2007-03-21 13:56:59 · 9 answers · asked by landsliderr 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Diving with manatees in Florida is against the law. It is a Federal Offense if you are caught interacting with them in any but TWO unrestricted areas of the Homosassa or Crystal River and then you must be with a guide. The MMPA states that you cannot harass, capture, pursue or endanger marine mammals in any way.
Manatees have a low metabolic rate and need to be in water 68°F and above. They are subject to hypothermia in waters below 60°F. You may have trouble finding them at night due to their propencity to sleep in underground caves and warmer areas.
If you DO encounter a manatee, there are certain rules you should follow, accoring to the US Fish and Wildlife Department:
*While swimming with manatees, it is best to observe manatees from a distance.
*Always move slowly and float on the surface of the water.
*Do not dive down. You may be waking up a sleeping manatee.
*Allow manatees to approach you and you may touch a manatee with one open hand.
*Never chase, surround, poke or prod a manatee.
*Be careful not to separate a calf from its mother.
*Manatees are very curious animals and those that want to observe you will approach you.
*Please be cautious to avoid entering manatee sanctuaries. Those areas are set aside for manatees only.
*Avoid excessive noise and splashing
*Use snorkel gear when attempting to watch manatees. The sound of scuba gear may cause them to leave the area.
Have fun!
2007-03-22 02:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Kristy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't touch the manatee where their bathing suit covers.
Sorry, I have no idea.
2007-03-21 20:59:36 · answer #2 · answered by Rey Gamberro Salvador 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must buy the manatees dinner first...
2007-03-22 06:43:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must check your local laws. I suggest you check with the state natural resources department or park and wildlife. In most places they are protected animals.
2007-03-23 18:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by bpshark74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No more than four allowed in a passenger vehicle.
2007-03-21 21:00:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as they don't die and you are on public property your good to go
2007-03-21 20:59:29 · answer #6 · answered by abc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i recommend going to hornymanatee.com
2007-03-21 21:03:12 · answer #7 · answered by brian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave then alone.
2007-03-21 21:00:18 · answer #8 · answered by MissWong 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the only rule is: don't die
2007-03-21 20:58:57 · answer #9 · answered by anthony p 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