Episode 802: Manatees: Conserving a Marine Mammal

The lovable Florida manatee draws thousands of tourists to Crystal River every year. This sanctuary is also a treasure for scientists, who take advantage of the winter gatherings of hundreds of manatees in the shallow, clear water to study this marine mammal. One particular research group is using cutting-edge technology to detect manatees in the water without even seeing them, using their DNA. The conservation of Florida's state marine mammal now relies on some fundamental scientific questions. What is a healthy population of manatees? And do we have enough habitat and food sources to support a growing population?

Experts

Meet the experts featured in this episode.

Episode Photos

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An inquisitive Florida manatee in Crystal River, Florida. An aggregation of Florida manatees in the warmer, clear waters of Crystal River, Florida.

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An aggregation of Florida manatees in the warmer, clear waters of Crystal River, Florida.

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The Changing Seas crew filming manatees in Crystal River: Associate Producer Monica Arenas, Videographer Jeremy Nicholson, and Series Producer Alexa Elliott.

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Expert Bob Bonde, Ph.D. briefs volunteers & scientists before the manatee health assessment, with Changing Seas Videographer Sean Hickey and Series Producer Alexa Elliott watching.

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A team of researchers and volunteers help take samples from a barnacle-covered manatee.

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Videographer Sean Hickey films the team of experts and volunteers during the manatee health assessment.

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Researchers taking biological samples from a manatee while keeping it as comfortable as possible.

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Researchers examine a fetus in a pregnant manatee using an ultrasound.

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Volunteers and researchers capture a manatee using a seine net during the health assessment.

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A Florida manatee comes up for air.

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Videographer Sean Hickey comes face to face with a manatee to get the shot.

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Videographer Sean Hickey holding his breath during his manatee encounter.

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Two Florida manatees cruising in Crystal River.

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A manatee rests on the bottom at Crystal River.

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A manatee relaxing in Crystal River.

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Three Sisters Spring in scenic Crystal River.

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A close-up encounter with a Florida manatee.

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A Florida manatee in Crystal River.

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A manatee display at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

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A manatee just below the surface at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.

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A manatee gets a closer look at Videographer Sean Hickey and his camera.

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Algae-covered manatees in Crystal River.

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Manatees “walking” along the bottom.

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Videographer Sean Hickey filming at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.

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Producer Mark Baker conducting an interview in the lab while Videographer Sean Hickey films.

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Michelle Davis, Ph.D. during her interview.

Special Thanks:

Plantation on Crystal River
9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL 34429
1 (800) 632-6262

Red Roof Inn
3500 Southwest 42nd Street
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 336-3311

Image Credits

Changing Seas would like to thank the following individuals and institutions who kindly allowed their footage, images and other media to be used in this production:

Cathy A. Beck

Florida Power & Light Company

US Geological Survey, Sirenia Project