Studies of the West Indian manatee : Anna Maria to Venice (Florida).

Abstract

This report describes the second year of a study of the population size and distribution of the West Indian manatee on the west coast of Florida. Aerial surveys were conducted, with a total of 20 flights from March-December 1986 averaging 13.5 animals per survey. A total of 136 sighting events were recorded and ranged from 1 - 10 animals each with 6.7% calves. Compared to the 1985 study, there was a decrease in the average number of manatees seen per flight, which may be the result of poorer sighting conditions experiences in 1986. There was also a reduction in the number of large groups and that may be a significant factor. Five areas of regular or recurring non-winter sightings identified in 1985 were comparably important in 1986: the southeast corner of Anna Maria sound; a large area between Tidy Island and Longboat Pass; the buttonwood Harbor area; inside Midnight Pass; and the Roberts Bay, situated east of Siesta Key.