Downlisting Expected Despite Increasing Threats to Manatees · Save the Manatee Club filed in-depth...

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By Anne Harvey Holbrook, Staff Attorney continued on page 6 By Laurel Talent, Save the Manatee Club Intern The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported a total of 520 manatee deaths in Florida for 2016. A record 104 deaths were caused by collisions with watercraft. Combined with other human-related causes (flood gate, canal lock, and other human), humans were responsible for 21.3% of the known manatee deaths in 2016. The remaining known mortalities comprised perinatal, which includes all manatees less than 5 feet in length that did not die from human causes (21.9%), natural (16.9%), and cold stress (4.2%). Another 29% of deaths were undeterminable, and 6.5% were unable to be recovered for review. n January of last year, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to downlist manatees from “endangered” to “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act. This was in response to a lawsuit brought by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of a local organization called Save Crystal River. Save the Manatee Club filed in-depth comments, accessible at tinyurl.com/downlist, opposing the proposed downlisting on the grounds that manatees are not sufficiently recovered to the point they are no longer endangered. Downlisting is only legally permissible when threats to their survival are adequately controlled and when “the best available science” shows that manatees are not in danger of extinction in “all or a significant portion” of the animal’s range. Threats to manatees are not controlled, but are in fact increasing. For example, in 2016, a record 104 manatees were killed by boat strikes. The proposed downlisting also comes at a time when manatees face the loss of artificial warm-water refuges at power plants and other industrial sites. Because of habitat destruction and fragmentation, over 60% of Florida’s manatees have come to rely on these artificial sites, and there is no plan yet in place to help manatees adapt when these warm-water sources go offline, meaning that manatees risk suffering cold stress, which Downlisting Expected Despite Increasing Threats to Manatees Alice the manatee bears injuries due to a boat strike. Downlisting is premature given the increasing threats to manatees. Photo by Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club. continued on page 7 Manatee Watercraft Deaths at a Record High! Artwork by Nancy Blauers The Official Newsletter of Save the Manatee ® Club 500 N. Maitland Ave. Maitland, FL 32751 March, Volume 36 Issue #1 of 2017 Published four times a year in March, June, September, and November.

Transcript of Downlisting Expected Despite Increasing Threats to Manatees · Save the Manatee Club filed in-depth...

By Anne Harvey Holbrook, Staff Attorney

continued on page 6

By Laurel Talent, Save the Manatee Club Intern

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported a total of 520 manatee deaths in Florida for 2016. A record 104 deaths were caused by collisions with watercraft. Combined with other human-related causes (flood gate, canal lock, and other human), humans were responsible for 21.3% of the known manatee deaths in 2016. The remaining known mortalities comprised perinatal, which includes all manatees less than 5 feet in length that did not die from human causes (21.9%), natural (16.9%), and cold stress (4.2%). Another 29% of deaths were undeterminable, and 6.5% were unable to be recovered for review.

n January of last year, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to downlist manatees from “endangered” to “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act. This was in response to a lawsuit brought by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of a local organization called Save Crystal River.

Save the Manatee Club filed in-depth comments, accessible at tinyurl.com/downlist, opposing the proposed downlisting on the grounds that manatees are not sufficiently recovered to the point they are no longer endangered. Downlisting is only legally permissible when threats to their survival are adequately controlled and when “the best available science” shows that manatees are not in danger of extinction in “all or a significant portion” of the animal’s range. Threats to manatees are not controlled, but are in fact increasing. For example, in 2016, a record 104 manatees were killed by boat strikes. The proposed downlisting also comes at a time when manatees face the loss of artificial warm-water refuges at power plants and other industrial sites. Because of habitat destruction and fragmentation, over 60% of Florida’s manatees have come to rely on these artificial sites, and there is no plan yet in place to help manatees adapt when these warm-water sources go offline, meaning that manatees risk suffering cold stress, which

Downlisting Expected Despite Increasing Threats to Manatees

Alice the manatee bears injuries due to a boat strike.Downlisting is premature given the increasing threats to manatees. Photo by Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club.

continued on page 7

Manatee Watercraft Deaths at a Record High!

