Manatee Hearing Is Sharp Enough To Hear Boat Motors
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Manatees are often referred to as “seacows” due to their peaceful existence, lazily grazing on sea grass.
Though harmless, these manatees are often in danger of being injured by motorboats and other forms of watercraft. These vessels can crash into the unsuspecting manatees, leaving gashes and scars and sometimes even broken rib cages. Though much is known about the seacows, it isn’t yet known why these quiet animals are so vulnerable to human activity.
Joe Gaspard works with the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Florida, which has been studying the manatees and how they use their senses to perceive their environment. These studies, according to Gaspard, will help the researchers better understand the factors which put manatees at such a high risk. For example, previous Mote research has shown the manatees have poor vision. This, in cooperation with the dark and cloudy waters where they live is one factor in the manatees vulnerability to accidental human interaction. Their research now is focused on whether or not the seacows can even hear the boats and watercraft overhead.
Source: RedOrbit
Charges Dropped Against Century Man Accused Of Stealing Boat, Motors
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Source: NorthEscambia.com
Boating safety courses available
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Special to the Advertiser
The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers a free boating class that lasts between 6 and 8 hours that is usually completed in a day. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements, many navigation rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats, and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more.
Completion of the course will result in the student being issued a vessel operators certification card.
Boating Classes with LDWF are offered year-round but are most popular in the spring and summer. These classes are offered free of charge to the public.
Source: The Daily Advertiser
