Reported by Margaret Kavanagh
PORT ST. JOHN -- Wildlife workers in Brevard County said they are seeing a rise in manatee deaths this year -- but it has nothing to do with boat strikes.
Ed Jones has lived across from a power plant where he used to work since the mid-1970s. He told News 13 watching the manatees gather is a perk to living where he does.
“It’s like loving something ugly,” Jones said.
Brevard County is a haven for the massive animals, but as of November, statistics showed about 100 deaths in the county.
That number, according to experts, is significantly higher than in previous years, particularly because of a spike in newborn deaths.
Wildlife experts said they are studying the issue to try and figure out what is causing the trouble.
On the upside, only six deaths in Brevard County were caused by boaters hitting the manatees in the water this year.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said that low number was thanks to boaters being more alert.
“People are very compliant in the county, and the zones are better marked,” said Fish and Wildlife Officer Jeffrey Luce.
As the water gets colder, more and more manatees are expected to head to spots like the water around the Cape Canaveral Power Plant, seeking warmth from the cold water.
“The discharge unit at the plant puts of water that is 10 degrees warmer, so they need that,” Jones told News 13.
“Mother Nature taking its course, and it’s just us coexisting out there, and we’re doing a good job at it,” said Luce said.
A good job at keeping the gentle, slow-moving mammals protected as a continued icon of Florida’s wildlife.
Gov. Charlie Crist declared November Manatee Awareness Month in Florida.
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