Morning swim, mating session, intrusion?

Manatees — at least one, maybe two, with what appear to be recent injuries — pass through shallow waters Aug. 16 at Anna Maria’s Bean Point. Two people also are in the water, one who appears to be swimming toward the herd of marine mammals. But manatees are protected by state and federal regulations that make it unlawful for any person, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass or disturb any manatee. People should not feed, give fresh water from hoses or tanks, touch or pursue manatees. People also should avoid making noise around manatees and be sure to give them space to move. Summer is manatee mating season and herds can often be seen in shallow water. To report an injured, harassed or dead manatee, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 888-404-FWCC. For more information about Florida manatees, go online to myfwc.com. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield