Manatees under pressure from boats

Scientists say that Belize is home to one of the healthiest populations of manatees in the world…but the increased pressure of tourism appears to be taking its toll. Last week the corpse of a female manatee calf was found washed up in Driftwood Bay on the north coast of Belize City. It was the third recorded manatee death for the year and researchers from the Coastal Zone Management Authority believe that the young mammal died from a collision with a motorboat as three large propeller wounds were visible on its back. In 2002 researchers recorded 12 manatee deaths, four of which were caused by boats. Officials urge all boaters who travel in shallow coastal waters to please exercise caution, particularly in areas known to be frequented by manatees. This warning also applies to the lower reaches of rivers, as during the dry season manatees are known to travel well upstream in search of food and fresh water.