Protecting a gentle giant
The Florida manatee is a large marine mammal that can reach 3,500 pounds and more than 12 feet long. These gentle, inquisitive, marine mammals were once hunted for their meat and hides. The Florida manatee population has increased over the past few decades, and is now listed as "threatened" in the United States.
Currently, the population in Florida is estimated at more than 5,000; however, impacts from human activity, cold stress, red tide and habitat threats pose challenges to this peaceful mammal.
FPL supports manatee research and conducts tagging exercises and aerial surveys at its facilities to help assess the health of manatee herds.
How can you help?
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Follow all signs when boating in waters inhabited by manatees. Manatees are seriously injured or killed due to collisions with boats.
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Purchase a “Save the Manatee” license plate. Funds from the sale support manatee research and conservation programs across the state
Manatee Facts
- One of the manatee's closest modern relatives is the elephant.
- Manatees typically move slowly, but can swim up to 20 miles per hour.
- Adult manatees have no natural predators.
