Look and see what a boat propeller does to a Manatee's back. -pics-
 

Here is a pair that came up to my dock while I was washing the boat. I gave them a fresh drink from the hose.

You can see some pretty fresh propeller marks along with some older ones. I've literally seen big chunks missing from them before. It's pretty sad.

http://www.bikinivoyeur.com/manatee1.jpg

http://www.bikinivoyeur.com/manatee2.jpg

You would think they would hear the boat and go deep .. it sucks that they get hit like that. What type of things does the state do to stop this ... do they put speed limits in the areas they stay or are they everywhere ?

ouch that really freaking sucks. i lived and boated in FL alot. always killed me when i saw that.

they are really slow and dopey. sorta move in slow motion. so its real hard for them to get out of the way.

Yes, they have Manatee Speed Zones all over. Especially in the areas where they are known to congregate frequently. I'm sure it helps but there is just too much water out there.

Sad shit BV..

Fla had a lot going for it, but the whole place is getting... kindly quickly screwed up in respect of environment.

That sucks .. I'm surprised one of these animal rescue groups don't go around and paint their backs Orange ..:1orglaugh

they seem sooo sweet

Cool looking creatures..are they endangered?

Depends who you talk to Spunky... the Fla manatees are being killed off at a higher rate in recent years, but little protection for them.

It's nothing new tho - same in other regions of the world with different species. Can think of one country where howler monkey's (and other breeds) where individuals have reduced in population by around 60% in about 12 years.

When my parents were alive they had a winter home on Singer Island in West Palm Beach and we had the Intercoastal in the back...and I spent so much time watch all of these beautiful creatures that hung out right outside their home. I fell in love with them, and my heart broke to see all of the scars on them. My parents bought the home and planned to have a boat on the Intercoastal, but after falling in love with the manatee's they decided that a boat could harm them, and maybe putting chairs on their doc instead to watch them would be for the best.

Too many clueless people in big boats down here. Retire, move to Florida, get a yacht and let `er rip. If you think the Florida waterways are dangerous, try a Wal Mart parking lot in January. Scary!

Avalanches of rich senior citizens from up north, in beige Cadillac Devilles and Crown Victorias, drugged out on heart medication, hearing impaired and with coke bottle cataract glasses, are trying to find their way around in Florida each Winter. Once you made it don here you don't need a license to drive a jet powered cigar boat or a 50 ft. yacht.

You noticed then? :1orglaugh :1orglaugh :1orglaugh

"senior citizens from up north, in beige Cadillac Devilles and Crown Victorias, drugged out on heart medication, hearing impaired and with coke bottle cataract glasses," It's hard to miss em :winkwink:

Seriously.. agree - that is the problem. The wildlife is being over-run by humans compressing their space and throwing boats into the everglades and coastal regions. It's an environmental disaster region now - pity, since it had great potential if there was some care taken.

Beautiful animals...

That sucks. They are such sweet animals.