The waters off Key Largo, Florida, have witnessed another harrowing rescue operation, as a mother manatee, identified as “Stripes,” and her two-day-old calf were freed from the clutches of discarded fishing line. This heart-wrenching rescue highlights the ongoing threat posed by abandoned fishing gear to marine mammals in Florida’s waters.
Entanglement: A Threat to Marine Life
- Discarded fishing gear, particularly monofilament fishing line, poses a significant threat to marine life in Florida waters.
- Entanglement injuries can be life-threatening, as seen in the case of Stripes, who was found severely entangled in fishing line.
- The Dolphin Research Center is the only facility authorized to handle manatee rescues throughout the Florida Keys, a more than 100-mile stretch of island chain.
The entangling line was tightly wrapped around both of Stripes’ pectoral flippers, a potentially life-threatening condition that could have kept her calf from nursing properly. The pair stayed close together throughout the rescue, a testament to the strong bond between a mother and her young.
The Rescue Effort
| Rescue Team | Actions Taken |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Research Center | Removed some of the entangling line and transported the animals to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation. |
| Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Supported the rescue effort and provided guidance on the treatment of entanglement injuries. |
Dr. Scott Gearhart, the DRC’s veterinarian, determined that Stripes needed extensive medical care due to the severity of her entanglement injuries. The rescue operation was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the DRC team.
Conservation Efforts
“This rescue is a powerful reminder of how our everyday choices impact the natural world. Entanglement injuries are preventable.” – Allie Proskovec, DRC’s director of media and marketing.
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The Dolphin Research Center is urging the public to dispose of fishing line properly using monofilament recycling bins found at many Florida marinas, boat ramps, and fishing spots.
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