Record number of manatee deaths in Florida in 2009

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/florida-manatee939.html

419 Manatees dead so far in 2009 - Boat strikes the major causeDecember 2009. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute documented 419 manatee carcasses in state waters up until Dec. 11. This preliminary data indicates that the total number of manatee deaths for 2009 has surpassed the highest number on record for a calendar year.

12.5% of all Florida manatees died - Boat strike major cause of deathThere are thought to be around 3200 Manatees living in Florida, so this represents some 12.5% of the population - Clearly an unsustainable rate. Records show that, of all those manatees reported dead, 30% of all known deaths were killed by boat strikes, a figure three times greater than natural causes. This figure also means that 4% of the total population was killed by boats.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).