Guidelines for manatee encounters are not being followed by tour operators nor are they being enforced by the U.S. and Florida Fish and Wildlife Services. Uneducated consumers only add to the chaos.

This film shows proper and improper interaction between man and manatee and encourages the consumer to examine their own role in contributing to the problem. An informed consumer can bring to bear market pressures to encourage fundamental changes in the manatee tourism industry.

The filmmaker uses small inconspicuous cameras, underwater hydrophones, and a compelling narration to expose the abuse manatees must face in order to survive winters while seeking shelter in the warm water springs of Crystal River Florida.


What inspired me to do the film?

I originally went there to do a "pretty" film about manatees. But once there, I began to witness the abuse on a daily basis and decided there was a much more important story to tell.

What changes have occurred since the film was shown?

Unfortunately not enough has been done, if anything, to curb the deaths and abuse of manatees in Crystal River. As of July 2008, manatee casualties had already exceeded last years total in Citrus County.

The footage in the film along with hours of unedited footage were handed over to the authorities. To my knowledge, no operator has yet to be fined or reprimanded. However, a new comprehensive conservation plan is being developed for the area and I hope that the footage will spur new rule changes.