Manatees

The Florida manatee is a large, aquatic native species found throughout the state, including Naples. Adults typically weigh around 1,000 pounds and are about 10 feet long; however, they can grow to over 3,500 pounds and 13 feet long.

Manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the lead state agency in carrying out manatee protection.

If you see a tagged, injured or dead manatee:

Call the FWC's Wildlife Alert number at (888) 404-3922
Mobile phone callers can dial *FWC or #FWC
Text to: Tip@MyFWC.com

Marine vessels and protection zones

The leading known cause of adult manatee deaths in Florida is vessel collisions. Vessel impacts are a continuing threat to the status of manatee populations.

FWC has established rules to restrict the speed and operation of vessels where necessary to protect manatees from harmful collisions with vessels and from harassment. In areas that are especially important to manatees, the rules can prohibit or limit entry into an area as well as restrict what activities can be performed in the area.

Manatee protection and boating safety rules and guides: