Title: Manatees Escaping Florida Chill Take Refuge in Power Plant Outflow
Manatees facing chilly temperatures in Florida's usually balmy waters are seeking solace in the toasty discharge of power plants, particularly Florida Power & Light Company's facility in Riviera Beach. This cozy spot became more appealing with the arrival of Manatee Lagoon eight years ago, providing some relief during the Sunshine State's recent cold streak.
As reported by the Associated Press, these gentle giants—growing up to 10 feet long and tipping the scales at 800 to 1,200 pounds—are native to Florida's hot waters. However, a wintry blast called a polar vortex jolted the nation last week, sending chilly temperatures drifting into the subtropical Florida, causing a discomfort for manatees who are not fond of the cold. In response, manatees flocked to the power plant's discharge, appreciating not only the warmth but also the cleanliness of the water.
Rachel Shanker, an education manager at Manatee Lagoon, explains that manatees act as environmental sentinels, responding to changes in their surroundings first. A current environmental concern is the manatees' food source, seagrass, which has been dwindling due to harmful algal blooms. Consequently, Florida's manatee population has been on the decline, with news of record-breaking manatee fatalities reported in 2021 (1,100 deaths).
In dire situations, humans have lent a helping hand. In 2022, Florida resorted to feeding the manatees romaine lettuce heads. This unusual intervention followed the threat of a law-suit from conservation groups in 2023, criticizing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for insufficient protection of manatees.
According to Shanker, Manatee Lagoon serves as a stop-over for manatees seeking warmth, while they venture out to forage for their favorite food—seagrass. The power plant uses ocean water for cooling purposes, not processing it in any way.
Despite the struggles, the seagrass population has bounced back in some areas, and the manatee population has followed suit. In 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported lower-than-average manatee deaths (565) compared to the past five years. And though manatees remain at risk of natural disasters and habitat destruction, the recent population increase is cause for celebration.
The anticipated growth in technology and science in the future could potentially provide solutions to mitigate the harm caused by harmful algal blooms, protecting seagrass and benefitting manatees. As we look towards the future, the integration of advanced environmental monitoring systems and technology-driven conservation strategies could significantly improve manatee populations and their habitats.
