Nearly 600 manatees died in Florida waters in 2020 as state works to protect the threatened mammal

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Newly written draft language for proposed boater safety legislation may help protect threatened manatees from being killed by boat strikes.

Last year, 593 manatees were found dead in Florida. Of those, an estimated 90 died after boat strikes, according to preliminary data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. That means 15% died from boat-related injuries. But that percentage could be higher.

Because of “pandemic-related limitations,” nearly 200 of the total reported deaths were not investigated, so no cause of death was given, according to the agency's preliminary 2020 manatee mortality data.

Overall, total deaths were slightly higher this year compared with 2019's 564 reported deaths.

The fish and wildlife commission sent the state a draft proposal in 2020 that would require anyone operating a vessel to have a boating safety identification card issued by the agency.

Current regulations state that only people born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must complete a boater safety course. The proposed legislation that would require every boat operator to have a safety ID card would begin Jan. 1, 2023.

Critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population gets a boost

Sarah Gledhill of the nonprofit endangered species organization Center for Biological Diversity said the proposed regulation comes because of a lack of education resulting in boating accidents and fatalities. She said manatees would benefit from the proposed legislation.

“When you look at the leading causes of manatee fatalities, one of which is boat strikes, this is a natural, common-sense measure that we can take to help reduce manatee deaths,” she said.

She said some boaters act as if they have a free license to operate a powerful machine in the waterways without understanding proper navigation, safety hazards and the vulnerability of wildlife areas.

“There’s a lot of recreation on our waterways, and we share our waterways with wildlife,” she said. “If we educate everybody who is operating this powerful machine, it not only helps us reduce conflicts between humans, but helps reduce conflicts between manatees, sea turtles and other wildlife.”

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are herbivores that can grow more than 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds.

An orphan manatee calf named Squirrel forms 'an instant bond' with Stubby, the Columbus Zoo's 'queen'

The fish and wildlife commission issues public information notices asking boaters to slow down and watch out for manatees.

“Manatees can be difficult to detect when underwater, so it is important for operators of boats and personal watercrafts to be vigilant while out on the water,” a March news release from the agency says.

'It's working!': Deer, bears and other critters like Utah's first wildlife bridge — and the state has video to prove it.

The proposed boater safety regulation is a win for everybody, including wildlife, Gledhill said.

“This isn’t about infringing on anyone’s rights but about how we can coexist with wildlife while recreating on Florida’s waters,” she said. “Because Florida is the nation’s boating capital, we hope this is a priority to keep us recreating and protect wildlife on the waterways.”

Follow Karl Schneider on Twitter: @karlstartswithk.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida seeks legislation to protect manatees after 593 deaths in 2020