Waterways Commission hears 2025 manatee protection plan implementation report; staff to continue outreach and monitoring
Loading...
Summary
Dr. Pinto presented the 2025 Manatee Protection Plan implementation report, reporting lower recent manatee counts, site-specific salinity and temperature data, a new online sighting-reporting form, and continued enforcement and education work in Duval County.
Dr. Pinto of Jacksonville University summarized the 2025 Manatee Protection Plan implementation report to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission, saying "Things are very quiet on the manatee front, and as far as water quality goes, it's been very dry." The presentation included salinity, temperature and mortality data, and described a new online manatee reporting form.
The report showed site readings of roughly 26 parts per thousand at Mayport, 16–18 parts per thousand near Dames Point and about 12 parts per thousand downtown; Buckman Bridge was running around 2 parts per thousand, slightly elevated for that location. Dr. Pinto said water temperatures were around 54°F and rainfall for the basin was about two inches below normal, conditions that increase salinity during the dry season.
The executive summary highlighted a new public reporting form that allows residents to upload photos and populates sightings on a map to complement aerial surveys. Dr. Pinto said the change has increased compliance with reporting and gives staff additional data to compare against aerial counts.
On mortality and enforcement, Dr. Pinto reported 14 total manatee deaths in the county for the period covered (one watercraft death, one canal lock crushing); statewide figures cited were 10 watercraft deaths and 43 total deaths. He said enforcement presence has increased in recent years — from two to eight officers on the water in Duval County — and that patrols logged roughly 1,300 hours in the most recent reporting period in concentrated, high-traffic areas.
Miss McGillis clarified the commission’s role: "The Manatee Protection Plan implementation report is a product of the City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department. This commission's role in the annual report is simply to receive it. There is no vote." That distinction framed follow-up discussion, which focused on outreach and signage: commissioners and stakeholders asked staff to pursue additional educational materials, media coordination for the spring pre-season press conference, and targeted outreach at tournament captain meetings.
The commission recorded no formal action on the report beyond receipt and Q&A. Commissioners asked staff to explore practical outreach options — posters, stickers and public-service announcements — and to coordinate with FWC, JSO and local media ahead of the busy spring boating season.
The Waterways Commission will monitor implementation items, including signage replacement with the FWC and quarterly law-enforcement reporting, and invited partners to return with updates at a future meeting.
