Manatee Rescue on the Indian River

After one of our fishing excursions, my wife and I pulled up to a Sea
World boat returning from a Sea Manatee rescue.

Apparently the young "sea cow" was tangled in an old drag net and had some other problems.

A capable crewman was in the process of taking blood samples and giving the animal antibiotics for infection.

Unfortunately, the danger to manatees in the Mosquito and Indian River lagoon areas is still a problem. The administration of manatee zones has helped the population but enforcement by wildlife officers seems to be soft.

The rich grass beds in the shallow lagoons are what attract the animals and provide them with a permanent residence.

The summertime increase in boat traffic, due partly to an increase in red fish tournaments and other vacation activities, takes its toll in manatee deaths.

A flats boat running full out in shallow water where the animals are feeding does a number on them.

Educating the visiting public on the manatee zones does seem to help, but I still see manatees with prop gashes in their hides much to frequently.

These pics here were taken with my cell phone and are of poor quality. I apologize!!
Tight lines to all!