Manatee Abuse and Harassment Caught on Tape

[deepstops]

AMPRO doesn't have the market cornered when it comes to unethical behavior. I have heard operators from Bird's, Manatee Tour and Dive, Aquamarine Images, and Sunshine River Tours all instruct swimmers to pet manatees. Everybody loves manatees, but nobody respects them.

Check out Sunshine's Rules of Engagement

Note the quote by Edwin Teale. Now check out Sunshine's Captains Log

Personally, I think that's pretty damn hypocritical.

As far as FWCC law enforcement is concerned, there is no "significant" problem. While they won't come out and say it, my conversations with the local FWCC hierarchy leads me to believe that unless an act results in direct mortality, it is not "significant". Both FWCC and USFWS have made it clear that the guidelines are voluntary. They will strictly enforce the letter of the law, but no more. Unfortunate, because the FWCC Guidelines are very good, while the actual law is very broad.

When I get a chance, I'll post my e-mail correspondence with Capt. Burton from FWCC.

Also there is a lot of good background information at ManateeProtection.com For a list of operators who have agreed to abide by the guidelines, check CEOs for Wild Manatees

Having done the manatee tour with Bird's just one month ago along with 20 other members here on the board, I can assure you Bird's policy of not initiating contact with manatees doesn't change once you're out on the water.

I'm thinking you already know that since you're competing for the same customers.

Bird's also shows a video produced in cooperation with the FWC that differs from the "no touch, period" policy as stated in this link.

 

[Missdirected]

AMPRO doesn't have the market cornered when it comes to unethical behavior. I have heard operators from Bird's, Manatee Tour and Dive, Aquamarine Images, and Sunshine River Tours all instruct swimmers to pet manatees. Everybody loves manatees, but nobody respects them.

I too will have to take exception with you on Birds. We were given a complete briefing, whether we had heard it already or not, and were made to watch a video on respecting the manatees and their space. As a matter of fact we kind of missed out due to the fact other operators were allowing their customers to act like irresponsible ninnies hence, scaring the poo out of the manatees. Fair enough, there is always another day but I can assure you that no one in our group disrespected those manatees.

 

[marksm]

Having done the manatee tour with Bird's just one month ago along with 20 other members here on the board, I can assure you Bird's policy of not initiating contact with manatees doesn't change once you're out on the water.

Bird's also shows a video produced in cooperation with the FWC that differs from the "no touch, period" policy as stated in this link.

The fact that the current Manatee Manners video says touching is ok if manatee initiates the contact and FWC rules say don't touch illustrates part of the problem. An exception currently exists in Citrus County. This exception leads to bending or ignoring of the guidelines (which are not laws)and ultimately harassing of the manatees.

Some companies try hard to follow the guidelines but others are brazen in their attempt to guarantee that manatee encounter.

As I said in an earlier post, Bird's does try hard. No doubt about it. But even the best operators sometimes have guides that forget their manatee manners. As I have said in the past, what reason would a guide, who has touched a manatee many times, have for touching one now? The only reason I can think of is to manipulate or habituate that animal. Manipulation is usually to bring it to the guest or get that video shot for the post encounter sales.

The guides are so good at this manipulation that is is hard to spot especially since just about any manatee behavior is a slow motion event. What do you see when you see this next video short?



Here is what I see. A manatee heading to the sanctuary. Guide moving toward the front of the manatee which causes the manatee to freeze and start to avoid by moving away from the sanctuary. After checking the sanctuary boundary and moving between the manatee and it, he then holds the manatee under the flipper and pushes the manatee toward his customers. The manatee even starts to roll from the push. After the manatee starts moving from the push into the hands of the customers, he begins filming his shot. Why would a guide ever have a reason to touch a manatee?

Here is another interesting video that speaks more to the issue of habituation. We all need to be more aware of our actions and the actions of the operators. Then, as the original "Choice for Change" video suggests, we can let operators and guides know that we want them to be better stewards. If not, we can take our business elsewhere



This thread has probably done more to enlighten and motivate the diving community than my video could have ever done so thank you Scubaboard!

 

[aardvark200304]

In response to deepstops, all I can tell you is what I hear coming from the boats on the water. If you think there is an ulterior motive so be it. That video you reference is by USFWS not FWCC and is require viewing if you hold a refuge permit. You are right in that it doesn't go as far as no touch, instead it promotes passive interaction. We have been there and done that and as the videos demonstrate it doesn't work. There is no true ecotour operator that would encourage people to pet wild animals.

Here's what the Marine Mammal Commission thinks of that video: Letter to USFWS (PDF)

 

[The Chairman]

but I can assure you that no one in our group disrespected those manatees.

