For the past several weeks, we have all been following the unfolding saga of the manatee that found its way to our beautiful by nature shores. Sadly, despite valiant efforts to save it and return it to its natural environment, it did not survive. I wish, now, to give a special thanks to the staff of DEMA and all those persons from the community of Grand Turk who assisted in the care and rescue of the young manatee that wondered into our waters. These individuals attended to the animal around the clock. I must give special thanks to Ms. Katharine Hart, DEMA Environmental Officer, and commend her for the tireless effort she gave in attending to the manatee’s critical needs, trying to ensure its immediate and long-term survival. As a result of this occurrence, there was much education given to the general public by the staff of the department on Manatees. Also, a wonderfully heartwarming, short documentary has been produced on the care and rescue activities that took place for the manatee.
Manatees are very rarely seen in our waters. They are herbivores and eat over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants, but have been known to eat small amounts of fish from nets. They inhabit the shallow, marshy coastal areas and rivers of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa. Some manatees, e.g. Florida manatees, can move freely between salinity extremes. However, they must have some access to fresh water for proper regulation of water and salts within their bodies. The freshwater Amazonian manatee inhabits the Amazon River and its tributaries, and never ventures into salt water. The main causes of death for manatees are human-related issues, such as habitat destruction and human objects.
We can only speculate about the events that led it to wonder into our waters – whether it was the death of its mother, or escaping from human threats. What we know for sure is that there is no availability of fresh water near our coastal regions for a manatee’s long-term survival.
I was saddened that the young manatee did not survive, even with all the efforts given my Ms. Hart and her team of volunteers. They cared for it down to its end, with the manatee taking its final breath while asleep in the arms of Ms. Hart, and for that we are most grateful.
Hon. Edwin Astwood
MP Grand Turk South and Salt Cay
Peoples’ Democratic Movement
