Impact, Local Science

Moving Forward, Making Positive Impact

Manatee Center shares the fascinating science and stories of the Indian River Lagoon’s fragile ecosystem, educating champions for clean, healthy, and safe waterways where manatees and lagoon life can thrive.

Sharing the Science of Manatee Conservation

The Manatee Center serves as a vital connection point between leading scientific researchers and our community. We proudly share the groundbreaking work of our partners who study environmental conditions affecting manatees and their habitat. Through our educational programs, we highlight the latest research, population tracking, and habitat monitoring being conducted in the Indian River Lagoon and beyond.

We bring you current findings, educational resources, and conservation strategies from state wildlife agencies, research institutions, and other coastal education centers. By sharing our partners’ discoveries – from their seagrass monitoring to their studies on boat traffic and water quality impacts – we help our community understand the complex science behind protecting these remarkable marine mammals.

Awareness To Action

Every ripple starts with a single drop, and at the Manatee Center, we’re creating waves of environmental awareness that reach far beyond our sea walls. Each year, nearly 50,000 people join our mission to protect Florida’s coastal treasures – that’s enough people to fill a small stadium, all becoming champions for our waterways!

Our Impact

Our impact flows through multiple channels: 

  • 5,000 students dive into hands-on learning experiences annually
  • 300-400 adults deepen their environmental knowledge through our educational programs
  • Nearly 2,000 people celebrate nature at our special events
  • 18,000 community members connect with us at partner events throughout the region

Our Dedicated Volunteers

Our most inspiring story is told through our volunteers. These dedicated environmental ambassadors contribute a remarkable 5,000 to 9,000 hours annually – that’s like having 3-4 full-time conservation champions working year-round! Their passion and commitment turn awareness into action every single day.

Protecting the Treasure Coast

From classroom to coastline, we’re building a community of informed, engaged citizens who understand that protecting our marine environment isn’t just about saving manatees – it’s about preserving the natural heritage that makes the Treasure Coast truly treasured.

Here’s How You Can Help!

Be aware of your actions, especially near water

  • Don’t litter. Fishing line, rope, trash, and other items can entangle and kill manatees and other animals.
  • If you own a home or business near the water, reduce the amount of fertilizer you use. Fertilizer causes increased algae growth on sea grasses. Also, be aware of any other pollutants that might enter the water; even dirt can cloud the water, reducing sunlight that results in reduced seagrass growth.
  • Protect our native plants by enjoying their unique beauty where they grow. Observe and study them up close, but please leave them intact. No picking, cutting, or trampling!
  • Be a responsible boater. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot manatees and seagrass beds more easily. Please slow down in areas where manatees visit.

Be an active citizen

  • If issues that affect manatees are important to you, tell your friends and government you are concerned.
  • Buy a Florida manatee license tag to fund manatee research and education.
  • Join an organization supporting manatee education and preservation.

Helping an Injured Manatee

Call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922 and be prepared to answer the following important questions:

  • What is the exact location of the manatee?
  • Is it alive or dead?
  • How long have you been watching the manatee?
  • What is its approximate size?
  • What is the location of the closest public boat ramp to the manatee?
  • Can you provide a contact number for further information?

No matter where you live, understanding your local waterways and habitats is important for people and the environment, now and for generations to come. You can be part of protecting the natural ecosystems supporting many diverse forms of life including fish, birds, wildlife, plants, trees, and your own!

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