Actually, I was spoken to about how I cut one of the manatees off. I didn't even realize it and was glad that they pointed it out so I could change!

This thread has probably done more to enlighten and motivate the diving community than my video could have ever done so thank you Scubaboard!

Both have done a lot to raise awareness about the issue. Kudos all around!

 

[The Chairman]

I think this is a GREAT idea, and please don't forget to plug THIS THREAD! I think it's a great way for both dive operator, news caster and Joe Citizen to see how divers view the issue. Too often, we the little people, get overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Putting this as a link in your website about Manatees will give people a real place to discuss their views and to ask questions.

What a great idea Smart people here I tell ya.

8 On Your Side
Channel 8 News Investigations
813-221-5779 or 1 800 348-9352 Ext. 5779
Steve Andrews / Gordon Dempsey
The site would not come up so here are the addies to them

The e-mail addies for the investigators at channel 8 and 9 on cable tv.
sandrews@wfla.com or gdempsey@wfla.com

Great idea if everyone who reads this sends a e-mail or calls they will know there are alot of people concerned about the manatee and what American Pro is doing.

Great Idea :admin: or :mobilephone2: Enough calls will do the trick either that or they will just get tired of so many calls that they go and check it out just to shut us up.

 

[aardvark200304]

AMPRO doesn't have the market cornered when it comes to unethical behavior. I have heard operators from Bird's, Manatee Tour and Dive, Aquamarine Images, and Sunshine River Tours all instruct swimmers to pet manatees. Everybody loves manatees, but nobody respects them.

Check out Sunshine's Rules of Engagement

Note the quote by Edwin Teale. Now check out Sunshine's Captains Log

Personally, I think that's pretty damn hypocritical.

As far as FWCC law enforcement is concerned, there is no "significant" problem. While they won't come out and say it, my conversations with the local FWCC hierarchy leads me to believe that unless an act results in direct mortality, it is not "significant". Both FWCC and USFWS have made it clear that the guidelines are voluntary. They will strictly enforce the letter of the law, but no more. Unfortunate, because the FWCC Guidelines are very good, while the actual law is very broad.

When I get a chance, I'll post my e-mail correspondence with Capt. Burton from FWCC.

Also there is a lot of good background information at ManateeProtection.com For a list of operators who have agreed to abide by the guidelines, check CEOs for Wild Manatees

First let me say that my first post was just meant to point out that the problem is the culture that the industry here has adopted. It is that we are somehow different and guidelines don't apply to us unless somebody writes a ticket. Not all are equally guilty, but I have personally heard the instructions to pet the animal coming from the boats I listed. Some are better than others (and I had always considred Birds to be one of the better ones), but everybody could use some improvement. Their oppositon to a no touch rule is what changed my mind.

What I find particularly offensive is operators who advertise one thing and then argue for something else. The best example is as follows and it cheapens those of us who actually practice ethical wildlife viewing. In that sense I am competing for the same business. I am also concerned that if this attitude persists, that the manatee viewing
industry (myself included) is not sustainable in the long term.

Here is a a quote from Sunshines's Website on Rules of Engagement which are actually very good. (2/23/2008)

"I have given this some thought for quite awhile now and have decided to enact company rules by which to view and swim near manatees. Actually you should float near manatees, being as still as possible so as not to disrupt their natural behavior. Wearing a wetsuit gives you buoyancy in the water with no need to tread water or make a lot of movement which may scare a manatee away from their given space.

I would like to start by quoting naturalist Edwin Teale about observing wildlife: "Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals 'love' them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal lives 'love' them more."

I have empowered my captains to not only safeguard the persons aboard my vessels but to also act as an enforcement citizen for the well being of the manatees. Responsible eco-tourism practice should lie on the shoulder of the tour operator, not the Fish and Wildlife Service, Sheriff's Department, Manatee Watch, or other fine organizations that do their absolute best to ensure the safety of the manatees in our area of Crystal River and Homosassa Springs.

Rules of Engagement:

1. Enter the water quietly by ladder only.
2. Do not splash or make unnecessary movements. Be as quiet as possible.
3. Stay near the boat in groups of no more than five persons.
4. Do not enter manatee sanctuaries that have buoys that are marked and are roped off.
5. Observe manatees snorkeling from the SURFACE ONLY.
6. Observe our no closer than 10 foot rule. If manatees want to approach you from that distance then they would initiate any interaction.
7. If a manatee approaches you from your 10-foot position touch with one hand only as if in a defensive position.
8. Do not initiate any forward movement to manatees other than searching or viewing marine life in the immediate area.
9. If a manatee is sleeping leave them be. Observe only from a distance of 10 feet or more.
10. If a mother and calf are in the area observe our no closer than the 15 feet rule. Being any closer may threaten the calf's well being.
11. No underwater flash cameras or strobes allowed to the general public, as this is very disrupting to manatees.
12. No videotaping allowed without written permission from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Videotaping advocates other persons being too close to manatees for that " trophy shot."
13. Do not feed manatees.
14. Do not chase manatees.
15. Do not corral manatees.
16. Do not ride manatees.
17. Do not poke manatees.
18. Do not give manatees water.

