Miami Boat Show Was More Mindful of Manatees in 2022
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- Above: Professor Amy Hirons poses with a group of manatee observer volunteers. At right: A Florida manatee swims in the marina.
In 2022, the Miami International Boat Show used manatee observers for the first time in its history. Under the direction of Halmos Professor and Researcher Amy C. Hirons, Ph.D., the observer team included 46 undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni from the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences.
Miami-Dade County issued the permit for the show with the stipulation that manatee safety was placed first. Observers were placed along the seawall and piers of the marina as well as every vessel in operation, including the five Water Taxis operating among boat show locations.
When a manatee was sighted, observers recorded location, time, movement, and physical traits of the animal. Boat captains, crews, and the public were made aware of the presence of the manatees. Observers educated the public and boating community about the biology and ecology of the marine mammal, state, and federal regulations, and how people can best assist in manatee conservation.
During the event, up to 18 manatees were sighted, many adult-sized and two mom-calf pairs were sighted.
Posted 07/17/22