Swimming with Sea Cows in Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
June witnessed the arrival of manatees in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Dive operators at Dressel Bávaro were fortunate enough to interact with these aquatic giants. Known for their friendly and gentle demeanor, manatees allow divers to touch and even dance with them. Remarkably, these marine mammals showcase playful behaviors, such as walking and jumping like dogs on the ocean floor.
Manatees, measuring around 3 to 4 meters in length, are herbivores and attracted attention long before their true nature was understood. The ancients, including Homer in his epic 'The Odyssey,' believed the manatees were enchanting sirens, their unique voices and size earning them this fanciful association.
Colloquially known as sea cows, manatees are capable swimmers, journeying up to 500 miles at a time. They migrate due to changes in water temperature, following ancestral routes that divide them into two categories: Antillean and Oriental. Preferring shallow waters, manatees can be found in estuaries, mangroves, and kelp forests where abundant food sources are readily available.
However, the loyalty manatees show to their environments may not protect them from human threats. Despite laws prohibiting it, illegal hunting for their meat and bones continues to endanger these creatures. Additionally, pollution and human activity pose significant risks to manatee populations, particularly in the case of the Antillean manatee, now classified as "Endangered."
Recently, our team at Bávaro had an unfortunate encounter with illegal fishermen. While diving with manatees, these poachers arrived with a boat, and one of them attempted to harpoon a manatee. Although unsuccessful, this incident underscores the ongoing battle to protect these amazing creatures from exploitation and harm.
Manatees remain at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, boat strikes, and the impacts of climate change. Among conservation efforts, federal judges have ordered authorities to enact stricter regulations and protect manatees in vulnerable habitats like the Indian River Lagoon. Despite these positive steps, legal challenges persist, highlighting the continuing challenges in preserving the manatee population for future generations.
In a bid to safeguard these gentle giants, our team at Bávaro advocates for lifestyle changes that support outdoor-living and promote home-and-garden practices that are eco-friendly, with the ultimate goal of reducing pollution and ensuring manatee habitats remain unharmed. As we continue to witness the impacts of human activities on manatee populations, it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these unique creatures and their home-and-garden environments.
