’s Original WATER PLAYGROUND THE FLORIDA : FLORIDA HABITAT: MIGRATION MANATEES: A MEET THE THE INDIAN PATTERNS SENTINEL SPECIES The Indian River Lagoon provides Florida’s FLORIDA LAGOON S H Space Coast visitors and residents many T N O recreational opportunities, from boating

M Florida manatees are MANATEE FIELD GUIDE Florida manatees are gentle, slow- R Florida manatees have a very and fishing to paddling, waterskiing, Over 70% of the Indian River E migratory mammals. M moving aquatic mammals with elongated

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spotted as far west as U relatively little body fat and migrate

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R aquatic vegetation they consume, manatees herons, spoonbills, pelicans, seatrout,

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have a significant influence on the structure redfish, tarpon, snook, sharks, and of in North America, Massachusetts. and function of their environments. course, manatees. To learn more about Shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, Discover saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas the Indian River Lagoon recreational opportunities and what you is home to thousands of During the winter, migrating manatees By feeding on aquatic plants, are all great places to find manatees. can to do help the lagoon, visit plant and animal species, traditionally return to Florida seeking manatees clear waterways and warmer waters. MANATEES Sometimes called “sea including nearly a third of allow other fish and aquatic visitspacecoast.com our nation’s manatees. animals to thrive. Manatees play cows” due to their size Many manatees stay year-round in lagoonloyal.com and vegetarian diet, environments like the Indian River Lagoon. a crucial role in the nutrient cycle and their grazing is an effective manatees thrive in Manatees can often be seen gathered Florida’s coastal together and socializing near warm-water form of mosquito and weed control. For a digital waters and natural springs, in shallow canals, or springs, particularly near power plant outfalls map version where and other warm-water Manatees feed on and 2,100+ 2,200+ , two of the crucial Scan this code beds or other aquatic discharges, which have with your device vegetation are present. PLANT SPECIES ANIMAL SPECIES become permanent components of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. Manatees are uniquely winter destinations suited to Florida, where for manatees in Seagrasses and mangroves INFORMATION SOURCES they can feed on more than 60 different search of warm provide spawning, nursery, and myfwc.com species of aquatic plants. Titusville temperatures. FLORIDA’S foraging habitat for many aquatic fws.gov SPACE COAST species including fish, seahorses, crabs, nationalgeographic.com The Florida manatee is the INDIAN noaa.gov RIVER shrimp, scallops, clams, and more. Essential savethemanatee.org world’s largest manatee. LAGOON Cocoa to the health of the lagoon, seagrasses are Rocledge Cocoa Beach smithsonianmag.com They are the largest 68º+ negatively affected by man-made pollution, seaworld.org MANATEES REQUIRE WATER which can block sunlight from reaching herbivore in the sea. Satellite Beach TEMPERATURES OVER 68°F (20°C) Indian Harbour Beach 72 Melbourne seagrass and prevent healthy growth. Indialantic MILES Manatees can live in fresh, brackish, or Melbourne Beach NORTH TO Palm Bay Reductions in seagrass or salt water. Many Florida manatees live IDEAL MANATEE HABITAT: SOUTH Malabar habitat affect the ability of manatees to find year-round in the shallow, brackish water Grant-Valaria • Warm water (at least 68ºF or 20ºC) adequate food sources, which is an indicator of the Indian River Lagoon, where they • Plentiful seagrass and aquatic vegetation of environmental changes that can impact spend most of their days eating, resting, INDIANINDIAN RIVER RIVER LAGOON LAGOON • Fresh water sources such as rivers or springs their entire interdependent ecosystem. investigating objects, and socializing with other manatees. • Channels at least 6 ft (3m) deep FUNDED IN PART BY BREVARD COUNTY’S 1/2 CENT SALES TAX INITIATIVE

TDCL+T 03.21 OF THE US MANATEE POPULATION Keep reading to learn more about what you lives in or migrates through the lagoon can do to enjoy and protect Florida’s manatees. Florida’s Original ⅓ WATER PLAYGROUND Space Coast MANATEE FIELD GUIDE

