Manatees in the Ichetucknee

Since 2002, manatees have been visiting the lush habitat of the Ichetucknee River. Because of a natural limerock sill (bar) at the mouth of the Ichetucknee, manatees can only enter the Ichetucknee when the level of the Santa Fe River is high enough to provide enough depth for them to swim over the sill. Since the Santa Fe has been low for nearly a year, the last report of manatees in the Ichetucknee was in April 2006.

It was thought that the manatees inhabiting the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers had to migrate south to the springs of the Crystal River during the winter to avoid the cold water. However, the first observation of a manatee in the Ichetucknee during the winter was in 2004. Thanks to the observations of local residents, we have learned that at least four manatees have remained in the Santa Fe this winter, in close proximity to the Ichetucknee. During cold weather, they crowd into at least one small spring that flows from the river bank. In order for manatees to be able to remain in the Santa Fe River year round, they must have adequate native aquatic plants to eat and the warm water flowing from these little springs.

This is another good reason why the Minimum Flow and Level (MFL) being established by the Suwannee River Water Management District must protect the flow of the springs of the Ichetucknee and the Santa Fe.