Sunshine River Tours - Rules of Engagement
Hello folks,
These rules are used simply as a tool so as not to enter grey areas. These company rules have been on my site for years before any controversy existed in our area. I cannot enforce these rules as wildlife officers can and these rules are meant to be stronger than suggestions. My Captains and myself know that some of these rules are unenforceable in certain situations and are used only as a guideline as a buffer against harassment.
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:
- Enter the water quietly by ladder only.
- Do not splash or make unnecessary movements. Be as quiet as possible.
- Stay near the boat in groups of no more than five persons.
- Do not enter manatee sanctuaries that have buoys that are marked and are roped off.
- Observe manatees snorkeling from the SURFACE ONLY.
- Observe our no closer than 10 foot rule. If manatees want to approach you from that distance then they would initiate any interaction.
- If a manatee approaches you from your 10-foot position touch with one hand only as if in a defensive position.
- Do not initiate any forward movement to manatees other than searching or viewing marine life in the immediate area.
- If a manatee is sleeping leave them be. Observe only from a distance of 10 feet or more.
- 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.
- No underwater flash cameras or strobes allowed to the general public, as this is very disrupting to manatees.
- 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."
- Do not feed manatees.
- Do not chase manatees.
- Do not corral manatees.
- Do not ride manatees.
- Do not poke manatees.
- 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.
Read the draft of the manatee protection plan (note...256 pages in pdf format)