FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin McBride, Lee County Natural Resources Division
              (941) 479-8130 or Steve Boutelle, 479-8128

AGENCIES URGING BOATERS TO
BE AWARE OF MANATEE COLD STRESS EFFECTS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 31, 2003) - Lee County Division of Natural Resources, the City of Cape Coral and the Lee County Water Access Coalition want to alert Lee County Boaters and citizens that the recent waves of cold weather could have several effects on Lee County's Manatee Population.

Exposure to cold weather can lead Manatees to suffer from COLD-STRESS. Manatees can show signs of COLD-STRESS during both the onset of a cold snap and for several weeks after the cold weather. Manatees that are experiencing COLD-STRESS show signs of weakness and become easily disoriented. Manatees showing signs of COLD-STRESS may not react in the same manner as they would when healthy, and may be at higher-risk for possible collisions with watercraft. Boaters are urged to be even more vigilant in and around the mouth of the Orange River, the Caloosahatchee River from the Franklin Locks to San Carlos Bay, and in the canals of Cape Coral during continuing colder conditions and in the weeks to come.

Mindy Foley, Marine Mammal Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says that animals may feel the effects of a cold snap immediately, and that it is important to report sick or injured animals immediately. Foley states that, "Manatees affected by Cold-Stress will tend to stay in one area for extended periods of time, remaining virtually motionless for upwards of one to two days."

The recent periods of cold weather are also expected to have a delayed effect upon the Manatee population. Manatees that succumb to COLD-STRESS usually begin to appear within seven days after the cold snap has begun. According to Kipp Frohlich, Biological Administrator for the manatee section of the Bureau of Protected Species Management (FWC), "Death from cold water…appears to be a slow process in manatees. It is typical that manatees subjected to prolong cold become lethargic, and stop feeding. Manatees in this state will loose weight and look thin." The public is urged to be on the lookout for sick, injured and deceased animals while participating in any activity near the water.

Boaters and residents that see dead or injured Manatees are urged to notify the FWC Manatee hotline at 1-888-404-3922, this call is confidential and anonymous. Questions regarding the information contained in this news release may be directed to Justin McBride at the Lee County Division of Natural Resources at 239-479-8130.