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The Official Newsletter ofSave the Manatee® Club

500 N. Maitland Ave.Maitland, FL 32751

March, Volume 36Issue #1 of 2017

Published four times a yearin March, June, September,

and November.

G o for it… go run a 5K for the manatees. Race Directors Lesley Argiri and

her husband Brian McDonald are looking for runners, joggers, and walkers – like you – to take part in the 14th annual Save the Manatee 5K Run in Harrison Township, Michigan, on May 20th. If you’re not in Michigan, or even in the country, you can still sign up for the Virtual 5K. Complete the race at your own location and schedule – on a skate board, a bicycle, a kayak – in your favorite scenic park, at the local gym – the choice is yours. Passionate manatee advocates, Lesley and Brian, who both teach at L’Anse Creuse School District in Michigan, put together a fun, well-organized race every year at Huron-Clinton Lake St. Clair Metropark. Over the years, they’ve raised an outstanding $145,000 to help with Save the Manatee Club’s numerous conservation programs. “This May 20th, let’s consider it the Day of the Manatee,” says Lesley. “So, get out your athletic shoes, encourage family and friends

to take part, and get moving for manatees, whether it’s at the actual event here in Michigan or as a virtual participant. We’re doing this together around the world, helping the manatees!” For more information and to register for the Save the Manatee 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk, Mini-

Manatee-Mile, and the Virtual 5K, go to savethemanatee5k.com. Email questions to Lesley Argiri at: [email protected]. Save the Manatee Club thanks each and every one who has participated in the Michigan 5K for the manatees, and we hope you’ll join in again this year!

Caring young manatee fans run in Michigan to help manatees. Photo by Joel Darling.

Support Continues to Grow for International Partners

By Janice Nearing, Director of Public RelationsManatee Miles and Smiles

By Katie Tripp, Ph.D., Director of Science & Conservation

Last autumn, our Nigerian associate notified us of recent manatee poaching in two specific villages, stating, "I feel urgent interventions are needed." In response, Save the Manatee Club (SMC) provided the support necessary to initiate conservation activities at those locations and shipped a supply of education

materials to aid his outreach. His visits resulted in an agreement to end poaching and set up snail farms, as has been successfully implemented in other villages with the assistance of SMC. We provided funding for the farms just before the Christmas holiday. We also provided funding to Wildtracks in Belize for alternative

manatee satellite tracking devices. These transmitters are smaller and less expensive than conventional tags, and their successful application is being documented in hopes of benefitting tight research budgets in other countries. Twiggy (ready for re-release), Mitch, and Lucky, are all being fitted with these tags. Funds donated during

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Send Your Gift Cards and Help the Club!Dig through your purses, wallets, and catch-all drawers, and use the envelope enclosed with this newsletter to send us that collection of unused gift and pre-paid cards. We will convert them for you to lifesaving funds for manatees.

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Sell your items on eBay’s “For Charity” and help the Club in its conservation mission to protect manatees and their habitat! Find out more at bit.ly/smc-forcharity.

The season commenced on November 15, 2016. Annie and her calf were in on the next day along with Gator. Paddy Doyle stepped right up on the 17th. Then there was a little break until Lily and Floyd

came in on November 21st. The day following was the biggest day when Aqua, Brutus, Howie, Nick, Phyllis, and Whiskers stormed in. On the 23rd Flash, Lucille, and Margarito showed up. Philip came in by

himself on November 25th. Then the late arrivals began to show. Deep Dent came in on December 11th, Doc on the 16th, and Merlin on January 1st. It was good to see Merlin finally showing

A Strong Winter Showing Is Underway

By Janice Nearing, Director of Public RelationsVolunteers Pin the Positive!

ecently, the Club added something shiny and new to our Volunteer Rewards Program – volunteer appreciation pins. “I was so excited to open the mailbox and

see an envelope from Save the Manatee Club, hoping it was my pins, and it was!” said Club volunteer Tracy McAlpine from Hillsborough County, Florida. “All of them are gorgeous, and the one for presentations is so humorous with the manatee standing at the podium.” Tracy was one of many volunteers, including Tracy’s mom, Norma Kuehler, also from Hillsborough County, who received a variety of volunteer service pins from the Club, which recognizes their ongoing work and dedication on behalf of the manatees. The special, customized pins are earned by registered volunteers who staff education tables for the Club at events, help out in our Maitland office, or give manatee presentations for the Club at schools, libraries, etc. “My pins are representative of my love of both manatees and Save the Manatee Club,” says Tracy. “It’s a beautiful symbol of the Club’s appreciation of my time spent trying to save everyone’s favorite Floridian, the Florida manatee.” See all the pins and get more details on how to earn them as a Club volunteer at bit.ly/volpins.

Club volunteer Tracy McAlpine proudly attaches her “beloved pins” to her name-tag lanyard. Photo by Aaron McAlpine.

By Wayne Hartley, Manatee Specialist Blue Spring Adoption Update

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More Ways You Can HelpHave you ever thought about becoming a Club volunteer? Or joining our Manatee Sighting Network?

Or contacting decision-makers? To find out more about all the ways you can help, go to savethemanatee.org/moreways. Thank you so much! You make a big difference in the lives of manatees!

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Moving ? Please notify us with your new address! It will save us about $1.00 in extra postage. In the U.S. call

us toll free at 1-800-432-5646, e-mail us at [email protected], or mail a change of address card to us. Also, please notify us if your e-mail address changes.

the Holiday Wish List appeal, and proceeds from the sale of handmade Belizean crafts in our gift catalog, were used to purchase needed equipment for Wildtracks, including a manatee capture net to aid with rescues. These items, along with the 160 pounds of formula donated through the Wish List, will ship to Belize this winter. The drone SMC helped fund continues to provide an eye in the sky to aid rescue operations. The Omacha Foundation provided us with an update on manatees rescued in Colombia with the help of funds from SMC. The Foundation wrote that the "rescued manatees had a positive recovery." We await further communication as to whether additional support may be needed to help feed the relocated manatees in their temporary home or fund follow-up veterinary exams and clinical tests for those that required rehabilitation. Please consider a contribution to our International Rescue Fund so that we can be ever-ready to assist our partners around the globe (find a donation link at bit.ly/smc-irf).

Photos of Carolina, one of the manatees rescued in Colombia by the Omacha Foundation with the assistance of funds from SMC. Photos by Omacha Foundation.

inter has arrived, and some cold weather has been upon us here in Florida. Ariel, Electra,

and Lorelei are enjoying a manatee season filled with visitors. The season began when the park’s wildlife staff finalized preparations leading up to a successful “gate opening” on November 15th (the gates were provided by funding from Save the Manatee Club). Preparations included paddock repairs, debris removal, and heater maintenance. The park’s heated pool received some upgrades, including new tile and resurfacing of the floor and walls. This makes the pool easier to clean and safer for staff and veterinarians when providing required care. Lower temperatures bring many

wild manatees through our gates to access our spring’s warm water. Ariel often investigates these wild manatee visitors through her paddock gate. While she cannot directly contact them, they provide her with visual enrichment. Our Manatee Watch volunteers have been back on duty, patrolling park waters. The Watch Pontoon, which was generously donated by Save the Manatee Club, is used by volunteers to educate boaters, as well as report tagged manatees that venture into our spring. In September, hurricane Hermine caused extensive flooding and damage to our grounds. All of the park’s wildlife were continuously monitored and fared well through the storm. Flood waters allowed Electra to explore the flooded

banks of our spring run inside the gates, and she happily munched on terrestrial plants. Thanks to the helpful hands of staff and volunteers, the park was able to open three days after the storm. Higher waters provided the opportunity for Lorelei to make a friend who is bigger than she is! Her friend, Lu, is a Nile Hippopotamus, weighing close to 6,000 pounds! When she had access to the main spring area, Lorelei was observed face-to-face with Lu, both seeming to enjoy each other’s company through Lu’s exhibit fencing. Come by our park and visit Ariel, Electra, and Lorelei during one of our three daily manatee programs!

The Girls Are Busy With Winter SeasonBy Katie Batten Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Adoption Update

Support Continues to Grow

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Manatee Sightings Are Keeping Us Busy

No New Sightings Yet At Warm-Water Sites

As of mid-January there were no sightings of our East Coast or Tampa Bay adoptees, however that doesn’t mean they are not doing well! In early January, temperatures throughout Florida hadn’t yet dropped for an extended period of time to bring manatees to their warm-water winter homes in large numbers. When water temperatures drop below 68 degrees, manatees congregate at warm-water sites, such as springs or the outflow of power plants, so we are keeping our eyes open for a sighting of our adoptees at

those sites. On another note, manatee Washburn, who was rescued off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachussetts, in September was successfully released back into Florida waters on November 1st. Satellite tracking data shows that she has now made it all the way to the Bahamas! This is a first in manatee tracking research, since no manatee had previously been tracked crossing from Florida to the Bahamas. This makes Washburn a big traveler similar to adoptees Chessie and Ilya!

By Dr. Ruth Carmichael and Elizabeth Hieb Alabama Adoption Update

he Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network (DISL/MSN) continues to stay busy with manatee sightings during our mild winter on the northern Gulf of Mexico. Late season sightings were reported from the Florida Panhandle to the Mississippi-Louisiana border this

year. In January, the DISL/MSN team monitored a manatee near Biloxi, Mississippi. It was active and did not show signs of acute cold stress, which is the major concern for manatees in our area in winter. We also continue to work with collaborators in Florida to monitor warm-water refuge sites such as Crystal River, Homosassa River, and Tampa Bay for sightings of known Alabama manatees, such as Save the Manatee Club adoptee Bama, who overwinter there. Bama spent at least part of last summer in Alabama waters but has not yet been sighted this winter. Bama is one of about 30 manatees who have been documented to make the journey between Mobile Bay, Alabama, and Crystal River or to sites farther east in Florida – a distance of at least 500 miles! Publicly reported sightings of manatees, combined with satellite tagging and tracking of manatees like Bama, help us learn more about these long-distance manatee migrations and where and when manatees use habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

By Cora Berchem, Multimedia Specialist Tampa Bay & East Coast Adoption Update

Sign up to receive our Action Alerts, eNewsletter, and Manatee Gift notices at savethemanatee.org/signup.

You can request a hi-res jpeg of this ad for your companynewsletters. E-mail: [email protected]

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.orgPhoto © Cora Berchem

The Joys of Spring!

Adopt-A-Manatee®

and Help Protect Them

Matching Gifts ProgramsThe company you work for could have a Matching Gifts Program. If they do, your employer may be able to

match your donations to Save the Manatee Club. Thanks for checking it out. 5

A Strong Winter Showing Is Underway

can be fatal. Florida’s springs, manatees’ natural warm-water habitat, are increasingly threatened by pollution, excessive groundwater withdrawals, and altered hydrology. Algae blooms and red tide continue to threaten manatees directly and cause widespread seagrass die-offs, reducing manatees’ access to their food supply in affected areas. The Service’s proposal to downlist is also not based on the best available science. The rule relies heavily on an outdated computer model that does not include the recent massive die-offs of hundreds of Florida manatees from red tide, cold weather events, and an unusual mortality event on the state’s east coast, the causes of

which are still unknown. From 2010 to 2015, 3,217 manatees died in Florida’s waters (half of the highest minimum population recorded). The model also fails to incorporate the changing development patterns associated with the economic recovery of recent years. Booming coastal construction, low gas prices, and greater discretionary income for residents have resulted in more boats on the water, leading to last year’s record watercraft mortality. The model also does not consider the potential impacts of climate change and sea level rise. Finally, the Antillean manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, faces especially grave threats throughout the Caribbean.

According to the proposed rule itself, Antillean manatee populations are declining or unknown in 84 percent of its range. The Service relies on a tortured legal interpretation to claim that this fact does not make the manatee in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its range. We categorically disagree. Save the Manatee Club continues to vigorously work toward a day when manatees are truly recovered and may be safely removed from the Endangered Species list, but in the meantime we will fight to maintain the strongest protections available for these endangered marine mammals.

Downlisting Expected Despite Increasing Threats

his face in the run! Elaine and Squeaky remain missing, which is not surprising. Robin, however, has never been so late--but many are still arriving. We got word on November 2nd that Rocket is in a refuge to our north and doing fine. In fact, I believe Merlin, Brutus, and Flash have left us and gone to join him! Brutus has some new scarring from the summer, but bad as it looks, he is okay. I have recorded 513 different manatees seen this season as of Friday the 13th of January 2017! The old record was 486 and more are coming in. We have at least 51 calves and are nearing the record of 56. One was just born on January 9th! Una (not an adoptee), with entangled flippers, was finally captured and is doing well at Sea World along with her calf.

Cool Manatee Stuff ! Learn about manatees and have fun doing it! Watch a video, listen to manatee sounds, and

much more. Go to savethemanatee.org/coolstuff.

Aqua, moving gracefully in the Blue Spring run. She has been a regular winter visitor to the spring since 2011. Photo by Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club.

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The number of manatee rescues necessitated by watercraft strikes also increased in 2016. Cheaper gasoline, an improving economy, a mild winter, and a hot summer all contributed to increased numbers of boats on Florida waterways. Without proper care, increased boat traffic means increased manatee boat strikes and deaths. Boaters can avoid collisions with manatees by abiding by posted speed zone signs while in areas known to be used by manatees, being careful when observations indicate manatees may be present, and by staying in deep-water channels whenever possible. Polarized sunglasses and a designated observer can help vessel operators spot manatees and avoid them. Educated, compliant, and watchful boaters can be strong advocates for manatees, and they are a key component in manatee protection.

Manatee Watercraft Deaths at a Record High! continued from page 1

Remember Save the Manatee® Club in your will or living trust, name the Club a beneficiary in your life insurance policy or retirement plan, and give gifts of real estate and stock. Please consult your attorney about a legacy gift or, contact Patrick Rose, the Club’s Executive Director, for further information at 1-800-432-5646. We are a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 59-3131709. Thank you for caring!

Help Manatees for Tomorrow

UNWANTED VEHICLE OR BOAT? Donate it to Save the Manatee Club and get a tax deduction! Help us protect manatees and their habitat.

Call 1-877-999-8322 or go online savethemanatee.org/otherways and click on the

Facebook facebook.com/savethemanateeclub

Twitter twitter.com/savethemanatee

YouTube youtube.com/adoptamanatee

Pinterest pinterest.com/SaveTheManateeC

Instagram instagram.com/adoptamanatee

Join the ConversationOnline !Check out our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. You’ll receive the latest updates on manatee activity at Blue Spring, and also get our action alerts and lots of interesting manatee info and tips, photos, artwork, comics, video, and more. You can see clips from the Blue Spring manatee webcam and other fascinating manatee video at our YouTube page. Be sure to share our information with your friends and family.

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Gift CatalogFind these items and more at shopsavethemanatee.org.

Visit shopsavethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to order today.

Manatee Baby BootiesDon’t go another day without having a pair of these manatee booties! They are super cute, perfect for any baby from newborn to one year old. These are not your ordinary baby booties; there is a 3D manatee face on the front, flippers on the sides, and a tail on the back. This is the cutest pair of booties, so don’t pass them up!

