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May 9, 2008
Shelley Szafraniec, APR
Community Information Specialist

MANATEE WATCH
Training set for volunteer Manatee Protection Program

The Manatee Protection Program for Volusia County is looking for volunteers interested in participating in Manatee Watch, an exciting program that focuses on identifying the presence of manatees in our local waterways. Residents who live on the water, spend a lot of time near the water, or are avid boaters are encouraged to become Manatee Watchers and attend a free training from 10 a.m. - noon Wednesday, June 4.

Manatee Watch volunteers will be provided free training in how to document manatee sightings, sketch scar patterns, and photograph individuals. Information gathered from volunteers will be used to provide vital manatee information, including behavior, movement within the waterways, habitat use and individual identification. The data collected is compiled by Volusia County Environmental Management, who monitors the county manatee population, and is also shared with other state and federal agencies.

The Manatee Watch program is open to interested individuals, families, businesses and civic organizations. However, all participants need to be at least 16 years of age or older.

Registration for this training is required. Training location information will be provided at time of registration. For more information and to reserve a space, please contact Jennifer Jakush at (386) 736-5927, ext. 2235. For more information about manatees and Manatee Watch, visit http://www.volusiamanatees.org

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