Marine specialists are urging people along the Gulf Coast to watch for manatees and immediately report any sightings. While our current temperatures are warmer than average this week, Manatees that remain in our area as temperatures drop may be vulnerable to cold stress. Cold-stressed manatees can be unable to find their way back to warmer waters on their own. 

Manatees are warm-blooded mammals that require relatively warm water to remain healthy, so cold conditions pose a significant risk to their health. When water temperatures decrease, manatees can become lethargic or ill. Cold-stressed manatees might appear sluggish, float near the surface, or exhibit signs of distress. If water temperatures drop too much, manatees can suffer severe health issues or even die if they don’t find warmer refuges. That’s why experts are asking the public to help identify manatees that could be in danger.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network (DISL/MSN) tracks manatees throughout the northern Gulf Coast, relying on information from boaters, residents, and visitors. Officials encourage anyone who spots a manatee to contact the network. These reports help scientists monitor the animals and determine if intervention is needed.

Anyone who sees a manatee in Alabama or Mississippi should report the sighting through the Manatee Sighting Network’s website, by calling 1-866-493-5803, or by emailing manatee@disl.org. 

Experts emphasize that individuals should not attempt to help manatees directly. Do not feed, provide water, or approach closer than 100 feet, as close contact can frighten or stress the animal and pose risks to people. “If you can, observe the manatee from a distance until professionals arrive,” officials advise.

Residents and visitors should remember that manatees may appear in bays, rivers, and nearshore waters along the coast. Although they are most commonly found in Florida, these gentle creatures occasionally travel through Alabama and nearby Gulf waters. Observing them from afar and promptly reporting sightings can give experts valuable time to act.

Marine scientists note that community members can help protect manatees as temperatures drop. Reporting a sighting online or by phone could make a difference for a distressed animal. By remaining vigilant on docks, beaches, and boats, people along the Gulf Coast can help protect these large marine mammals during the winter months.