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WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. — Local groups are concerned for the wellbeing of manatees on the Weeki Wachee River.
Homeowners say there has been recent overcrowding on the river, especially near Hospital Hole, with too many paddleboards leaving no room for manatees to travel. The issue is spearheading a campaign to turn the area into a manatee sanctuary.
On the Weeki Wachee River, the only sound is nature. And the occasional manatee letting out a deep breath.
Hospital Hole is a peaceful spot for the gentle sea cows during Florida’s winter months.
“The depth and the warmth of this water is important to them,” said Maryann Johnson, a member of the Weeki Wachee River Rescue Team.
Only not too long ago, these waters were home to a different scene. Roughly 20 paddleboarders could be seen, captured on cell phone video among the manatees.
“We’ve noticed a lot more aggressive activity here with people,” says Johnson.
The nonprofit group of volunteers is dedicated to protecting the environment and wildlife on the river. Johnson says situations like this one can be overwhelming and dangerous for the manatees.
“It was a congested mess that day,” she said. “Everyone was in here, the manatees were moving all around, and the people that had their feet hanging over were pushing them away. I can only assume that’s possibly because they were afraid of being tipped over but that’s a situation we don’t ever want to see happen again here.”
“I was horrified, actually. Saddened and disturbed.”
Stephanie Kozuch shares a similar sentiment.
“We’re drawing all of these people in here to see them but we’re offering no protection for them,” says Kozuch, also a member of the group. “It just doesn’t make sense, so we need to do something.”
Manatees are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it illegal to feed, chase, touch or disturb them.
“A swimmer or paddler coming up to a manatee and disrupting their natural behavior is covered under harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” said Tiare Fridrich, manatee biologist with Save The Manatee Club.
Protections that Johnson and Kozuch hope to have further enforced at Hospital Hole.
“We’re hoping that FWC and others jump on board and see the need to get this possibly roped off in the winter months only,” said Johnson. “Which keeps them protected and people can still view them and still traverse and navigate this waterway.”
Fridrich says if you happen to witness any banned behavior toward manatees or other marine mammals, you can call FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC.
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Calvin Lewis
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