DEAN FERRY:
 

Somewhat realiable! Also in use is radio tracking devices,
pictures, and markings on them, usually prop marks, and/
or tattoos to count them. Its not perfect, but somewhat
acurate. The numbers do not vary by a couple thousand
as previously thought.

The numbers are growing and that is our best argument
to keep our navigatible waterways free of unnecessary laws.

Re: DEAN FERRY:
 

The numbers are growing and that is our best argument
to keep our navigatible waterways free of unnecessary laws. [/B][/QUOTE]
Kitten,
The aerial survey counting technique does a Fairly accurate job, but is still not a complete way to count "Sea-Cows", because the planes and "copters" only fly over areas where Manatees seek refuge during the cold spells.
BUT, you last statement sums it up very well!!
I read here in OSO a couple of weeks ago, that they found a Manatee swimming in the "James River" in Va.? I hope that doesn't spell trouble for you folks up there!
MD

Manatees
 

We had one come over to HOUSTON in 1994, stay awile at
HLP Power Plant, then was taken back to FL. She never
came back.

But then Chessy kept going to the Chesapeake Bay for the
summers and came back to FL on her own.

I know I saw one in Pensacola Bay but the FWFC did
not beleive it.

They did migrate from the West Indies to FL in the 1800s.