These may seem like a lot of rules, but rules are written for the 10 percent who are unwilling to follow the regulations given at my shop and onboard my boats daily. On my tours there are no warnings. If one of my captains sees a rule broken, that person is asked to leave the water and their swim is over.

The person breaking the rule may not like it but their grandchildren may be grateful that they may be able to truly see what an amazing, docile, and gentle creature known as the manatee. Our intent is to make this a pleasant experience for both our guests and the manatees."

The contradiction comes in when after quoting Teale, he posts this:

"Special Capt Mike's Log (this is my personal opinion)

Endangered or Threatened Species? This is the primary issue at hand as the great State of Florida and the Fish and Wildlife Service review a proposed comprehensive plan for Crystal River, Florida that may affect the future of human/manatee interaction in Citrus County.

The Save The Manatee Club is pursuing a strict “no-touch” policy and is pushing to make the Crystal River area a National Wildlife Refuge. If this occurs, it will effectively end the manatee tour industry. You will no longer be able to enter the water and have these gentle creatures approach and make contact with you. A valuable learning tool will be gone forever.

The Save the Manatee Club has allowed use of their name by sensationalist videographer's whose intent is to document manatee harassment placing the blame entirely on tour operators such as myself. They neglect to identify the operators, however, and would rather use subtle innuendos instead. Upon viewing these videos we can see that most are NOT associated with any tour but private parties. Why those taking the videos will not document the offender is unknown to us, but I feel they are afraid the truth might be revealed, that most tour operators have a strict policy in effect regarding manatee encounters.

Since the Save The Manatee Club is very well funded, it is likely they will exert enough political influence to force these changes. If you have been on one of our tours or are anticipating coming to experience a manatee encounter, then I ask you to pass on the word, contact our governor, Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com letting him know that you support continuing the tour operations or, if a Florida resident to contact your senator or representative . Additionally please contact the following individuals to let them know you support continuing tour operations:

James Kraus , Refuge Manager,
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Joyce Kleen , Wildlife Biologist
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

If you want to contribute to the well being of the manatee we suggest a donation to the Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge . Your donations can be earmarked to fund additional enforcement officers for the Crystal River area in order to stop the harassment of manatees.

For more information please visit our manatee protection website." 2/23/2008

I'm sorry, but this just drives me nuts. I'd also like to know what threatened or endangered has to do with it? This is about wildlife watching ethics. One other clarification is that the no touch rule he attributes to SMC actually originated with other tour operators such as myself who see it as the only viable option to sustain the industry. The City of Crystal River has wisely also made that recommendation to USFWS.

I am not competing directly with the swim programs as deepstops insinuates, since I don't offer swim programs. It is actually in my best economic interest that they continue. Much of my business comes from people who are here to do a swim program and then want something else to do. I will be the first to tell you they are an economic boon to the area, but that can't be the sole determining factor on how they are conducted. There is no reason that they can't continue, but the attitude must change. Ethics aside, the current conditions are intolerable and it is affecting my ability to make a living. I depend on return customers, but once they see 3 Sisters on a bad day, it's all over. They ain't coming back.

 

[marksm]

This article appeared on the front page of the Sunday edition. It's a start to public awareness.

Chronicleonline.com

Also, I was just informed that an earlier edit of the "Choice for Change" video just took third place in New York for the Beneath the Sea competition. So hopefully, more people will see it and become aware of this problem and what we can all do about it.

 

[hilishadjo]

It’s great to hear from so many that understand the real value of wildlife and are willing to make a statement.

There is something else you can help with. We do have a problem with some out of town shops that bring in their tours and show little respect for the animal and the community. I can’t say who they are because they operate out of rental boats and don’t acquire a commercial use permit from USFWS. Often they will rent boats in a persons name to avoid the permitting fee (about $100, one time annually) and Coast Guard regs. It is often the case that swimmers and divers from these shops ignore the interaction rules. Just this kind of discussion has got to help because it may be reaching those unknown shops.

Many Thanks to all of you.

 

[marksm]

Here is contact info for F&W office to write to. FWC - Contact Executive Staff

I would also like any divers or store owners who would like to sign a letter to the editor of the local newspaper to PM me. Divers and Store Owners from all over world encouraged to participate.

Thank you