Item #41517 Price $7.95

Dichroic Glass NecklaceThis cobalt blue borosilicate dichroic glass necklace makes each manatee look like it has stars all over its body – absolutely amazing! Hand-blown, and each is completely unique. The pendant comes on an 18" black satin cord with barrel clasp, and the glass manatee measures approximately 1-1/2" in length. Item #90555 Price $26.95

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Molly the Manatee BookA manatee's quest for self-discovery, Molly the Manatee's adventure leads her away from her family along waterways and seaways. She interacts with a seahorse,

a turtle, a spider, a wolf, a flying squirrel, birds, insects, and a farcical monkey. Eventually she meets a wise fishing captain who helps her understand her true identity.Appeals to all ages, but especially ages 4-10. Author Chic Cariaga and illustrator Liza Donovan have generously provided hand-signed copies of this fun and educational book to Save the

Manatee Club so that your purchase may have an even greater impact on our mission.

Item #1013 Price $20.00

Hand-Blown Glass Manatee NecklaceGorgeous and hand-sculpted, this colorful borosilicate glass manatee measures approximately 1-1/2" in length. Yours will be completely unique. This special edition gray glass pendant comes on an extra long 23" black satin cord with barrel clasp.

Item # 90755 Price $25.95

2017 Wall CalendarSave the Manatee Club's 2017 manatee wall calendar is a big hit! Buy this fantastic calendar for yourself or as a gift for the manatee supporters in your life! The beautiful manatee photos are generously donated by award-winning wildlife photographers, dedicated to supporting manatee education and conservation. The calendar measures 12” x 24” when open and is printed in America on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper from managed forests using soy ink. Also located inside the calendar, find a coupon for 20% off your next Manatee Store purchase.

Item #91017 Price $14.99 Sale $2.99

Belize Handmade Manatee Bracelet

Enjoy a rare opportunity to own a truly unique bracelet handmade in Belize with care, attention, love, and respect for the manatee. This stunning item is created out of coconut shell and beaded cord. It measures approximately 7" in length. There are no metal components. A portion of the proceeds goes back to supporting Wildtracks, Belize's only manatee rehabilitation facility.

Item #97778 Price $19.95

Gift CatalogManatee Clutch/Makeup BagThis adorable manatee clutch can do just about everything! Holds most tablets (up to 8" plus adapter) and will fit in your laptop bag. Don't want to carry a whole purse? Remove the detachable strap, and you have an easy-to-carry clutch to hold

all your essentials. This bag can carry a hair brush, or any makeup, and is great for travel. And what a nice way to keep your children’s snacks, crayons, and small toys all close at hand. It features a zippered closure and is made of an ultra-sturdy

waterproof microfiber fabric that is soft and silky. The image is on both sides. Measures approximately 9.75" x 6.5" x 1".

Item #91180 Price $19.95

Visit shopsavethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to order today.

Dichroic Glass EarringsHand-sculpted, these cobalt blue borosilicate dichroic glass manatee earrings measure approximately 1". They will match your necklace (found on page 8). Each manatee looks like it has stars all over its body – absolutely amazing! Hand-blown – no two are ever exactly alike.

Item #90655 Price $26.95

Lens Cleaning ClothIf you love manatees, then you will love this lens cleaning cloth! It features a full-color manatee photo by renowned wildlife photographer Laura Osteen. The cloth measures 5” x 7”. Not just handy for cleaning your glasses or camera lenses, but it is a great conversation starter when you pull it out to use it. Your love for manatees will shine bright with this cloth!

Item #90625 Price $6.95

Adult Big Face Manatee ShirtOne cute manatee T-shirt! Just look at that face. You will definitely get a lot of compliments on this shirt, and it will also help bring up the topic of protecting manatees. It is made from 100% cotton material that is preshrunk so it is ready to go. It comes in adult sizes S, M, L, XL, and 2XL.

