WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 25, 2026 — As Americans mark Manatee Appreciation Day, the Endangered Species Coalition and Save the Manatee Club are collaborating to shine a spotlight on the Florida manatee, a slow, gentle, and curious creature that has captivated humans for centuries, and urging the public to stand firm in protecting the laws that have helped this iconic species survive. The Endangered Species Coalition and the Save the Manatee Club are working together to provide a platform for national advocacy, organizing joint campaigns, and are mobilizing grassroots support to protect the Endangered Species Act and protect manatee habitats. 

“Manatees were one of the first animals protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1973, and their recovery is deeply connected to the Act,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “When they were first listed, there were fewer than 1000 manatees in the United States. Today, there are over 8,000 of these gentle giants. The Endangered Species Coalition is raising awareness about these iconic marine mammals on Manatee Day to inspire the public to take action and to spread awareness about the Endangered Species Act and the amazing things it does to protect our most endangered wildlife,” she said.  

Florida manatees, often called “sea cows,” typically grow between 9.5 and 13.5 feet in length and can weigh up to 3,500 pounds. With no natural predators and limited eyesight, seeing only up to four feet ahead. They navigate coastal waters slowly and peacefully. For centuries, sailors mistook these gentle giants for mermaids. 

Manatees Face Ongoing Human Threats

Despite growing conservation efforts, manatees remain threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Poor water quality and warming ocean conditions have devastated seagrass beds, the primary food source for manatees. Contributing significantly to a recent population decline. Trash, debris, and habitat destruction further disrupt their grazing and migration patterns. 

The Endangered Species Act is America’s strongest and most effective law for preventing extinction. It has stopped the extinction of more than 99% of the species under its protection, including the Florida manatee, by providing habitat conservation, recovery planning, and limits on harmful human activities. 

Celebrating Manatee Day — and Looking Forward

In recent years, manatee populations have begun to recover. In Crystal River, Florida, hundreds of manatees congregate in the warm, constant 72-degree springs each year, a testament to what conservation protections can achieve. Responsible ecotourism, through certified and ethical tour operators, allows people to swim alongside manatees without touching or harassing them, keeping both visitors and manatees safe and happy.

On Manatee Day, the Endangered Species Coalition celebrates this remarkable species and the communities, scientists, and policymakers who have worked together to bring them back from the brink — while renewing the call to protect the laws that made that recovery possible.

How You Can Help

The Endangered Species Coalition encourages all Americans to learn more about manatees and the ESA, speak out against proposed rollbacks to the ESA, and support certified ecotourism businesses that protect wildlife while allowing people to experience these magnificent animals in the wild. To learn more, visit endangered.org.