The Effect of Water Temperature on Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatees latirostris) Abundance in Port Everglades, Florida

The Effect of Water Temperature on Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatees latirostris) Abundance in Port Everglades, Florida

Port Everglades, located near Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center, is a wintering area for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), because it is a warm-water habitat. This study used data collected in the past, as well as data we collected on trips through the Port, which was then examined with the following criteria for comparison: past water temperature versus current water temperature, past surveyed manatee numbers versus current manatees surveyed, and water temperature versus manatees surveyed. These comparisons were reviewed to illustrate any climate change trends that have occurred, as well as how those have affected the manatees in Port Everglades. Recent reports show a statewide increase in manatee deaths associated with the cold-stress syndrome, which is caused by water temperatures lower than 680F. The first null hypothesis for this study was that there has been no change in the water temperature in Port Everglades, and the second null hypothesis was that there has been no change in the number of manatees present. However, the data demonstrate a trend of rising manatee population in Port Everglades between the years of 2008 — 2010, allowing us to reject the second null hypothesis.