Originally aired on May 14

Florida’s beloved state marine mammal, the manatee, is facing difficult times in parts of the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is presently investigating a high level of manatee mortalities and responding to manatee rescues along the state’s central and south Atlantic coast. While the current die-off event is only one of several challenges the species has faced over the years, it has brought attention to the importance of rehabilitation centers, health assessments and investigations into their deaths—which offers a window into human health issues as well. On this show, Dr. Mike Walsh of the University of Florida’s Aquatic Animal Health program will discuss this topic and ways UF collaborates with various agencies and organizations to help manatees in a variety of ways.