Endangered Species Act: Manatee

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.

Have you ever heard of a sea cow? These gentle giants are otherwise known as manatees, and they earned this nickname from their eating habits - grazing on seagrass and other aquatic plants along the ocean floor. They can be spotted in South Carolina’s coastal waters as they migrate through on their way to Florida. Manatees used to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, but their numbers have increased due to their protection under this act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Image Credit: Manatee by USFWS.