Why Manatees are Congregating Around Power Plants

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Written by Eliana Riley

Published: January 15, 2025

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Manatee close up portrait underwater

A drop in coastal water temperatures in Florida due to a recent polar vortex has caused manatees to search for warmer waters. A polar vortex event in Florida may result from climate change, which is likely to displace various marine animals like manatees. Manatee populations around Florida have been suffering for decades and continue to recover from starvation that plagued them a few years ago.

Searching for warm waters during winter can prove challenging for manatees. Nevertheless, many have found the solution to frigid temperatures near power plants discharging warm water. Some plants have taken advantage of the migration, hosting free attractions and festivals to view the manatees near their property. Warm water discharged by power plants is clean and free of toxins or chemicals that might harm marine life. Check out a Riviera Beach plant’s Manatee Lagoon here.


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About the Author

Eliana Riley

Eliana Riley is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on geography, travel, and landmarks. Eliana is a third-year student at Miami University majoring in English Education and Spanish. A resident of Tennessee and Ohio, Eliana enjoys traveling to national and state parks, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

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