Lost Manatee Spotted in BVI

Manatees, also known as sea cows, were once found in the British Virgin Islands. The village of Sea Cows Bay on Tortola is a testament to their long ago presence in these islands. But with the loss of the manatee’s favored fresh and brackish water habitats and sea grass grazing grounds, the manatee in The BVI is now a historical footnote. That is until this last September when a manatee was sighted off Trunk Bay on Tortola. Antillean Manatees are still found in neighboring Puerto Rico, whose eastern end is located approximately 50 miles from Tortola’s western end.

Although rare, it’s not the first time that a Puerto Rico manatee has gone off course and made the long journey to The BVI. A manatee was last found in BVI waters in 2003 and transported back to Puerto Rico to the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Centre/Stranding Network in San Juan. Sadly the manatee passed away a few days after bening rescued. Therefore, finding the threatened animal as soon as possible is critical to ensure it receives care.

The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) has posted an alert for boaters and beach goers to keep a look out for the mammal and report any sightings. Its current health status is unknown, but it is feared that it could suffer from starvation and dehydration. Habitats around the Virgin Islands are less conducive to their survival than they were many years ago.

The Agricultural and Fisheries Department, along with the Association of Reef Keepers is asking the public to keep an eye out for the marine mammal and to call immediately with its location if sighted (468-6123, 468-9195, 496-7998). The group is also asking that the manatee be left alone, and no one attempts to interfere and move the animal without proper assistance from authorities.

For a link to the ARK Facebook page with this and other info go to – https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid031eNAwTvNEML66nt1bzmmHjK6rBj3MPJ7tB6UQcRnVBo92NHNqsjHu7gKCB2p8PUFl&id=271244953056701