Manatees

Back in 2006, we had discussed getting a group together and going to visit with the manatees in Crystal River, FL. I had just learned what they were a few months earlier and was really interested in seeing them up close We had been talking about the trip for a couple months and a guy at work was saying we were wasting our time going to see those things. I disagreed and set up a group trip to go down there in November. The group started with about 10 people and as time drew close and people needed to make reservations and pay money, as always, the numbers started to drop. In the end, it ended up only being two of us making the trip. Dive Buddy Dee and I were the only two. We made the trip and when I finally got to meet the manatees face to face, I fell in love with them. They are awesome animals and the fact that they are listed as "Endangered" every one's help is need to keep the manatee numbers up. West Indian manatees in the United States are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. West Indian manatees are also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 which states: "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee." Anyone convicted of violating Florida's state law faces a possible maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison.

During our yearly trip back to Crystal River last week to see the manatees again, a bunch of us decided to help out in any small way we could. One thing we did was pay for the PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) Manatee Awareness Specialty that was offered by the shop we booked our manatee visit through to certified divers. Some of the money goes to PADI for processing, but some also go to the Manatee protection programs. Another way a couple of us decided to help was to adopt a manatee through Savethemanatee.org. They have manatees from 3 different areas in Florida to choose from along with pictures and bio of "your" manatee. When you adopt, you get an adoption package with a lot of other info in it. My package hasn't arrived yet, but I will post about it when it does. I adopted a younger manatee in Blue Springs State Park named, "Georgia." (of course) I hope to make a trip to Blue Springs during the Winter and see Georgia with my own eyes. That will be cool. I also have a friend that has also adopted "Lenny" in Blue Springs and M2, one of my dive buddies, adopted "Deep Dent." It's a great way to help out. You can even give an adoption as a gift. How many people do you can say the gave or received a manatee as a gift? And for as little as 25 dollars, it's also an inexpensive gift.

If you are interested in learning more about manatees or would like to help, just visit http://www.savethemanatee.org/.