Why Do Manatees Die When Power Plants Shut Down?

The video discusses the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, found mainly in the southeastern United States. These marine mammals face threats from human activities, including habitat loss and the closure of power plants that provide warm water refuges. Manatees struggle with cold temperatures due to their low metabolic rates. While some migrate, others rely on warm water from power plants, which are now aging and closing. Solutions include creating new refuges and managing natural springs to help manatees adapt.

What is one of the surprising threats to Florida manatees caused by humans?

• Introduction of invasive species

• Aging power plants closing

• Pollution from factories

• Overfishing in their habitats

Why are Florida manatees not well-suited to cold water?

• They lack sufficient insulation

• They are primarily land animals

• They are closely related to dolphins

• They have high metabolic rates

What percentage of Florida's manatees are attracted to power plant outfalls?

• 30%

• 50%

• 60%

• 80%

What is one proposed method to help manatees find new warm water refuges?

• Increasing boat traffic

• Introducing new predators

• Building artificial lakes

• Erecting sea cow fencing

What is a potential benefit of creating new human-made warm water refuges?

• They are not at risk of aging out of service

• They reduce the need for natural springs

• They can be tied to existing industries

• They increase thermal pollution