Be gentle to the manatee

Monday, November 21, 2005

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Residents of Citrus County want to protect the manatees in their waterways.

A lot of people come to Crystal River in Citrus County to swim with the manatees. But is there enough being done to protect them?

An organization called Save the Manatee said more needs to be done.

Matt Clemons, a member of the Save the Manatee Club in Citrus County, said people should be able to enjoy the manatees. But tour businesses that take people out should make more of an effort to keep people from touching the animals.

"They all pretty much don't really discourage the touching as much as they should, but there are some that certainly promote it more than others and it ultimately comes back to the overall health of the animal," Clemons said.

Rules have been set up to help protect manatees when people are around them. Bird's Underwater Dive Shop owner Bill Oestreich said he follows them.

"If the animal makes contact with the people, we allow the person to touch it," Oestreich said. "The person has to be stationary and only use one hand.We consider two hands harassment. If the animal swims away, they're not allowed to pursue the animal."

Stephen Jenner and his daughter are visiting Crystal River so they can swim with some manatees. Jenner said he thinks it's okay as long as the rules are being followed.

"I just think it has to be well-looked after and well policed," Jenner said.