'Newspg12.indd' by The Newscaster

Warm temperatures and clear, sunny days between some of the coldest weather of

the year assisted FWC biologists and partners in counting an all-time high number of mana-

tees during this year's statewide aerial survey.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a pre-

liminary count of 6,063 manatees statewide. During the February count, a team of 20 ob-

servers from 11 organizations counted 3,333 manatees on Florida's east coast and 2,730 on

the west coast of the state. This year's synoptic survey count exceeded the previous high

count for 2010 by almost 1,000 animals.

"Manatees used warm-water sites and other winter habitat areas to cope with a

strong cold front that recently moved through the region," said FWC biologist Holly Ed-

wards. "In many of the regions surveyed, warm, sunny weather caused manatees to rest at

the water's surface, which facilitated our efforts to count them in these areas. Calm waters

and high visibility also contributed to the high count."

"We were very fortunate to have near-optimal conditions for our survey this year,"

said FWRI Director Gil McRae. "The high count this year is especially encouraging, given

the large-scale mortality events that resulted in over 800 deaths in 2013."

Aerial surveys are conducted annually, weather permitting, to provide research-

ers with a count of manatees visible in Florida waters at the time of the survey. Because

This week's photo is of Lars Langlo 5093 S. Orwellwith Homosassa, Florida caught this

of Crystal River Pt., a slot size snook. Lars 34446

researchers have no way to estimate the

 

keeper on a Mirrolure Top Dog.

Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788

number of manatees that were not vis-

Email, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.comIEmail, Debbie Russell, Editor: d

ible during these surveys, scientists con-



Captains Cove Calendar of Events for 2015

Websites: thenewscaster.com · newscasterarchives.com · history.newscasterarchives.c

sider aminimumthe 

 these results   count of 

April 1-30 Captains Cove Outfitters

statewidepopulation.this

  While  year's re-

sults do not mean that the manatee popu-

5th Annual Big Trout Contest

ation byina

l   grew  nearly 1,000 animals 

April 18th Dunnellon Little League Saltwater Tournament

single theydotellthere

 year,    researchers 



Contact Allen Beville 863-528-4004

are at least 6,000 manatees in Florida wa-



ters. You can show your support for man-

May 23 Tiger Baseball Saltwater Showdown

  

atees by purchasing a manatee decal at

Contact Capt Craig Spiznogle352-445-4978

MyFWC.com/ManateeSeaTurtleDecals.

August 1-3 Sept. CaptainsCove Annual

Outfitters 5th 

Funds from the license plate and decal Kings Spring Citrus County

Big Redfish Contest     

  

support manatee research and conservation. To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the

TBA End of Sept/beginning  Tournament   

 Oct Redfish 

FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).



BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE

Captains Outfitters 

Cove   



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  40 · FL · (352) 



MoreThan Store

  A Bait 



Evenwebait

though  have a great  selection!





Get your fishing gear



up to date! 

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

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Captains Cove Outfitters



Serving Inglis, Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Hernando, Crystal River & Homosassa



5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

Phone (352) 489-4588 Fax (727) 362-4788 M-Sa 5:45-6pm Sun. 5:45-5pm

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Email (Tom Russell, Publisher) thenewscaster1@gmail.com  



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All Our Staff are Fishermen

Local Guides Available

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Ad Proof e have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere

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Voters of Citrus County HARDWARE

BUDDY & FRED'S



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44 Hwy. 19 N. · Inglis, FL · 352-447-2600

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

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WAERFOTnitlooe Rier!

T RN o W ache  v

h  c   

www.lwvcitrus.org

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1.acrsRBfor only

5   e  , 2B  / 2  A     