Chasing a Manatee - Very Disturbing

[b1draper]

I saw this thread on scubaboard and knew I had to share it.

Manatee Abuse and Harassment Caught on Tape - ScubaBoard

[RoyN]

Is that a video of "do" and "don't do"?

[rye_a]

Ever hear about manatees getting mauled by props? Seems to me that a few of those guides getting in the way of a Mercury 200 would be some divine justice.

[b1draper]

Originally Posted by RoyN

Is that a video of "do" and "don't do"?

I think it's showing the people doing things that shouldn't be done; manatees are slow moving peaceful creatures. The law basically states that a swimmer/diver is not to chase, stand on, harrass or enguage a manatee. You're supposed to "look but not touch". However there are some manatees that will see out divers/swimmers and "play" with them.

The general rule in diving is to look but not touch. It's kind of like the Florida State Parks slogan "Take only pictures and leave only foot prints" or I guess you could translate it to "Take only pictures and leave only bubbles".

[fire diver]

Does it really say to not "stand on" the manatees? That's a disturbing image!

FD

[divingchef]

thanks for posting this.....some folks will do anything for a buck.....in the end its all about education....

[Chocoholic]

That's horrible. I am hoping that the license was pulled for the tour op in this film.

[b1draper]

Originally Posted by Chocoholic

That's horrible. I am hoping that the license was pulled for the tour op in this film.

I doubt it. I was in Tampa last week and drove right by American Pro Dive which is located in Crystal River.

Last time I was there at Kings Spring (on the Crystal River) an American Pro Dive boat was all over the place. Our pontoon (dive club group) boat was anchored and their boat had become unanchored and there wasn't anyone on the boat. Later when there was a person and the boat bumped into our boat the person didn't have a clue how to do anything and she just threw her hands up.

[emcbride81]

Wow...unreal...I agree with the diver's slogan "take only pictures, leave only bubbles". It is like people that ride turtles, mantas, and whale sharks, granted, you probably won't hurt them...but I know that if some stranger chased me from behind and jumped on my back for a ride, I would kick his rear.

[thor]

To quote somebody from scubaboard, "Some people deserve to get slapped"