Aerial studies of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) from Anna Maria Florida to northern Charlotte Harbor including the Myakka River : recommended habitat protection and manatee management strategies.

Abstract

Mote Marine Laboratory has been conducting aerial surveys and collecting manatee sighting data on the Gulf Coast of Florida since January 1985. This report presents nearly four years of sighting data for the area from Anna Maria Island to Venice and almost two years for the area souch of Venice to northern Charlotte Harbor, including the Myakka River.