Manatees in South Carolina - How to Help

Follow these best practices for manatee encounters in the wild:

1. If boating, check around your vessel for manatees and other wildlife before cranking your motor.
2. Go Slow! Especially around marinas, docks and other no wake zones. Manatees prefer shallow protected areas, making them vulnerable to places such as these with high boat traffic.
3. Look for manatee “footprints” in the water. These are circular swirls of water, created from swimming and surfacing. They will be the first indicator of a manatee’s presence.
4. Wear polarized sunglasses to better see through the water’s surface. The productive waters of South Carolina often appear murky to the human eye.
5. Designate a Wildlife Watcher onboard. This person can alert the captain and other members on the vessel of sightings. This adds to the fun on the water and ensures the safety of wildlife.
6. Remember to always keep a safe distance, far enough away to not alter the animal’s behavior.
7. Do not touch, chase, feed, water or disturb a manatee in any way. These behaviors are all considered harassment and are illegal. This includes leaving a hose running into the water.
8. Remember to enjoy the experience if you encounter a manatee. Manatees are a unique and special visitor to the Lowcountry.