Distribution and abundance of Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) around selected power plants following winter cold fronts: 2013-2014. Final report: 31 December 2014.:

Abstract

Aerial surveys have been conducted to census and to assess trends in abundance and distribution of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) for a number of years. Aerial surveys have been the primary source of information regarding distribution and relative abundance of Florida manatees, and have been important in deriving minimum population estimates for the subspecies. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has taken the lead in sponsoring aerial surveys of manatees around selected power plant effluents in Florida for nearly four decades. The current study represents the thirty-seventh consecutive year in which FPL has funded aerial studies, which due to their relatively consistent methodology possess considerable value in terms of long-term assessments of manatee regional abundance, reproduction, and responses to cold weather.