Manatee Sighting Network

Florida Springs Heartland Manatee Sighting Network

Become a citizen scientist by helping contribute to manatee population monitoring efforts!

**Immediately report any ​manatees that are injured or in distress to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling 1-888-404-FWCC (3922),
*FWC, or texting Tip@MyFWC.com. You can also use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio.

Alachua County Environmental Protection Department has partnered with Save the Manatee Club to expand manatee population monitoring efforts on the Suwannee, Santa Fe, and Ichetucknee Rivers. The Florida Manatee is an endangered marine mammal that can only survive with ample habitat that consists of aquatic vegetation, access to fresh water, and warm water for winter refuge.

1. **Report any manatees that are injured or in distress to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), VHF Channel 16, *FWC, or texting Tip@MyFWC.com.
2. Keep a 2-kayak length distance from a manatee.
3. Do not give food or water to manatees.
4. Never separate a cow and her calf.
5. Do not block a manatee’s path if one or more moves toward you.

Report Manatee Sightings

Click on the image below to be taken to the Save the Manatee Club website​ to document your sightings.
Do​ not report injured animals here!

 

Looking to get more involved? ACEPD is looking for volunteers to count manatees on a regular basis during the winter season. Fill out this volunteer form​, or contact Lindsey Kelly at 352-264-6859 or lrkelly@alachuacounty.us for more information.

Partners and Resources

• Save the Manatee Club
• Dauphin Island Sea Lab – Marine Mammal Research Program