Are What Manatees MANATEE FACTS are Manatee MANATEE HISTORY Intelligent? “Footprints”? Manatees have the smallest Manatees are agile swimmers. When manatees swim they brain of all mammals in relation They can swim upside down, vertically, Are manatees native to Florida? How do manatees spend their time? create oval shaped ripples to their body size. Despite having and do somersaults and barrel rolls. Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) are referred to as footprints. This is small and smooth brains, these one of four living species in the order Sirenia. Scientists a great way to spot manatees, EAT REST friendly mammals have shown believe modern manatees have inhabited Florida waters especially since they some of the same problem- camouflage so well with Can for over one million years. 6-8 2-12 solving skills as Manatees have unusual necks. Do Manatees their surroundings. Manatees See ADULTS CAN REACH ADULTS CAN WEIGH HOURS PER DAY HOURS PER DAY dolphins. Manatees are the only aquatic mammals with six Have Teeth? Underwater? Are manatees related to mermaids? cervical vertebrae instead of seven. To turn its 8-13 ft 800-1,300 Manatees have 4 sets of 6-8 Instead of eyelids or eyelashes, Ancient sailors mistook manatees for mermaids. molars and a never-ending supply manatees have a special head, a manatee has to move its entire body. (2.6-4.3 M) POUNDS On his voyages to the New World, Christopher IN LENGTH (363 - 590 KG) of teeth. Their vegetarian diet membrane that protects their eyes Columbus claimed he spotted several mermaids in contains tiny granules of sand, which and allows them to see underwater. Manatees have toenails. eventually causes teeth to be worn Manatees can see in both dim and the waters of what is now the Caribbean. Evidence shows TRAVELING, INVESTIGATING OBJECTS, Manatees have 3-4 tiny nails at the end of each down. As their front molars wear bright lighting and are near-sighted. these mystical mermaids were actually manatees. & SOCIALIZING WITH OTHER MANATEES flipper, similar to an elephant’s toenails. Researchers down, they fall out and the next Studies suggest they can see speculate the toenails may assist manatees when set move forward into place. in a limited color palette Do manatees have predators? navigating or feeding in shallow water. CAN EAT UP TO EAT UP TO including blue, green, Manatees do not have natural and gray. predators. They are rarely targeted lbs How do manatees communicate? Manatee ears look like pinhole dimples. 150 60 by killer whales, crocodiles, (363 - 590 KG) PLANT SPECIES INCLUDING Manatees communicate using a wide range of sounds Manatees ears can be hard to see. Look for small alligators, or sharks. The largest OF FOOD PER DAY turtle grass, manatee including chirps, squeaks and whistles. They also pinhole dimples 4-6 inches behind each eye. threat to manatees is human grass, shoal grass, communicate through touching, smelling, tasting, and Manatees can hear well, but studies suggest OR UP TO activity. Manatees were once hunted mangrove leaves, various visual signals. they hear at higher frequencies than humans. for their meat and oil. Florida passed 10% algae, water hyacinth, Researchers can tell how old a manatee is by Do its first protections in 1893 by prohibiting OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT acorns, and hydrilla Are manatees social animals? counting the annual growth rings in the ear bone. Manatees How Do manatee hunting. Today, human and natural threats such Manatees swim individually, in pairs, and also Have Whiskers? Manatees Eat? as cold stress, habitat loss, boat collisions and algal gather casually in groups. They have been observed Keep an eye out for noses. Manatees have thousands Manatees use their front blooms threaten the lives of many manatees each year. participating in seemingly playful activities such as of thick, whisker-like hairs flippers and large, flexible lips When manatees surface for air, they often bring bodysurfing and follow-the-leader. When bodysurfing called vibrissae on their faces to gather, grasp and manipulate only their nostrils above water. Manatee nostrils Are manatees endangered? on strong currents, manatees often nuzzle one another and bodies, which help them food. Their split upper lip has close automatically when going back underwater. AVERAGE LIFESPAN CAN SWIM Florida manatees were added to the US Endangered and vocalize between rides. sense and explore their world. right and left sides that move Species List in 1967. Their status was changed from 40 YEARS 20 MPH Manatee facial whiskers independently, which helps Manatees are related to elephants. may be as sensitive as endangered to threatened in 2017. IN THE WILD (32 KM/H) move food into place. Both manatees and elephants have tough skin, IN SHORT BURSTS When playing follow- our fingers! Today’s estimated population of What bristle-like hair covering their entire body, teeth that over 6,000 Florida manatees is the-leader, two or more Why Do Color are are continuously being replaced, and toenails on a dramatic turnaround from CAN STAY SUBMERGED Manatees Travel in Manatees? each forelimb. 