One of the Most Amazing Events of the Year!
People say that Florida has no seasons, but when you spend a little more time outdoors and really observe, you’ll find that dramatic and fascinating changes occur each season.
Winter in Florida means that there are lots of subtle and not so subtle events in our many ecosystems. One of the most exciting and awe inspiring events is the migration of the West Indian Manatees.
Manatees make their home in all of the waters connected to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in Florida as well as throughout the Caribbean and the Amazon River. During the warmer months, the manatees will travel out into the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters in search of food and to find mating partners. Despite their appearance, manatees have low body fat which makes them very sensitive to colder water temperatures. They cannot tolerate water that is below 60 degrees F and can become ill or even die if exposed to colder water for too long. Therefore, when the temperatures drop in the winter, Manatees will begin migrating to places with warmer water.
The water that flows from Florida’s freshwater springs are a constant 68-73 degrees F all year long. During the colder, winter months Manatees will migrate en masse into these relatively warmer waters to help them maintain a healthy body temperature. They will stay within these spring pools and spring runs during the duration of each cold snap as this is necessary for their survival. Florida has the highest concentration of large, freshwater springs in the world. This is one of the reasons why Florida is the perfect home for Manatees. Some springs in Florida will see over 300 manatees at a time inside a single spring pool. This is an amazing spectacle to see! Another source of warm water refuge comes from certain power plants that discharge warm water as part of their cooling processes. Manatees will congregate in these areas as well. When a plant closes or switches over to a different fuel source that no longer requires this water cooling process, this presents a challenge for the local Manatee populations.
While in the springs, manatees will rest and conserve energy. If disturbed, they can sometimes flee out into colder water causing physical stress that can lead to illness or even death. This is one reason it is extremely important to not disturb, approach, touch, or harass manatees in any way. By following passive observation and allowing them to remain undisturbed, we are helping them stay healthy and survive the winter.
Spending time with these magical friends at Crystal River!
While cold shock is a threat to Manatees, the biggest risk to their lives are boats. Boat strikes cause more Manatee deaths than any other cause. Just about every Manatee that you see has propeller scars from unfortunate interactions with power boats. It is very important to operate motor vessels with care, especially in areas with frequent Manatee sightings. . When traveling in a power boat, post a person on the bow to keep an eye out for Manatees. Go slowly and observe and obey all slow speed/no wake zones.
In January, it gets more consistently cold in Florida. The Manatees spend a lot more time in the springs, so it is a perfect time to see them in their natural habitat. If we do so with care and respect, we can all mutually enjoy this amazing time of year!
It’s vital that the springs and the ecosystems supported by the springs are protected and restored. The Florida Springs Institute and the Florida Springs Council are doing effective work through education, research, and legal action to insure that the springs and aquifer are protected.
My mission through my artwork is to inspire people to care about these important, life giving ecosystems. I donate a portion of all of my sales to the Florida Springs Institute and the Florida Springs Council.
You can support me in this mission by purchasing my art on my website or, if you are local, check me out at one of my shows.
I currently have artwork on exhibit and available at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery in beautiful St. Petersburg, Fl.
From December 20th through early March 2021, I’ll have a specially curated collection of ocean themed acrylic paintings up on the walls at Overflow Brewing in St. Petersburg.
I will be at the Gulfport First Friday Art Walk on January 1st 2021 from 5-9pm. Lots of originals, prints, and more on display.
The PAVA Cool Art shop/gallery in Dunedin, Fl. will have some new artwork of mine on display as well as gallery quality prints and greeting card packs. Find them at this location Wednesday through Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-3.
And more to come in February and into the Spring!
Each month we will explore a new and exciting topic related to the amazing ecosystems of Florida! Stay tuned for next month’s blog as we will explore River systems!