Media Contact: Lisa Young
251/861-7509
Toll Free Number:
866-493-5803
E-mail: manatee@disl.org
Website: http://manatee.disl.org
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in sightings and
anecdotal reports of manatees in Mobile Bay. These gentle, slow-moving
creatures are well documented in Florida, but little study has been
conducted in local waters. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Senior Marine
Scientist Dr. Ruth Carmichael is establishing “Mobile Manatees,” a
program that encourages the public to report their sightings of these
animals in Alabama waters, particularly in Mobile Bay. Photo: Lucy
Keith/Wildlife Trust
“We simply don't know how these endangered animals are using the Bay -
what they are eating or why they are here,” states Dr. Carmichael. “By
tracking their locations and other conditions, we will gain a better
understanding of how they live.”
By calling the toll-free number or visiting the webpage to e-mail their
sightings, the public can help scientists find, study, and protect these
vulnerable creatures. Information needed includes:
• Date and time of sighting (please use military time or note AM or PM)
• Location of sighting with as much detail as possible, including an
associated street address, river name, and (if possible) GPS coordinates
• Name and phone number or e-mail address of reporting party
• Number of animals and approximate size
• Any distinguishing marks, scars (manatees can be identified by
scarring patterns)
• What they were doing (swimming, floating, foraging)
• How they were spotted (from boat, dock, etc.)
• Please send a photograph/.jpg, if one was taken
The “Mobile Manatee” program is part of a larger study that will include
aerial and ground surveys of manatees in Mobile Bay and research to
determine what manatees eat while in the Bay. The project, funded by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a collaboration between Dauphin
Island Sea Lab and researchers at Wildlife Trust in Florida.
(more)
“We really need everyone’s help. We want people to be aware of manatees
in Alabama waters, and to help us observe these animals in a positive
way. We hope that by including the public, we can improve the success of
our study and reduce the likelihood of negative interactions such as
boat strikes,” Dr. Carmichael adds.
“We appreciate as much information as possible to confirm a sighting,
but we discourage people from approaching the animals. Manatees need
plenty of space. We do not want to alter their natural behavior, scare
them away, or harass them,” she emphasizes. “The best rule of thumb is
to stay at least 100 feet from manatees. If you spot one, don’t chase
them, feed them, or touch them. Give us a call or visit the website as
soon as possible, and we will get to work.”
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