diet and behavior.
- Support Conservation Efforts
- Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to manatee conservation, such as Save the Manatee Club.
- Educate Others
- Spread awareness about the importance of protecting manatees and the laws in place to ensure their survival.
What Happens if a Manatee Approaches You?
If a manatee approaches you while you are in the water, remain calm and still. Resist the urge to touch or interact with the animal. Let the manatee decide how close it wants to come, and enjoy the experience as a passive observer. This ensures the encounter is safe and legal for both you and the manatee.
Passive observation is the recommended way to interact with manatees and all marine life. Remember: look but do not touch. Save the manatees.
Leave A Comment