Funded by: U.S. Marine Mammal Commission

Distribution of the endangered Florida manatee is largely determined by water temperature, due to limited tolerance to cold temperature.  At least 60% of the population gathers at industrial outfalls, such as power plants, to survive the winter months.  As power plants age the availability of industrial warm-water sites will be reduced, emphasizing the increasing importance of natural warm-water springs to the manatee population.  Many springs in Florida have been modified by the introduction of dams, weirs, increased siltation, and other obstructions that have limited or blocked access.  In addition, water removal for the increasing human population has reduced flows from springs, which reduces the available warm water habitat for manatees.  Wildlife Trust will be surveying springs, including identifying impediments to manatee usage and recommending possible enhancement of the habitat to increase access for manatees.  We anticipate that the results of our survey will be used by managers to develop a schedule of spring restoration to increase the amount of natural warm water available to manatees as the amount of man-made warm water decreases in the future. 

To learn more about our partners please click on the links provided

   Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service