Article Summary:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has recorded fewer Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) deaths in 2012 than in the preceding two years, which they attribute largely to milder winter temperatures. The FWC logged 392 deaths last year, compared with 453 in 2011. Collisions with watercraft caused 81 fatalities in 2012, compared to 88 in 2011.

The FWC works to enhance access to warm water sites for the manatees. Recent projects include the restoration of Fanning Springs, which give the animals access to a natural warm-water habitat off the Suwannee River.