GPS Device Monitoring Recently Released Manatee

Manatees are majestic creatures. Some tourists recently got in big trouble for riding on the back of one of these creatures. Despite the temptation, it’s best to leave manatees alone. The West Indian Manatee is an endangered species and is under federal protection. It is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill manatees under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978.

“We receive all calls about manatees that are found – dead or alive,” explained Christie Rush, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) marine mammal biologist. “Our job is to check them out and then determine a response. We set-up everything from where to get them to a release spot.” In August 2012, they received one of these calls to come rescue a manatee with large injuries on its back, likely from an encounter with boat propellers. After a year of rehabilitation, they are releasing the manatee. Until the manatee has acclimated to its new home, researchers will be monitoring it with a GPS tracking device.

“The telemetry device we attached to her is a satellite tag that GPS [Global Positioning System] and VHF [Very High Frequency] capabilities,” Ann Spellman said, Lead FWC marine biologist. “This means they can track by radio frequency. They can also track them on the computer through the ARGOS [Advanced Research and Global Observation] satellite system.” The GPS device is rigged so that if it becomes caught, it will easily detach from the animal so it can free itself.

“The number one cause of death to manatees is boating incidents. Please be mindful and watch out for manatees in the river,” Spellman said. “If you do see an incident or find and injured manatee, please contact FWC.” Anyone interested can follow the manatee at www.wildtracks.org. The manatee’s location is updated every three days.

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GPS Device Monitoring Recently Released Manatee