 |
|
Manatee Traveler in Northeastern Waters not Chessie
August 24, 2006A West Indian manatee has been sighted in various waters of the northeastern United States in the last 5-6 weeks. It took in the sights along the Hudson River traveling up into Harlem, visited Cape Cod, Mass., and was most recently sighted in Warwick, Rhode Island, in Greenwich Bay.
The question everyone is asking is: Is it Chessie on summer vacation? U.S. Geological Survey manatee researchers have today been able to rule out Chessie as the current traveler through the use of the manatee photo-identification database. Yet the roving manatee's identity is still unknown.
Photographs and video were sent to USGS manatee researchers in Florida, who used the manatee photo-identification catalog to compare scar patterns on the animal with others in the database and ruled out Chessie as the current traveler. Photographs of the mystery manatee do not match any of the existing Florida manatees previously documented for the manatee identification database.
In 1994, scientists photographed Chessie during his rescue from Chesapeake Bay, Md.-and his unique markings and scars-before his release in Florida. Chessie has a distinctive long gray scar on his back, with several small white spots apparent within the scar.
"Since then, Chessie also has acquired tail mutilations, but these are not severe," said Cathy Beck, a biologist with the USGS Sirenia Project. "Reports of manatee sightings far from the usual summer range are of great interest and we appreciate receiving photographs to help us document the individual whenever possible." Beck said.
This manatee still has time to reach Florida waters before the onset of cooler weather. USGS manatee scientists believe that Chessie's migration from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay may have been common for manatees in previous centuries. The repeated sightings of a "sea monster" in the Chesapeake Bay, nicknamed "Chessie," date back throughout this century and possibly include manatee sightings that were not properly identified. Chessie was named after this purported sea monster.
"Cooperation among members of the Marine Mammal Sighting Networks, government agencies and the public on Chessie's migration has raised the public's awareness of this unique endangered marine mammal," said Jim Reid, a biologist with the USGS Sirenia Project. "Manatees are long-lived and typically repeat established movement patterns. It's likely that sightings of Chessie or other manatees will occur again in these northern areas."
These huge, harmless, plant-eating marine mammals usually swim slowly and prefer shallow habitats. Manatees are an endangered species, protected by federal law.
For future sightings, the public should contact local wildlife authorities, who will get in touch with the USGS manatee research team.
Sighting Timeline:
- Initial report from Ocean City, Md.: July 11
- Delaware-July 14
- New Jersey-July 22 or 23
- New York-Aug. 1-8
- Massachusetts-Aug. 17
- Rhode Island-Aug. 20
U.S. Geological Survey
In 1994, scientists photographed Chessie during his rescue from Chesapeake Bay, Md.-and his unique markings and scars-before his release in Florida. Chessie has a distinctive long gray scar on his back, with several small white spots apparent within the scar.
"Since then, Chessie also has acquired tail mutilations, but these are not severe," said Cathy Beck, a biologist with the USGS Sirenia Project. "Reports of manatee sightings far from the usual summer range are of great interest and we appreciate receiving photographs to help us document the individual whenever possible." Beck said.
This manatee still has time to reach Florida waters before the onset of cooler weather. USGS manatee scientists believe that Chessie's migration from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay may have been common for manatees in previous centuries. The repeated sightings of a "sea monster" in the Chesapeake Bay, nicknamed "Chessie," date back throughout this century and possibly include manatee sightings that were not properly identified. Chessie was named after this purported sea monster.
"Cooperation among members of the Marine Mammal Sighting Networks, government agencies and the public on Chessie's migration has raised the public's awareness of this unique endangered marine mammal," said Jim Reid, a biologist with the USGS Sirenia Project. "Manatees are long-lived and typically repeat established movement patterns. It's likely that sightings of Chessie or other manatees will occur again in these northern areas."
These huge, harmless, plant-eating marine mammals usually swim slowly and prefer shallow habitats. Manatees are an endangered species, protected by federal law.
For future sightings, the public should contact local wildlife authorities, who will get in touch with the USGS manatee research team.
