North Carolina Aquariums asks public to report manatee sightings on coast

The North Carolina Aquariums is encouraging residents and visitors along the coast, including areas near Elizabeth City, to report any sightings of manatees. According to WITN, Florida manatees can be found along North Carolina’s coast from spring through fall.

The aquatic mammals face several threats in the region, including cold stress syndrome as temperatures drop, harmful algal bloom toxins, habitat loss from nutrient runoff, boat strikes, and fishing gear entanglement, the NC Aquariums said.

Over the past 32 years, there have been 17 recorded manatee deaths along the coast, mostly due to cold stress. Manatees that do not migrate back to Florida as waters cool are at risk of this condition.

The Florida manatee is classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, highlighting the importance of monitoring their presence in North Carolina waters.

People who see live manatees are asked to call the designated area hotline and complete an online form to assist conservation and response efforts, according to the NC Aquariums.

This initiative helps track manatee movements and supports efforts to protect these animals along the North Carolina coast, including the Elizabeth City area.