In some areas of Florida, manatees gather near spring waters during cold weather because the temperature of the springs is always about 72°F. To protect the manatees and the environment, the government closes these areas to people during certain times of the year. Evaluate the effectiveness of the restrictions since they went into effect in 1985, based on the data below from Ruby Springs.

Manatee Data from Ruby Springs, 1980-2010

Year Manatee Population Manatee Deaths due to Watercraft

1980 273 25

1990 367 10

2000 399 8

2010 453 8

Question

Biology

Cody Graham

15 September, 14:24

In some areas of Florida, manatees gather near spring waters during cold weather because the temperature of the springs is always about 72°F. To protect the manatees and the environment, the government closes these areas to people during certain times of the year. Evaluate the effectiveness of the restrictions since they went into effect in 1985, based on the data below from Ruby Springs.

Manatee Data from Ruby Springs, 1980-2010

Year Manatee Population Manatee Deaths due to Watercraft

1980 273 25

1990 367 10

2000 399 8

2010 453 8

+2

Answers (1)

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Amy Weber · Answer 1

From the data, the manatee population obviously increased after the regulations went into affect and the deaths due to watercraft reduced from 25 to 8 after the regulations were put into effect. The population increased by 165% from 1980=-2010 and the drop in deaths due to watercraft decreased by

68%. So this is not a direct correlation but at least it shows that the watercraft deaths decreased significantly. Since the population increased at a greater rate then it may be that more females were spared so could mate and give birth to that many more manatees.