NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is correcting online reports that it “scolded” the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department after manatees were found stranded Aug. 17.
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FWC received reports of manatees onshore during mating and contacted the Volusia County Marine Mammal Response Team. A responder monitored the animals, checked their breathing and condition, took measurements, and decided they should stay undisturbed until high tide.
FWC biologists later discussed manatee response with the fire department, describing the talk as productive. The agency stated that future incidents will also involve trained responders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
FWC advised the public to keep their distance from mating herds and not interfere with or push beached manatees back into the water.
To report a sick, injured, distressed or dead manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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