Photo-identification of manatees(trichechus manatus latirostris) using the warm-water discharge area and adjacent waters at the Florida Power & Light Company's Ft. Myers power plant, winter 2005-2006.

Abstract

Manatee photo-identification surveys were conducted at and near the Florida Power & Light Company’s Ft. Myers power plant to further develop and increase sighting histories of manatees in the southwestern subpopulation. Data collected during these surveys will update, expand, and improve the collaborative statewide scar catalog (MIPS) by documenting individual manatees at a primary winter refuge and establish sighting histories for new distinctive individuals. Additionally, these data are being used as part of another collaborative study with U.S. Geological Survey Sirenia Project and FWRI to develop models to predict when and how manatees use winter refugia.