14 DAY TRIAL // Since the beginning of 2013 until present day, over 800 manatees have died in Florida, says a report released by the state's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute earlier this weeks. More precisely, wildlife researchers claim that the state has lost a total of 803 such marine mammals.
This figure is a record one since manatee deaths first started being documented back in the 1970s, folks at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute say.
Given the fact that Florida is estimated to be home to about 5,000 animals belonging to this species, the 803 deaths reported until December 13 represent a 16% drop in the state's manatee population, Tampa Bay Times explains.
Specialists say that, according to their investigations, many of the manatees that died this year were killed by a red algae bloom documented in the waters off Florida's southwestern coast. Thus, 276 animals are believed to have passed away due to this red tide.
A large number of manatees died on Florida east coast, in the Indian river lagoon, of a mysterious disease, and about 70 passed away after being hit by boats and sustaining massive injuries.
Martine DeWit, a specialist working with the Institute's Marine Mammal Pathology Laboratory says that 173 of the manatees that died in Florida this year were females that were in their breeding age.
For the time being, researchers are unable to say how the loss of these females will affect the state's manatee population. However, there is little doubt that there will be consequences.
As Martine DeWit puts it, “It must have an impact to lose these important breeding females.”
Back in 2012, Florida lost 392 of its manatees. One other dramatic death toll was documented in 2010. At that time, the state was hit by a cold snap that lasted for a considerable period and which killed an impressive number of manatees that were not old enough to be able to handle harsh environmental conditions.