3-5 MPH manatees move together Pairs? the 1970s, when just a few Manatees have finely-wrinkled, 20 min (32 KM/H) in a single file formation Young manatees, called calves, hundred remained. It is our leathery-looking, thick gray skin WHEN RESTING ON AVERAGE stay close to their mothers for up to responsibility to ensure our and synchronize all of that continuously flakes off. Algae 2 years to learn the location of food, Manatee calves begin supplementing actions do not jeopardize the often grows on the backs and tails their activities including rest areas, and warm water refuges. their diet with grazing at only a few of manatees, which makes their continued existence of these Mothers carry their babies for weeks of age. Manatees nurse their breathing, diving, and skin appear green or brown. gentle giants. SURFACE TO 12-13 months and give birth Algae may help block calves with milk from mammary glands, BREATHE EVERY changing direction. to a single calf every 2-5 harmful UV rays from with a nipple located under each armpit. 90% years. 3-5 min OF AIR IN LUNGS IS the sun. Learn more about what you can do to enjoy ON AVERAGE REPLACED WITH EVERY BREATH and protect Florida’s manatees on reverse Space Coast MANATEE VIEWING MAP MANATEE VIEWING SPOTS

MANATEE VIEWING TIPS MANATEES & YOU Scottsmoor 1 1 Manatee Observation Deck at Haulover 16 Oars and Paddles Park 2 This is a large park on the where manatees Canal Polarize your eyes. Humans are the biggest A great spot to see manatees and dolphins traveling visit throughout the year to either cool off or warm up. Wear polarized sunglasses so you can see where threat to manatees. between the Indian River and Mosquito . Watch Amenities include a floating launch dock open to the manatees are located underwater. for both rolling in the deep water below. public, a small pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms, Since manatees have no Manatee Viewing Road, Mims, FL 32754 parking, and a playground all connected by a pedway. known natural predators 1329 Banana River Dr, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937 Watch for footprints. and reproduce only every Manatee “footprints” look like circular 2-5 years, their long-term 2 Bairs Cove wave patterns on the water’s surface 17 Ballard Park survival is most threatened The place to see manatees year-round. They enjoy the created by the manatee’s tail. protected waters of this cove on the . Manatees and dolphins can be seen from the shoreline Mims by human-related causes. The nearby manatee observation area is a great spot for and boat ramp at this large park. Irresponsible boating practices, an elevated view of the canal’s manatees, dolphins, and 924 Thomas Barbour Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935 3 Listen and scan. coastal construction, and pollution occasional large alligator. Listen for manatee breathing and scan the area from sewage discharge and stormwater runoff End of Bairs Cove Rd, Mims, FL 32754 18 Douglas Park for manatee snouts as they break the surface. result in increased rates of manatee mortality. Manatees travel back and forth under the adjacent Titusville But there are things we can all do to help preserve bridge and dolphins can often be seen feeding at this 3 Parrish Park and protect this gentle species. park. While you’re there, check out the oyster reef MANATEE MANNERS A large open parking area and boat launch. Look for Indian River dolphins around the causeway and the occasional restoration and native plant garden. manatee patrolling the shoreline. Plenty of access for 100 Riverside Pl S, Indialantic, FL 32903 4 HOW TO HELP shore fishing and rocket launch viewing. Watch manatees from 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy, Titusville, FL 32796 19 Kiwanis Park at Geiger Point a safe distance. A right turn off the busy causeway yields a great spot Watching manatees from a boardwalk or Be aware of your actions, 4 Kennedy Point Park to overlook the Indian River Lagoon. Manatees cruise viewing platform is a great way to see their especially near water. Look for manatees in the protected boat ramp cove. this shoreline year-round. Watch for dolphins feeding natural behavior and avoid disturbing them. Another great spot for viewing rocket launches. in the cove to the south. Throw your trash away. 4749 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32780 1313 , Melbourne, FL 32901 Be mindful of resting manatees. Fishing line, rope, cigarette butts, Speak quietly and avoid making loud noises when plastic, and trash can entangle and kill manatees 5 Manatee Cove Park 20 Crane Creek Promenade Port St John you are near wildlife areas. A resting manatee might and other aquatic fish, birds, and animals. A boardwalk and popular manatee and dolphin A pretty reliable spot to see manatees throughout the 5 be conserving energy or trying to stay warm. Loud year! Also features a kayak launch, playground, and viewing park in the heart of downtown Melbourne. noises can cause manatees to leave a warm water Pick up after your pets. 990 E Melbourne Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901 restrooms. 