Manatee Awareness Month

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Awareness Conservation Wildlife
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November
Holiday emoji:: 🌊

Manatee Awareness Month dedicates every November to highlighting the plight of these gentle marine mammals. It’s a crucial time to learn about the threats manatees face, from habitat loss to boat collisions, and to support the vital conservation efforts underway. Join the movement to protect manatees by educating yourself and others, donating to reputable organizations, and advocating for stronger environmental policies.

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Expected Manatee Awareness Month Deals

Manatee Awareness Month in November focuses on rallying support for conservation rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Save the Manatee Club often run donation drives and membership campaigns, sometimes with matching corporate partners. Retailers like REI or Patagonia might feature marine conservation-themed merchandise or donate a portion of sales to wildlife funds. Online stores selling eco-friendly products, such as Who Gives A Crap or Ethique, may also participate with special promotions. Additionally, many aquariums and wildlife centers, like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), will host educational events and accept direct donations. We will update this page with confirmed live fundraising events and corporate partnerships as November approaches.

Platform Guide for Manatee Awareness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ManateeAwarenessMonth. Share stunning photos and videos of manatees, highlighting their beauty and vulnerability.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ManateeAwarenessMonth. Post urgent calls to action, share news on conservation efforts, and engage with wildlife organizations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ManateeAwarenessMonth. Create community discussions around manatee protection, share educational resources, and promote local events.

Manatee Awareness Month Hero

Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997) was a French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, and scientist. He co-invented the Aqua-Lung, enabling underwater exploration, and dedicated his life to oceanography and marine conservation. Through his groundbreaking documentaries and books, Cousteau brought the wonders and vulnerabilities of marine ecosystems, including gentle creatures like manatees, into homes worldwide, inspiring generations to protect the oceans.

History of Manatee Awareness Month

Manatees have been listed as an endangered species since 1966. To promote manatee conservation in Florida and other regions, Manatee Awareness Month was first declared in 1979 by former Florida Governor Bob Graham. During this time, the state began designating manatee protection zones in areas known to be manatee winter gathering spots. Since November is the time they are most spotted, it was the ideal month to promote the importance of their conservation. In 2005, Florida officially declared November Manatee Awareness Month in order to save the manatees. Tragically, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service states that approximately 99 manatee deaths each year are caused by humans. This includes collisions with boats and their propellers. In January 2016, there were 43 manatee deaths in Florida alone. This is a great cause for concern since IUCN stated that more than one million vessels were registered in Florida in 2005. And because the largest population of manatees is found in this region, more deaths are expected.

Manatees are also dying due to the impact of human activities on their food source. To aid in protecting the manatees, Save the Manatee Club was also formed in 1981. The organization was co-founded by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett and then-Florida Governor Bob Graham who strongly believed that public awareness was the key to save the manatees. Today, manatees are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act but, unfortunately, they still remain threatened.

Manatee Awareness Month timeline

1996

The Gang

A winter survey finds 2,639 manatees in Florida.

2006

Sightings

A manatee is spotted in New York.

2016

Raise the Alarm

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes downgrading the manatee's status from endangered to threatened.

2020

The End

A manatee is found dead on a New Jersey beach.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Manatee Awareness Month

Local businesses, especially those in coastal regions, can significantly contribute to Manatee Awareness Month. Restaurants could feature ‘Manatee-Friendly’ menu items, donating a portion of proceeds to local conservation groups. Boating tour operators can offer educational excursions focused on manatee habitats and safe viewing practices, emphasizing minimal disturbance. Retailers can stock manatee-themed merchandise, clearly labeling items where a percentage of sales benefits conservation. Consider hosting an in-store fundraiser or an ‘adopt-a-manatee’ drive to engage customers directly in protecting these vulnerable animals.

Manatee Awareness Month FAQs

When is Manatee Awareness Month?

Manatee Awareness Month runs throughout November 2026. This dedicated period provides a crucial opportunity to focus on the conservation of these endangered marine mammals.

How many manatees are left in the wild?

While exact numbers fluctuate, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimated approximately 7,520 Florida manatees in 2026, based on recent surveys. This figure represents a significant recovery from historical lows but remains vulnerable.

What are the biggest threats to manatees?

In 2026, the primary threats to manatees continue to be habitat loss and degradation, particularly of seagrass beds, and collisions with watercraft. Red tide events and entanglement in fishing gear also pose significant dangers.

Why are manatees important to the ecosystem?

Manatees are vital herbivores, often called ‘gardeners of the sea.’ By consuming large quantities of seagrass and other aquatic vegetation, they help maintain the health and balance of shallow water ecosystems in 2026.

How to Observe Manatee Awareness Month

Learn more about manatees
During this month, learn all you can about manatees. Conduct research, watch documentaries, or visit sites where they are spotted.
Fund an organization
Funds are an essential part of conservation. To save the manatees, you can contribute by funding an organization working towards their preservation and spreading awareness.
Spread the message
Play your part by. Spread the message about the dangers manatees face and why their preservation is necessary for the ecological system.

5 Facts You Need To Know About Manatees

Their population
There are at least 13,000 manatees in the U.S.
The weight of a calf
A manatee calf weighs nearly 66 pounds.
The manatee’s nickname
The manatee is known as the sea cow.
Manatees see certain colors
They can distinguish between blue and green colors.
Swimming range
Manatees can swim up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts.

Why Manatee Awareness Month is Important

It highlights the importance of manatees for the ecosystem
The month talks about why the manatees are important for the ecosystem. It teaches us why we need to make an effort to conserve them.
It’s educational
Manatee Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn. During the month, we learn about their habitat and why they are threatened.
People are encouraged to act
The month encourages people to take action. Who wouldn’t want to save these harmless, friendly creatures?