If Hollywood were to assemble a cast of Florida marine life for a film, the dolphin would be the high-energy hero, the sea turtle would be the brainy taskmaster of the operation, and the manatee would be the slow-moving but lovable character everyone looks forward to seeing.
This is the character at the center of a new book by John E. Reynolds III, called “Manatees: Biology, Behavior, and Conservation.” It’s a down to earth yet scholarly read about one of Florida’s most lovable sea creatures, accompanied by stunning photography by Wayne Lynch.
Today at 1:30 we’ll talk with the author, John E. Reynolds III who is the senior scientist a Mote Marine Laboratory’s Manatee Research Program and the former chair of the US Marine Mammal Commission. He’ll talk to us about some little-known facts about manatees you’ll find in his book. We’ll also talk about the recent de-classification of manatees from the Endangered Species list and what he thinks that means for our sea-cows.