Hilton Head Island, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A collaborative initiative to assess the health of manatees is underway near Hilton Head Island. Led by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and various partners, researchers have begun evaluating manatees to gather crucial data on their health and habitat use. This study addresses the threats facing the manatee population, especially following recent unusual mortality events. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to aid in monitoring efforts.
Hilton Head Island – A collaborative operation to assess the health of manatees is currently taking place near Hilton Head Island. This initiative, aimed at protecting the species, is being led by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) in conjunction with several partner organizations, including the Georgia Aquarium, along with state and federal wildlife authorities.
The participating organizations include the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, University of Florida, Savannah State University, SeaWorld, Brevard Zoo, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
During the operation, researchers successfully netted two manatees, named Luciano and Gar, for health evaluations on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescue boat. Both manatees were equipped with GPS satellite tracking devices as part of CMARI’s North Atlantic Coast Manatee Movement Study. This project seeks to gather vital data on the health of manatees and their habitat use in order to address numerous threats affecting the species.
Manatees migrate northward into coastal Georgia and the Carolinas during warmer months, and the research aims to understand how these animals are adapting to habitat changes resulting from the loss of food sources along Florida’s east coast. This loss has been identified as a primary factor in the recent Unusual Mortality Event that has severely impacted the manatee population.
Historically, manatees have been observed in South Carolina waters since 1850, with approximately 142 official sightings reported to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) so far this year. Beaufort County has been particularly active, accounting for 53 of the reported manatee sightings. Popular viewing locations in Beaufort County include Broad Creek, Skull Creek, Broad River, Shelter Cove Marina, and Harbour Town Marina.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to contribute to manatee monitoring efforts by submitting sighting reports through the SCDNR Manatee Sighting Form. It is important to note that it is illegal to touch, feed, or interact with manatees under federal and state laws, which may result in fines or imprisonment for violators.
The primary threats to manatees include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and harmful algal blooms, underscoring the need for increased public awareness. Boaters are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant for manatees in the water to minimize the risk of collisions.
The West Indian manatee, a native species of the Caribbean, typically feeds on underwater plants, averaging over 10 feet in length and weighing more than a ton. Manatees generally begin to arrive in South Carolina around May as ocean temperatures rise, and they typically remain until fall before migrating back south when the water temperatures drop.
Due to heightened public awareness and reporting initiatives, there has been an increase in sightings of manatees in South Carolina waters over the years, reflecting a growing concern for the welfare of this vulnerable species.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the manatee health assessment near Hilton Head Island?
The operation aims to assess the health of manatees as part of a species protection effort.
Who is involved in the manatee health assessment project?
The operation is led by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) in partnership with several organizations including the Georgia Aquarium, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and others.
How many manatees have been sighted in South Carolina this year?
Approximately 142 official sightings have been reported to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) so far this year.
What are some threats facing manatees?
The primary threats to manatees include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and harmful algal blooms.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Health Assessment | Assess health and habitat use of manatees |
| Leading Organization | Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) |
| Number of Manatee Sightings in SC | 142 official sightings reported in 2023 |
| Common Threats | Boat strikes, fishing gear entanglement, algal blooms |
| Public Engagement | Submit manatee sightings via SCDNR Manatee Sighting Form |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Manatees Study
- Island Packet: Local News
- WPDE: Report Manatee Sightings
- Post and Courier: Manatees Migration
- ABC News 4: Manatees in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Manatee
- Google Search: Manatee Habitat
- Google Scholar: Manatee Conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manatee
- Google News: Manatee Endangerment
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