6 Banana River area for a less safe area with vessel traffic. When pet waste is left on the ground, bacteria 4905 N Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32953 washes into the lagoon, which reduces water quality Merritt 21 Melbourne Beach Pier / Ryckman Park 8 Look, but don’t touch. and negatively impacts seagrass growth. Manatees will occasionally venture through these Island 6 KARS Park 7 Never touch, approach, or chase a manatee. If a shallow flats in the warmer months, but it’s a great The small boat ramp cove at this park is a great nook to 9 manatee stops feeding, swims toward you or changes spot for fishing and sunset viewing. spot manatees. The “No Motor Zone” to the north is a Port its behavior, you are too close. These actions are For Residents great place to launch paddle craft for fishing or wildlife 509 Ocean Ave, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 Cocoa 10 Canaveral considered harassment, which is against the law. Many everyday actions impact lagoon viewing. No combustion engines are allowed, so the 11 water quality, seagrasses, and manatee wildlife is more at ease. Watch out for gators. 22 Castaway Point Park habitat. When pollution from chemicals Audobon Rd, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (From State Rd 3 12 Don’t give food or water to manatees. Watch from the pier as manatees make their way into the and fertilizer washes into our streets and storm / N Courtenay Pkwy, take Hall Rd East to Audobon Rd) Feeding or giving water to manatees could cause mouth of Turkey Creek. Also a popular spot to see dolphins. drains, it can end up in the lagoon. Pollutants in the them to change their natural feeding behavior. It’s 2990 Bay Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 lagoon cloud the water, reduce sunlight, cause algae not healthy for manatees to eat items that are not 7 Kelly Park 13 growth, inhibit seagrass growth, and ultimately harm part of their natural diet. Manatees are adept at Big public park with plenty of shoreline to scope out 23 Cocoa Beach manatees, fish, birds, and other aquatic species. Pollak Park Rockledge finding their own food and fresh water sources. If manatees and dolphins. Manatees will sometimes hang This is a small boat launch park on Turkey Creek where manatees become accustomed to receiving rewards out in the boat ramp cove. manatees can occasionally be seen heading upstream. Wash your car over your lawn or at a from humans, they could associate any human with 2455 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952 141 Main St NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 rewards and approach a boat or put themselves in commercial car wash. dangerous situations. When cleaning your car at home, use biodegradable 8 Banana River Park 24 soaps and wash over your lawn. Your yard can act A large, open park with a dock and kayak launch. Good Features creek overlook areas to gaze down on Viera West as a filter to help keep chemicals out of the lagoon. place to see dolphins and the occasional manatee. passing manatees, gators and turtles. Respect mothers and calves. 901 Puerto Del Rio Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 Never disturb or separate a mother and calf. Curious calves may seem like pets, but they are wild animals Reduce fertilizer use. that are dependent on their mothers to learn essential If you do fertilize, use fertilizer with zero phosphorus 9 Manatee Sanctuary Park 25 Goode Park survival skills. Calves could ultimately die if they are (P-0) and at least 50% slow-release nitrogen. Close to Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, this park Public boat launch and park with a fishing pier. Manatees 14 separated from their mothers. boasts plenty of shoreline to explore. More dolphins than come up into this creek to feed on the vegetation and manatees here, but in the warmer months the manateess drink freshwater. They can be found here year round. Avoid fertilizer from June to October. will seek out the deep, cool water and nearby flats to feed. 1300 Bianca Dr NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 15 Be courteous in the water. 80% of Florida’s rainfall occurs during the summer. 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 16 Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee Rain can wash fertilizer off your property and into Indian Harbour local waterways. 26 IRL Preserve Trailhead Beach appears nearby. The manatee may be resting and 10 Watts Park This network of trails through a mixture of scrub, oak, 17 may surface without being aware of your presence. Manatees like the deep, cool waters of Sykes Creek in and mangrove forests eventually leads to the open Noise and activity may startle the animal awake, Keep grass clippings on your lawn. the summer and will come by in the winter to warm up. lagoon. Manatees can sometimes be seen in the summer Indialantic which may put it in harm’s way if it becomes Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer. If grass Dolphins will chase schools of mullet along the shoreline. months on the shallow flats. If not, it’s an easy hike frightened and leaves the area. clippings left on the sidewalk or street end up in the 695 Needle Blvd, Merritt Island, FL 32953 18 showcasing the unique beauty of the barrier island. 