Manatees are large, gentle sea creatures that live in warm waters and feed on sea vegetation. They are often referred to as "Sea Cows". They are endangered because they live in waters that are frequented by boats, which are the biggest danger to the Manatee population. Please help to save these wonderful and gentle creatures of the sea. Visit the Save The Manatee Club web site. Also, visit the Whale Club and sponsor a Manatee.

If any Manatees are sighted in northern waters, please note the date, time, location and any identifying features and contact one of the following facilities:

• South Carolina: SC Department of Natural Resources (803) 844-2473
• North Carolina: National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort Lab (919) 728-3595
• Virginia: Virginia Marine Science Museum, Virginia Beach (757) 437-4949
• Maryland: National Aquarium, Baltimore (410) 576-3853
• Delaware: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Delaware Field Office (302) 739-4782
• New Jersey: Marine Mammal Stranding Center (609) 266-0538

BOATERS AND JETSKIIERS should observe speed zone signs posted in manatee habitat areas or travel corridors. Watch out for manatees or indications that manatees may be in the area. These indications include: swirls at the water surface, mud trails, or noses surfacing to breathe.
If you see a manatee in the same area where you are operating a boat or jetski, keep the manatee at least 50 feet away.
Stay in deep water when operating a boat or jetski and away from shorelines and grassbeds.
While on the water: wear polarized sunglasses which provide greater visibility into water.

If you are really a Manatee lover and would like to see them up close and personal, then you have to visit the Crystal River in northern Florida. You can actually snorkel in the river and, if you are lucky and stay by the surface, Manatees have been known to come over and say hello. It is important to let the manatee come to you though, and at no time should they be disturbed when they dive to the bottom to feed. The Crystal River is on Florida's west coast, southwest of Ocala. 100,000 people a year go to the river to swim with the Manatees there. For more information, contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (352) 563-2088, or write to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, 1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, Florida, 34429.

Save the Manatee Club
500 N. Maitland Ave.
Maitland, Florida
32751
1-800-432-5646