West Indian manatee  (Trichechus manatus)

Dugongs and manatees have been extensively hunted for their meat, hide and oil but today the major threats to the survival of the West Indian manatee is collision with the hulls and propellers of boats, and habitat loss caused by coastal development (2) (9). Between 1976 and 2000, watercraft-related deaths accounted for 24 percent of the total West Indian manatee mortality (9).

West Indian manatees are protected by law in the United States and a Manatee Recovery Plan has been established in an effort to prevent the decline in this species (9). There are specific boat speed zones to prevent watercraft collisions and an ongoing research programme (6). Internationally, a number of organisations are involved in extensive research into manatee populations including surveys, tagging programmes and habitat assessment. This data will be vital for the introduction of successful management schemes to safeguard the future of this species.