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Manatee: Difference between revisions
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# '''Habitat Loss and Degradation:''' Human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and boat traffic significantly contribute to the loss and degradation of manatee habitats. According to research from [[NOAA]], there are two major threats to manatees: habitat loss and boat strikes. Coastal development leads to the destruction of seagrass beds, which are crucial for the manatee's diet and shelter, thereby reducing available habitat and food sources.<ref>[https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/endoceanmanatees/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20major%20threats,manatees%20if%20they%20eat%20it. Endangered Ocean: Manatees] NOAA</ref> | # '''Habitat Loss and Degradation:''' Human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and boat traffic significantly contribute to the loss and degradation of manatee habitats. According to research from [[NOAA]], there are two major threats to manatees: habitat loss and boat strikes. Coastal development leads to the destruction of seagrass beds, which are crucial for the manatee's diet and shelter, thereby reducing available habitat and food sources.<ref>[https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/endoceanmanatees/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20major%20threats,manatees%20if%20they%20eat%20it. Endangered Ocean: Manatees] NOAA</ref> | ||
# '''Boat Strikes:''' Manatees are highly susceptible to collisions with watercraft, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The [[Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission]] highlights the impact of [[boat strikes]], stating that scars and mutilations caused by these incidents make manatees more vulnerable to future entanglements, further exacerbating their plight.<ref>[https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/entanglement/ Human-related Impacts to Manatees] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission</ref> | # '''Boat Strikes:''' Manatees are highly susceptible to collisions with watercraft, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The [[Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission]] highlights the impact of [[boat strikes]], stating that scars and mutilations caused by these incidents make manatees more vulnerable to future entanglements, further exacerbating their plight.<ref>[https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/entanglement/ Human-related Impacts to Manatees] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission</ref> | ||
# '''Climate Change:''' Human-induced climate change poses a significant threat to manatees. Rising sea levels, altered water temperatures, and extreme weather events can disrupt their habitats and food sources | # '''Climate Change:''' Human-induced climate change poses a significant threat to manatees. Rising sea levels, altered water temperatures, and extreme weather events can disrupt their habitats and food sources.<ref>[https://earth.org/florida-manatee/ Amid Human-Induced Climate Change, the Florida Manatee Faces an Uncertain Future] earth.org</ref> | ||
# '''Pollution''': Pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and littering, contaminates waterways and negatively impacts manatees. This pollution can lead to habitat degradation, ingestion of harmful substances, and compromised immune systems, further endangering their survival. | # '''Pollution''': Pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and littering, contaminates waterways and negatively impacts manatees. This pollution can lead to habitat degradation, ingestion of harmful substances, and compromised immune systems, further endangering their survival. | ||
# '''Entanglement''': Manatees may become entangled in marine debris such as fishing lines, ropes, and nets, leading to injuries, impaired mobility, and even death. Discover Crystal River identifies entanglement as one of the top two dangers to manatees, highlighting the need for efforts to reduce marine debris and mitigate entanglement risks.<ref>[https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/blog/top-two-dangers-to-manatees/ Top Two Dangers to Manatees] Discover Crystal River </ref> | # '''Entanglement''': Manatees may become entangled in marine debris such as fishing lines, ropes, and nets, leading to injuries, impaired mobility, and even death. Discover Crystal River identifies entanglement as one of the top two dangers to manatees, highlighting the need for efforts to reduce marine debris and mitigate entanglement risks.<ref>[https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/blog/top-two-dangers-to-manatees/ Top Two Dangers to Manatees] Discover Crystal River </ref> | ||
# '''Red Tide''': [[Red tide]] is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by a proliferation of certain species of algae, predominantly Karenia brevis, in coastal waters. While these algal blooms are a regular feature of marine ecosystems, they can have severe consequences for aquatic life, including manatees.<ref name=":4">[https://savethemanatee.org/manatees/red-tide/ Red Tide] Save the Manatee Club</ref> Manatees, being herbivorous mammals that inhabit coastal waters, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of red tide. When they ingest contaminated water or consume seagrass tainted with brevetoxins, they can suffer from a range of health issues. These may include respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and even mortality in severe cases.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
# '''Harassment of Manatees''': Despite being protected by laws and regulations, manatees continue to endure various forms of disturbance, which can have detrimental effects on their well-being and survival.<ref name=":5">[https://savethemanatee.org/manatees/harassment/ Harassment] Save the Manatee Club</ref> There are two types of harassment: | |||
## Drastic harassment involves singular, significant incidents that can lead to harm or injury. Examples include riding a manatee or forcibly separating a mother and calf.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
## Cumulative harassment occurs gradually over time due to repeated disturbances. For instance, large or frequent tour groups disrupting resting manatees can compel them to relocate frequently to avoid human contact. This behaviour consumes excessive energy and may cause the manatees to abandon their habitat entirely.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== Legal Protection of the Manatee == | |||
=== United States === | |||
Manatees are protected under federal law by the [[Endangered Species Act of 1973 (USA)|Endangered Species Act of 1973]] and the [[Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (USA)|Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972]].<ref name=":5" /> In Florida the manatee is also protected by the [[Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 (USA)|Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978]].<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
* | *[[wikipedia:Manatee|Manatee]] Wikipedia | ||
== References == | == References == | ||