19 lagoon, they contribute to pollution and muck. 500 Old Florida Trail, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 MANATEE TOURS 20 Be aware while on the water. 11 21 Kiwanis Island Park Wear polarized sunglasses and scan for manatee Regularly inspect your septic system or Look for manatees and dolphins in surrounding Sykes 27 Melbourne Long Point Park Melbourne 22 snouts, tails, and backs. While paddling, observe sewer lines and maintain your system. Creek. This large Brevard County campground and park is a great Explore Florida’s original water Beach manatees from a distance of at least two kayak or Leaking septic systems or sewer laterals can leech 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd, Merritt Island, FL 32952 place to explore the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian playground with guided tours. 23 24 board lengths. Don’t paddle over manatees. pollution into the lagoon. Schedule a professional Inlet. Look for manatees from atop the Scout Island bridge, Featuring one of the most diverse ecosystems 25 inspection and repeat every 3-5 years. For septic 12 Osteen Park or keep an eye out for them along the nature trails. in the western hemisphere, the Indian River Palm Bay systems, avoid planting trees or shrubs over your Manatees will feed here in the shallows during the warmer 700 Long Point Rd, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 Lagoon offers unique opportunities to experience Be a responsible boater. drainfield and do not drive over it. Protect your septic months. A great spot to watch a sunset or picnic under the manatees, dolphins, and more through land and Abide by posted speed zone signs and stay in deep- system by throwing waste in the trash and keeping oaks if the manatees don’t show. 28 water excursions with expert local guides. Find water channels whenever possible. Avoid boating harmful items out of drains and toilets. Sebastian Inlet State Park Tidepool Malabar over seagrass beds and shallow areas. Wear polarized 425 S Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32952 Manatees come into Sebastian’s protected tide pool your perfect trail, boat, board or kayak adventure by sunglasses and scan for manatee snouts, tails, and to take a break from swimming in the inlet’s strong visiting visitspacecoast.com For more information visit lagoonloyal.com 26 backs. If you spot a manatee close by, turn off your 13 currents. There’s plenty to explore if the manatees or by scanning this code Ramp Road Park motor. Remain at least 50 feet away from a manatee Small park with boat ramp in Satellite Beach. Great spot to don’t show. Colorful reef fish roam the pool while crabs with your device. If you see an injured manatee: when operating a powerboat. Always use marine launch a kayak and explore mangrove forests in search of and snails creep around rocks. pump-out facilities. Call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission manatees. Sebastian Inlet Swimming Cove, 9700 S Hwy A1A, 401 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 Grant-Valkaria 1-888-404-3922 Be sure to stash your trash, If possible, note the location of the manatee 14 Shoreside Park 29 Sebastian River North Prong Scan for tour information especially fishing line or hooks, that and the location of the closest public boat ramp. Walk out on the pier for a chance to spot manatees and Observation Area 27 could injure or entangle manatees. dolphins in shallow water spring through fall. This spillway regulates water flow from the C-54 Canal Micco Acknowledgments: 5010 N Harbor City Blvd, Palm Shores, FL 32940 into Sebastian River. It’s a good spot to get a birds-eye Map created by the Brevard 28 view of manatees. Watch for flashes of silver as tarpon―a County Natural Resources Manatees are Protected by Law 15 large dragon-like fish―roll or gulp air from the surface. The Management Department Desoto Field adjacent St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve is a wildlife 29 Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection These narrow canals in Satellite Beach provide a winter with input from: For an interactive haven not to be missed―it’s natural Florida at its best. Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the shelter for dozens of manatees during the cooler months. dayawaykayaktours.com Roseland 1000 Buffer Preserve Dr, Fellsmere, FL 32948. Follow Buffer Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. It is illegal to disturb, version of this map One of the best spots to see manatees when it gets cold! floridaflycocharters.com Preserve Rd east until the road ends at the viewing area. goingcoastalcharters.com harass, hunt, capture or kill Florida manatees. Fines range Scan this code with your 499 Desoto Pkwy, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 finandflycharters.com Sebastian from $500 to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to a year. device 03.21