Cold temperatures impact Florida fish and wildlife
Manatees and sea turtles among those suffering

Posted Jan. 7, 2010

 
 E-mail this page
 Printer-friendly page

The current cold snap is having an effect on some of Florida's fish and wildlife as
temperatures dip below normal. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) continues to monitor the species affected most by the cold and is prepared to
rescue animals when necessary.

The Florida manatee is one species impacted by extremely cold weather. Exposure to
water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods can cause a condition called
manatee cold-stress syndrome, which can result in death.

When water temperatures drop, manatees gather in warm-water habitats, such as
discharge canals at power plants, canal systems or springs. The FWC asks boaters to
be extra vigilant in watching for manatees in shallow waters near the coast, both
inland and coastal, and obey all posted manatee speed zone signs. Enhanced law
enforcement patrols will focus on areas experiencing large congregations of manatees
and in manatee regulatory zones.

All boaters, including kayakers and canoers, and the public in general should avoid
areas where large numbers of manatees are gathered. The aggregated animals should be
left alone because a disturbance could scare them away from the warm-water sites,
which they need to survive during the cold temperatures.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at
888-404-FWCC (3922).

Cold weather also can affect sea turtles. When the water temperature drops, stunned
sea turtles may float listlessly in the water or wash onto shore. Although these
turtles may appear to be dead, they are often still alive. It is important to report
these turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline as soon as possible.

The FWC, working with the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, recovered more
than 250 cold-stunned sea turtles in Mosquito Lagoon in Brevard County this past
week. Sea turtle rehabilitation facilities throughout the state will house these
animals until they can be released when temperatures warm.

The FWC Fish Kill Hotline has received several reports of cold-related fish kills
over the past few days. Extended periods of unusually cold weather can kill fish
outright by cold stress or make fish more susceptible to disease. Warm-water
species, including the popular game fish snook, are particularly vulnerable to cold
temperatures. Fish affected by the cold may appear lethargic and may be seen at the
surface where the water may be warmer from the sun. Recreational regulations still
apply with these fish.

The FWC monitors fish disease and mortality events around the state. The FWC asks
the public to report dead and dying fish to the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511.

All other distressed wildlife may be reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at
888-404-FWCC (3922).

For additional information on fish and wildlife research, visit
http://research.MyFWC.com.