FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin McBride, Lee County Division of Natural Resources
(239) 479-8130

LEE COUNTY URGING BOATERS TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
MANATEES FEELING RED TIDE EFFECTS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 20, 2003) - Lee County Division of Natural Resources would like to alert area boaters to the possibility that the recent red tide event may result in sick and injured manatees. Initial observations of fish kills and respiratory irritation by humans point to a red tide event in the Pine Island Sound area. Samples are being collected today and results will be made available Friday afternoon as to the severity and extent of the Red tide event.

Pine Island Sound is a major foraging area Lee County's manatee population. Historic red tide events have resulted in a high number of manatee mortalities. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Mammal Biologist Mindy Foley says that manatees feeling the effects of red tide will often, "...struggle at the surface to breath because they are basically becoming paralyzed from the neurotoxin released from the red tide dino-flagellate."

While there have not yet been any reports of manatees in Lee County feeling the effects of the red tide, there have been manatees effected by red tide in Collier County. Foley comments that in recent weeks, "…manatees have begun beaching themselves in the Marco Island area." The beaching behavior is in response to the paralyzing effects of the red tide. Lee County boaters are urged to watch for manatees that may be feeling the effects of the red tide, as they may be more susceptible to collisions with vessels, even at low speeds.

If the public spots a struggling, beached, or injured manatee they are urged not to try and assist the animal, but to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Question regarding the information contained within this press release may be directed to Justin McBride, Senior Environmental Specialist, Lee County Division of Natural Resources, Marine Program. (239) 479-8130.