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Manatee Watch volunteers needed in Volusia County

Residents who live on the water, spend a lot of time near the water or are avid boaters are encouraged to become manatee watchers.

By Pat Kuehn, Volusia County Community Information
| 12:30 p.m. February 17, 2023

Manatee Watch volunteers are needed in Volusia County. Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/Peter Clark

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

Volusia County is looking for volunteers to participate in Manatee Watch, a program that identifies the presence of manatees in local waterways.

Residents who live on the water, spend a lot of time near the water or are avid boaters are encouraged to volunteer.

Manatee Watch coordinators will host two training sessions:

2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at the Volusia County Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave., DeLand.
10 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 5, at the Daytona Beach Lifeguard Headquarters, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

“The Manatee Watch training is a great opportunity to learn all about Florida’s official marine mammal,” said Debbie Wright, Volusia County’s manatee protection program manager. “With the help of volunteers, we can get a better understanding of how manatees are using Volusia County waterways.”

Manatee Watchers are trained to observe manatee behavior, document manatee sightings, photograph manatees and sketch scar patterns, gathering vital information on manatee behavior, movement, habitat use and individual identification. Participants will receive a packet of training materials.

Manatee Watch is open to individuals, families, businesses and civic organizations. Participants should be at least 16.

The training is free. Registration is required; contact Chad Murch at [email protected] or 386-736-5927, Ext. 12839. For more information, visit www.volusiamanatees.org.