DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WLOX) — Researchers have documented for the first time that manatees are living and mating in Mississippi waters, as more boaters head out on the Mississippi Sound for Labor Day weekend.
Researchers have documented for the first time that manatees are living and mating in Mississippi waters, as more boaters head out on the Mississippi Sound for Labor Day weekend.(wlox)Drone captures mating manatees
In September 2024, Dr. Holley Muraco’s team was flying a drone over marsh vegetation at Grand Bay NERR when they spotted three manatees.
“It is actually not uncommon to actually see manatees here in Mississippi. The issue is that our water is just not very clear,” said Dr. Holley Muraco of Coastal One Health.
“What was even neater and cooler is that they were actually mating. And so this was the first time that we have proof that manatees are not only in our waters, but they’re actually using it for reproduction,” Muraco said.
In September 2024, Dr. Holley Muraco’s team was flying a drone over marsh vegetation at Grand Bay NERR when they spotted three manatees.(wlox)New manatees identified
After analyzing the animals’ unique markings and scars, researchers made another discovery.
“None of those manatees are in any photo ID catalog. Not in Florida, not in Alabama. We have three new identified manatees that are here in Mississippi. Potentially animals that are always trying to utilize this particular waterway,” Muraco said.
After analyzing the animals’ unique markings and scars, researchers made another discovery.(wlox)
Researchers now want to know how much these animals use Mississippi waters including where the manatees find warm water refuges.
Muraco said her team works with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network to collect sighting data across the northern Gulf.
“Everyone who’s out on the water can help this science and we really appreciate you reporting your sightings,” Muraco said.
No one in Mississippi is currently permitted to specifically target manatees for research, so Muraco works with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama, which collects sightings from across the northern Gulf.(wlox)What boaters should look for
Muraco said manatees often linger near marinas or shallow estuaries, looking for vegetation.
“They, as they’re moving, will actually leave a circular pattern with their tail. So if you are looking ahead and you see these strange circular patterns that aren’t being made by a fish, you might be in an area where a manatee is,” Muraco said.
Researchers ask boaters to report sightings during Labor Day weekend(wlox)
Officials say boaters can help keep manatees safe by slowing down and having someone on board watching the water. Sightings can be reported to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network at 1-866-493-5803. If a manatee appears distressed or injured, callers can press “1” to be connected to an on-call responder available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Officials say boaters can help keep manatees safe by slowing down and having someone on board watching the water.(wlox)
Sightings can also be reported to U.S. Fish & Wildlife at 601-965-4900, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources at 601-576-6046, or the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies at 1-888-787-3657.
The Manatee Sighting Network has documented more than 8,000 sightings across the northern Gulf since 2007. Muraco is hoping to expand research in Mississippi, including studying possible warm water refuges at Grand Bay and near power plants along the Coast.
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