The Impact of Changing Weather on Manatees: Why Cooler Temperatures Are a Serious Threat
As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, manatees face a critical challenge. These gentle, cold-blooded mammals, often referred to as "sea cows," are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, and cooler weather can pose a serious threat to their well-being.
Manatees and Cold Stress
Manatees thrive in warm waters, but when water temperatures dip below 68°F (20°C), they can suffer from a condition known as "cold stress." Much like how humans are vulnerable to hypothermia, cold stress can weaken a manatee's immune system, leaving them more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. If exposed to cold water for too long, cold stress can even be fatal.
Seeking Warm-Water Refuges
To survive the cooler months, manatees rely on warm-water refuges. In the wild, they seek out natural springs where water temperatures remain consistently warm, even during fall and winter. However, many manatees also gather around warm water outflows from power plants, which have become critical to their survival in certain regions. These warm-water sanctuaries help manatees maintain their body temperature, allowing them to conserve energy and stay healthy during colder periods.
Seasonal Changes Affect Food Sources
In addition to seeking warmer waters, manatees face another challenge during the cooler months—reduced access to their primary food source, seagrass. As water temperatures drop, seagrass beds may become less abundant or harder to access. This can make it even more difficult for manatees to find the nutrition they need to sustain themselves, adding to the stress of colder conditions.
The Importance of Migration
Because of these factors, manatees must migrate to warmer areas during the fall and winter to survive. This journey is essential, but not without its risks. As manatees travel in search of warm waters, they often face human-related threats such as boat strikes or habitat loss, which can further endanger their already vulnerable populations.
How You Can Help
As we enter the cooler months, it’s important to remain mindful of the challenges manatees face and how we can help protect them. Supporting organizations, like our partners at Save the Manatee Club, MOTE Marine Laboratory, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium, are just a few ways we can contribute to the survival of these incredible creatures.
At Manatee Coffee, our mission goes beyond great coffee—we’re dedicated to supporting manatee conservation efforts and raising awareness about the challenges these gentle giants face. Together, we can help ensure that manatees have the resources and safe spaces they need to thrive, no matter the season.
