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Habitat Characterization, Assessment and Protection

FWC manatee habitat staff coordinated with intergovernmental agencies in working groups and task forces to manage human activities in natural systems used by manatees.

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The recovery of the manatee population in Florida cannot occur without suitable habitat. The growing human population in Florida, and associated extensive coastal development, is a long-term threat to manatee habitat.  Historically, coastal development has resulted in degradation of water quality and destruction of seagrasses – the primary food of manatees. Ways to minimize negative effects of coastal development are being explored.  Reductions in the flow of warm spring waters, due to increasing consumptive human uses, threaten significant natural warmwater refuges in the northern half of the State. An uncertain future for the power industry, with looming operational changes and existing power plant obsolescence, also poses threats to established artificial warmwater refuges. Understanding manatee habitat needs and assessing habitat health and stability is a primary focus of habitat protection programs.

To view highlights from the 2006–2007 fiscal year, download
Habitat Characterization, Assessment and Protection 2006–2007 Highlights (PDF File—314 KB)

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