Sighting Timeline:
- Initial report from Ocean City, Md.: July 11
- Delaware-July 14
- New Jersey-July 22 or 23
- New York-Aug. 1-8
- Massachusetts-Aug. 17
- Rhode Island-Aug. 20
U.S. Geological Survey
Manatees can probably hear which directions boats approach from
The world is a perilous place for the endangered manatee. While the mammals are at risk from natural threats, human activity also poses a great danger to manatee numbers.
UF study: World shark attacks rise slightly but continue long-term dip
Shark attacks edged up slightly in 2006 but continued an overall long-term decline as overfishing and more cautious swimmers helped take a bite out of the aggressive encounters, new University of Florida research finds.
UCF student's research with Disney giraffes may help conserve several species
University of Central Florida doctoral student Jennifer Fewster is studying giraffe excrement at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Lake Buena Vista in an effort to figure out what the animals eat in the wild and to improve the nutrition of those in captivity.
More Manatee Current Events and Manatee News Articles
 |
I'm a Manatee: (Book & CD) by John Lithgow (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator) From time to time I dream that I'm a manatee, Undulating underneath the sea. A little boy dreams of becoming a manatee, and what a dream it is! With his new gigan-atee manatee proportions, he sets off on an underwater adventure with his manatee friends. |
 |
Old River Road Manatee Shape Cookie Cutter, Copper by Old River Road The Old River Road Manatee Cookie Cutter is an attractive and well built cookie cutter. The cutter is made of 100 % copper; it has a solid lip and measures an inch deep. Sturdy and intricate, this cutter is made to be used and made to last! Old River Road Cookie Cutters are heirloom quality (and sure to become one of your family's most cherished possessions). Holidays, birthdays and other times that we gather round one another are important times, times when we celebrate our lives, our special relationships; they are times when we remember days-gone-by … and create new memories. Bring it all together in the kitchen, year after year, from one generation to the next, with Old River Road Cookie Cutters. With these premium cutters your holiday (and other special occasion) joy and laughter... |
 |
Manatee Socks by Lin These lightweight cotton socks provide a great combination of high quality materials and excellent artwork. |
 |
Webkinz Ganz Large Manatee August 2008 Brand New Release Hm-229 by Ganz Man, oh man, you're going to love this Manatee! Gentle, friendly, and calm are words that describe this underwater mammal to a tee! Manatees like the simple life relaxing with friends, cooking delicious foods and having fun with you! Special Item: Mangrove Treasure Trove; Special Food: Mangrove Leaf Manicotti. Webkinz pets are lovable plush pets that each come with a unique Secret Code. With it, you enter Webkinz World where you care for your virtual pet, answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play the best kids games on the net! Collect them all! |
 |
Mary Manatee: A Tale of Sea Cows by Suzanne Tate (Author), James Melvin (Illustrator) A tender story about a mother manatee and her calf. Sponsored by the Pier Aquarium, St. Petersburg, FL. |
 |
Sterling Silver " Manatee " pendant, 15/16" (24.0 mm) Long. by Sabrina Silver This Sterling Silver " Manatee " pendant is 15/16" (24.0 mm) Long. Well Made, Nice Antiqued Finish and it comes with an 18" Sterling Silver Box Chain. |
 |
Manatee 16 x 20 Animals Art Print Posters by Posters By Impact, Inc Manatee Print Size: 16 x 20 Animals Artprint |
 |
Manatees (True Books: Animals) by Patricia A. Fink Martin (Author) Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. |
 |
17" Manatee with 8" Baby Plush Stuffed Animal Toy by Wishpets For ages 3 and up, surface washable |
 |
The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation by ROGER L. REEP (Author), ROBERT K. BONDE (Author) The most complete single volume on manatee biology and conservation available. In the field of marine biology, there is a uniqueness to manatee research, and in this book, Roger Reep and Robert Bonde make clear both its rewards and challenges. Veteran researchers with 45 years’ experience between them, they have created an instantly engaging, accessible tale of this mysterious creature for professionals and interested lay people alike. Having played integral roles in many of the research efforts discussed in the book, Reep and Bonde humanize the sometimes difficult-to-grasp characteristics of manatee biology, their relation to the environment, and the biopolitics that result from the intersection of science and wildlife management. They weave fact with... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |