Abstract
Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), can be found in Port Everglades, which is located near Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center. Manatees can be found here during the winter because they thrive in the warm-water habitat created by the discharge of warm water from the FPL Power Plant. The data that were used in this study was obtained during weekly trips from the Oceanographic Center through Port Everglades. The trips were taken on a biweekly basis during the summer and early fall months and on a weekly basis during the winter months. During the boat trips in the Port, data were collected on the number of manatees present as well as the water temperature at certain areas of the Port. After collecting the temperature data at different points of the Port, these data were correlated with the numbers of manatees found in each of the locations. The null hypothesis for this study was that the temperature will have no effect on the number of manatees seen in the area. However, the data showed that when the water temperature was lower, there were more manatees that could be seen.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Edward O. Keith
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
Temperature Effect on Florida Manatee Abundance in the Port Everglades
Alvin Sherman Library
Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), can be found in Port Everglades, which is located near Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center. Manatees can be found here during the winter because they thrive in the warm-water habitat created by the discharge of warm water from the FPL Power Plant. The data that were used in this study was obtained during weekly trips from the Oceanographic Center through Port Everglades. The trips were taken on a biweekly basis during the summer and early fall months and on a weekly basis during the winter months. During the boat trips in the Port, data were collected on the number of manatees present as well as the water temperature at certain areas of the Port. After collecting the temperature data at different points of the Port, these data were correlated with the numbers of manatees found in each of the locations. The null hypothesis for this study was that the temperature will have no effect on the number of manatees seen in the area. However, the data showed that when the water temperature was lower, there were more manatees that could be seen.
