Manatees are large gentle aquatic mammals that inhabit slow moving rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. They can be found in the Venice area particularly during the cooler months when they seek out the warmer waters of springs and power plant discharge areas.
Manatees are endangered and are protected by Federal and State laws. Anyone harassing or intentionally harming a manatee faces Federal prosecution and fines. It is important that boaters watch for manatees, especially in shallow waterways and no-wake zones.
If you see an injured, sick, or orphaned manatee, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), use #FWC or *FWC on your cellular phone, or use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio. Florida’s manatees face threats from boat strikes, habitat loss, and cold stress, making conservation efforts critical to their survival.