Manatee Lagoon: More Than Just a Warm Water Sanctuary
Manatee Lagoon
This Florida Power & Light (FPL) Eco-Discovery Center offers so much more than just a warm water refuge for our manatees here in the winter. Keep reading to learn more about everything this fantastic local resource has to offer our ocean-minded community.
One of the best aspects of being a part of the Kyalami Family is the full integration into the ocean-minded lifestyle. We not only love diving, but we also work to educate and protect the ocean that supports our favorite pastime. The Kyalami Scuba Club hosts monthly “shop talks” that engage our members on different topics of conservation, we invite local subject matter experts to come out on the boat with us to educate our divers 1st hand in the field and we also host outings that help expand the perspective of our community.
Grateful to Meme, our Community and Conservation Events Director, for arranging a private tour for our Kyalami Family! We had the facility to ourselves and learned so much.
Our most recent adventure brought us to Manatee Lagoon. As a self-professed manatee lover, I am embarrassed to say this was my 1st time visiting this amazing center. When our Director of Community and Conservation Projects Meme Edwards arranged for a private VIP Kyalami Tour of the facility, I knew I had to work it into my busy holiday schedule - and I am so glad I did!
Manatee Lagoon is adjacent to FPL’s “Next Generation Clean Energy Center” in Riviera Beach, FL. The power plant puts out warm water and the manatees have learned to return here on chilly days to warm up.
During our time at the facility our tour guide, “Manatee Master” Rachel, did an excellent job keeping all of us engaged and interested - I can confidently say that each of us walked away learning something new about these amazing animals! In addition to providing a warm-water refuge for our threatened locals, Manatee Lagoon prides itself on its robust educational programs and a strong commitment to conservation. They welcome visitors of all ages and are a favorite spot for school field trips and summer camp visits. I even learned during the visit that they periodically offer yoga out on the deck!
We were all impressed with the fun facts shared about these lovable sea cows - such as the largest manatee on record weighed in at 3,500 pounds and measured over 13ft in length! But being the mindful ocean stewards that the Kyalami Family members are, we also were there to learn how we can help these animals whose primary threat is, well, us.
Here are a few notes on how we can help:
Reduce, reuse and recycle! Plastic pollution poses a threat to all ocean life, including manatees.
Observe no-wake zones when boating. Manatees love to warm up in shallow water, many of the same places we take our vessels.
Do NOT feed the manatees or give them fresh water - they have excellent memories and we don’t want them to become dependent on people for resources.
Don’t trample on sea grass - a critical food source for manatees and a home for many small animals.
If you see an injured or distressed manatee (sometimes cold water can do this) contact FWC Wildlife Alter Hotline at 1-888-404-3922, do not try to help it yourself.
All too often the manatees I photograph have distinct scars, mostly caused from boat strikes. We did learn that manatees are often identified by their scars, since tags are cumbersome and costly methods of tracking. Yet it still pains me to see manatees marred up like this one I photographed last year in a Florida spring.
Not only do these community outings and gatherings at the shop help educate and inspire our diving community, they also enhance the connections we have with one another as divers and passionate ocean stewards. The camaraderie of the entire Kyalami Fam continues to be one major reason I align myself with this dive operation, and I hope it’s why you do too. We have the best dive community in south Florida, hands down.
Haven’t yet participated in one of our conservation or community events? We hope to see you on the next one! Stay up-to-date on future events here: Events
Until next time - safe diving!
-Grace
Until your next visit, be sure to keep up with the manatee sightings at the lagoon via their “Manatee Cams:” LIVE Manatee Cam