WMFE is Central Florida's primary provider of NPR programming on 90.7 FM and Classical Music on 90.7 HD2. Part of the community since 1965, WMFE focuses on providing quality national and local news and programming. We inspire and empower all Central Floridians to discover, grow and engage within and beyond their world.
CLOSEOpt Out: I already like WMFE!

Like us on Facebook!

Support for 90.7 WMFE is provided by

Central Florida News


More Manatees Dying From Boat Strikes

by (WMFE)

Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. Photo: Tracy Colson, US Fish and Wildlife Service

The number of manatee deaths related to boat collisions is up.

Eighty-nine manatees have been killed this year in boat collisions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the five-year average for this time of year is 55.

Wildlife authorities speculate the surge may be related to more boating activity.

Last year was tough for Florida’s manatees, too.

Boat collisions, cold weather and red tide were blamed for 824 deaths, up from 538 the year before. Some 200 deaths were blamed on red tide.

The manatee was reclassified in 2017 as threatened rather than endangered. Its population in Florida is estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000 animals.

 

 


Sign Up For 90.7 WMFE's Newsletter

Catch up on the latest Central Florida news and get updates on programs, events and more.

SUBSCRIBE

WMFE Journalistic Ethics Code | Public Media Code of Integrity

Amy Green

About Amy Green

Reporter and Producer

Amy Green covers the environment for 90.7 News. She is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a regular contributor for NPR, PEOPLE, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor and many other top news organizations. Her in-progress book on the Everglades is under contract with Johns ... Read Full Bio »

TOP