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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.
