Biologists count nearly 500 manatees during annual synoptic survey

Biologists found nearly 5000 manatees during their annual manatee count.

A total of 4,840 manatees were found in waters around the state.

A team of 20 observers from 11 organizations counted 2,438 manatees on Florida’s East Coast and 2,402 on the West Coast of the state.

Researchers say the weather was perfect for the count – recent cold weather forced the manatee to gather in warm-water sites.

The synoptic survey is used to count as many manatees as possible – it’s been done since 1991.

The survey results provide researchers with a minimum number of manatees in Florida waters but it is not considered a true population estimate and is not used to determine long-term population trends. 

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