Item #56201 Price $22.00

Hooded Manatee Bath TowelThese hooded bath towels are great to keep children covered and warm after a bath or a swim in the pool. Plus this towel has an adorable manatee face on it! Also for older children, and adults too! Handmade item by Janese Staron. The hood is made of a hand-towel that is sewn onto the larger towel – measures 53" x 30".

Item #33016. Price $34.95

I Am A Manatee. Yes, I Am Hardcover BookExplore the undersea world of the manatee, a placid creature who swims in coastal, tropical, and sub-tropical waters. This hardcover book, signed by the author, is accurate, educational, beautifully illustrated, and a fun read. It makes a fabulous gift for kids of all ages!

Item #1018 Price $20.95

Yin and Yang ManateeSand SculptureTwo charming manatees made of sand and bound together representing Yin and Yang! Approximately 3-1/2" L x 2" W. They make a great display in your home or office. Another great value! Add to your collection of sand sculptures. Made in the USA by renowned artist and proud Save the Manatee Club supporter, Kevin Rowley.

Item # 90730 Price $13.95

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Belize One-of-a-Kind Pencil HolderThis handcrafted pencil holder is made by talented crafters in Sarteneja, Belize. Comes with the manatee face pencil holder, a pencil, and a felt manatee that holds onto the pencil. The manatee face is made from a hollowed out coconut shell! A portion of the proceeds goes to supporting Wildtracks, Belize's only manatee rehabilitation facility. Each pencil holder is unique. Colors may vary.

Item #91410 Price $31.95 Sale $19.95

Plush Gray 16" ManateeBring home an adorable plush gray manatee that bears a realistic resemblance to our favorite aquatic mammal. This stuffed manatee is 16" long from head to tail.

Item #90088Price $18.95

Visit shopsavethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to order today.10

Belize Felt Manatee EarringsThese super lightweight felt earrings are handmade

in Belize – absolutely adorable! The manatees are 1 1/4" in length and are attached to French hooks. They have amazing detail for such a small jewelry piece! Because they are handmade, each pair is unlike any

other. Show your love for manatees by wearing these wherever you go! A portion of the proceeds goes back to supporting Wildtracks, Belize's only manatee rehabilitation facility.

Item #22216 Price $14.99

Belize Handmade Manatee Kid's Purse

This is the most adorable little purse! Every one of these purses is special because they are completely handmade in Belize, just for us. Everyone will enjoy watching the manatee plump up as it gets filled. Zipper closure along the manatees'

back keeps everything safe inside. The purse measures 9" x 5", and the strap is 14" long. A portion of the proceeds will go to supporting Wildtracks, the only manatee rehabilitation center in Belize.

Item #22217 Price $23.99

Belize Hand-Crocheted Coconut Emblem PurseEnjoy a rare opportunity to own a truly unique purse, hand-crocheted in Belize with care, attention, love, and respect for the manatee. The color is a rich black with the accent of a coconut shell emblem. The body of the purse measures 8" square. The strap is 30" in length. Special attention was made by the crafters for the balanced placement of the beads and the creation of a beautiful emblem displaying two manatees. A portion of the proceeds will go to supporting Wildtracks, the only manatee rehabilitation center in Belize.

Item #97777 Price $34.95

Manatee MailboxHave your own Florida manatee right in your front yard! This mailbox is made in the Florida Keys and stands 5 feet tall. It is made of fiberglass, which is then covered in beach sand and painted pewter gray. An actual white mailbox is included in purchase. We are working with the Manatee Mailbox Company by selling their mailbox and statue, and in turn, a portion of the proceeds is given to Save the Manatee Club. Therefore, when you order one, it will be coming straight from the manufacturer to your home.PLEASE ALLOW 21-26 DAYS FOR SHIPPING AND PROCESSING; NO INTERNATIONAL ORDERS; PLEASE ORDER THIS ITEM SEPARATELY FROM OTHER ITEMS.

