Date
Friday
Nov

November 1-30

Manatee Awareness Month

Dive into Manatee Awareness Month and learn how you can help protect these gentle sea creatures and their habitats. Let's make a splash for conservation!

Yearly Date
November 1
Type
Month
Category
Animal

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate these gentle giants of the sea on Manatee Awareness Month, starting November 1st! This special month was first designated in 2005 by the United States Congress, in an effort to raise awareness about the endangered manatees and their importance to our marine ecosystem. These lovable creatures have been around for millions of years and are known for their slow-moving nature and friendly demeanor. So let's take this month to appreciate and protect these amazing animals, while also having some fun along the way!

Manatee Awareness Month Timeline

1893
Florida Manatee Protection Legislation
Florida enacted its first state-level legislation aimed at protecting manatees, making it unlawful to catch or kill the animals without a permit.
1973
Endangered Species Act
The United States Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, under which the West Indian manatee became a federally protected species.
1981
First Manatee Sanctuary
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, the only refuge specifically created for the protection of the endangered Florida manatee, was established.
1991
Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act
Florida established the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, setting speed zones in waterways to prevent manatees from being injured by boats.
2005
Manatee Awareness Month Designation
The United States Congress designated November as Manatee Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about manatees and encouraging their conservation.

How to Celebrate Manatee Awareness Month

1

Host a manatee-themed party

Invite your friends over and throw a manatee-themed party! Decorate with manatee balloons, serve manatee-shaped snacks, and watch documentaries about these gentle giants.

2

Volunteer at a manatee rescue center

Contact your local manatee rescue center and inquire about volunteer opportunities. You'll not only be helping these amazing creatures, but you'll also learn more about them and their conservation.

3

Go on a manatee-watching tour

Many coastal areas offer guided tours to see manatees in their natural habitat. Grab some friends or family and go on an adventure to spot these gentle giants in the wild.

4

Educate others about manatees

Spread awareness about manatees by sharing information and facts on social media, or by hosting a presentation at your school or workplace. The more people know, the more they'll care!

5

Adopt a manatee

Consider adopting a manatee through a reputable conservation organization. This not only supports their care and protection, but you'll also receive updates and fun goodies related to your new manatee friend.

Why Manatee Awareness Month is Important

A

Manatees are an important part of our ecosystem

As herbivores, manatees play a vital role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. They also help to keep seagrass beds healthy by grazing on them, which benefits other species like fish and crustaceans.

B

Manatees need protection

Due to human activity such as boat strikes and habitat destruction, manatees are considered a vulnerable species. By raising awareness about their importance, we can work towards protecting their habitats and reducing threats to their population.

C

Educating the public about manatees is crucial for their conservation

By highlighting the threats facing manatees and promoting ways to protect them, Manatee Awareness Month helps to educate the public about how they can make a positive impact on these gentle creatures. This can include responsible boating practices, reducing pollution, and reporting injured or distressed manatees.

Manatee Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 31
Tuesday
2024
Oct 31
Thursday
2025
Oct 31
Friday
2026
Oct 31
Saturday
2027
Oct 31
Sunday