Governor DeSantis Touts Record-High Florida Manatee Count Numbers
Hundreds of Florida Manatees Gather In Crystal River. Credit: Southwest Florida Water Management District
ORANGE CITY, Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted funding to protect Florida’s manatees and improve water quality while visiting Blue Spring State Park near Orange City, Florida.
In January, Blue Spring State Park saw a record 932 manatees seeking warm waters in the spring, beating their previous record on New Year’s Day of 736 manatees.
Governor DeSantis has prioritized funding for manatees and water quality improvements that enhance manatee habitats, investing over $50 million in manatee programs and more than $1.8 billion in water quality improvements since 2019. As a result, in 2023, Florida manatees had the lowest mortality rate since 2017.
“Florida’s manatee population continues to strengthen because of our record investments in manatee protection programs and water quality improvements,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am grateful for FWC for their proactive rescue and rehabilitation efforts.”
The Florida manatee's population rebound has been so successful that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission ended its manatee winter feeding program.
This year, Blue Spring State Park saw a record 932 manatees in a single day.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 6, 2024
Our unprecedented investments in manatee rescue and rehabilitation efforts have allowed the manatee population to increase and the mortality rate to decline.
Thanks to FWC for the great work! pic.twitter.com/maxRpkAChs