Item #92915 Price $270.00

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35th Anniversary Thermal Slingback Pack The sturdy nature of this slingback bag makes it suitable and practical for all ages. This thermal version is beautifully adorned with Save the Manatee Club’s striking 35th Anniversary logo. This item is featured separately from our Anniversary super-pack because it is such a hot item. Join us in showing off your proud support for Save the Manatee Club's 35 years of defending manatees and their habitat!

Item #81095 Price $14.95 Sale Price $8.95

Very Large Plush Manatee

Forty-eight inches of stuffed manatee fun! Made by Paul Sernau and is drop-shipped directly to your doorstep.Shipping (to the lower 48 United States only) is included in price.

Item #48215 Price $180.00 Sale Price $170.00

Save the Manatee Club LanyardGreat for the gym, the pool, or on the go. Measures 32” in length by 3/4” in width. Show your support!

Item #90502Price $4.95 Sale Price $2.95

35th Anniversary Youth T-Shirt

This is our Special Edition 35th Anniversary Youth T-shirt, with art by the talented Nancy Blauers. The front of this heather-gray, pre-shrunk, 100% cotton shirt features a one-of-a-kind drawing of two manatees holding a Save the Manatee Club

ribbon, and underneath in gold, the words "Celebrating 35 Years." Available in youth sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL. Tagless, so no scratchy tags to irritate your neck.

Item #93515 Price $12.95 Sale Price $9.95

HOW TO OrDEr: • Order online at shopsavethemanatee.org, where you can also view more merchandise for sale.

• Order by phone. Call toll-free 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) in the United States and Canada. For International Orders, call 407-539-0990. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

• All orders shipped to a Florida address will be charged a 6.5% sales tax.

Visit shopsavethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to order today.

Manatee Note Flags - 3pkHave fun at work with these manatee note flags! You will have paperwork that stands out against the rest. This is a set of 3 note-flag packs, with each pack holding 60 note flags. There are 8 different note-flag photos in the packs, each of them measuring 1" by 1 3/4".

Item #90183

Price $7.95 Sale Price $5.95

Save the Manatee Club Dog LeashA great way to raise awareness about manatees and the work we do, this handsome nylon-web dog leash in royal blue features our logo, name, website address, and a heavy-duty clip. It measures 60" x 3/4".

Item #4300 Price $7.95 Sale Price $6.95

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOrlando, Florida

Permit No. 51022

Photo © Patrick M. Rose

WatchThisWay

ManaTV.org © Wayne Hartley

Save the Manatee® Club500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751U.S.A.

Electronic Service Requested

StaffMembership & Admin Service Representatives:

Susan Bowden, Judy Bower, Cheyenne Canon, Renee Ritter, Callee Rome, and Amy Wieck

Multimedia Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cora Berchem

e-Commerce Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Cameron

Manatee Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Hartley

Director of Development & Operations . . . . . .Tonya Higgins

Staff Attorney . . . . . . . . . .Anne Harvey Holbrook

Bookkeeper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Mazza

Director of Public Relations . . . . . . . . . Janice Nearing

Director of Online Communications . . . . Nancy Sadusky

Director of Science & Conservation . . . . Dr. Katie Tripp

SMC receives 100% of each charitablecontribution.C-03550All rights reserved.

Save theManatee® Club, Inc.

Board of Directors Co-Chairs:Jimmy Buffett and Helen Spivey

Executive Director – Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist

savethemanatee.org1-800-432-JOIN (5646)

See an injured manatee? Call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC, or use VHF Channel 16 on a marine radio.

Please Donate Now:To read about the highlights of the Club’s impressive accomplishments,

go to savethemanatee.org/smcinfo. Our work is only possible with your help. Please continue your generous support at savethemanatee.org/donation,

or call us at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to help us continue our ongoing efforts to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat. Thank you!

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