Florida manatee deaths up in 2025; Lee County among hardest-hit areas

Manatee deaths are rising in Florida, with Lee County among the hardest-hit areas. 

New data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission revealed that more than 628 manatees have died statewide in 2025—an increase from the 565 deaths reported in 2024.

The situation in Lee County is particularly concerning, as 113 manatee deaths have been recorded this year, up from 85 in 2024.

This rise has placed the area among the highest in terms of manatee fatalities in the state of Florida.  

"The biggest threat to the Manatee species is boats and boat propellers. And people not obeying the rules of Manatee zones and no wake zones," said Nate Koeth, a tour guide and launch assistant at Manatee Park.

Koeth explained that while a previous unusual mortality event linked to starvation has ended, human activity, especially in busy waterways, continues to pose a significant threat to manatees.

"They are vulnerable because they're so slow that I can't think that they're going to be able to, you know, move fast enough to get away from the dangers of the boats and people," said Susan Ragion, a Southwest Florida resident.

Manatee Park offers some protection for these gentle giants. The Orange River, a no-wake zone and warm-water refuge during colder months, provides a haven for manatees.

"So they come up here trying to seek refuge and away from the boats. We do have some residents, though, who do live on the river, and they try to obey those laws as much as possible," Koeth added.

Visitors to the park feel a personal connection when they see manatees up close.

"I think they're important because they're just like a symbol, you know, of what you can see and where you can go in Florida when you come and visit," a visitor said. "I mean, they've been here for a while, too, so we've got to protect them."

Wildlife officials emphasize the importance of protecting manatees by slowing down, obeying no-wake zones, and staying alert on the water.