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Spring 2004 - V.19 N.1
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Manatee Deaths Drop Here, but Rise on West Coast from TCPalm Local News, news-journalonline, and others

News Around the Lagoon

Costly New Septic Tanks Keep Nitrogen out of Water
Water Management District Uses Grove Land to Store Excess Water
Environmentalists Urge Action on Ship Ballast Water
Supreme Court Rules EPA can Overrule State in Clean Air Case
Halting Toxic Cleanups
Water the Oil of the 21st Century
New Gates Reduce Silt from Canals in Indian River County
Key West Asks Cruise Ships to Stop Dumping
Endangered Species Act may be in Danger
Manatee Deaths Drop Here, but Rise on West Coast
Conservation Groups Sue for EPA to Regulate Water Pollution in Florida
New Tag Aims to Help Protect Coral Reefs
Politics Trump Science
Chemical Industry Seeks Approval of Pesticides at Expense of Wildlife
On the Lagoon with Captain Rodney Smith

Manatee deaths in Treasure Coast waters dropped significantly in 2003, but red tide on Florida's West coast contributed to one of the highest annual statewide death tolls on record. Including 98 manatees killed by red tide toxin in southwest Florida, a total of 380 manatees died last year. That's 75 more than in 2002 and 55 more than 2001. Boat-related deaths totaled 73 statewide. Population surveys done in January, 2003, indicated there were about 3,000 manatees in Florida coastal waters. No deaths were recorded in St. Lucie County, one of 11 counties with no deaths. In Palm Beach County, 10 manatees died: four from boat collision. In Martin County, five manatees died: one from boat collision. In Indian River County, five died: one from boat collision. The red tide in Lee, Collier, Sarasota and Charlotte counties caused a near-record number of natural manatee deaths, second only to a red time in 1996 that killed 149 sea cows.

Next Article: Conservation Groups Sue for EPA to Regulate Water Pollution in Florida