Work

Cognition as a Conservation Tool: A Case Study of Florida Manatees and Boat Strikes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Boat strikes injure and kill large numbers of Florida manatees ( Trichechus manatus latirostris ) each year. Management actions taken to mitigate this threat can be potentially enhanced by consideration of manatee cognitive processes. The role of cognition in marine mammal conservation has received little consideration in the literature. Here, we integrate discoveries from laboratory research on auditory sensory processes and perception with findings from field studies of how manatees respond to motorized vessels and the effect of the ambient soundscape on response times to boat noise. We incorporate that information into recommendations for manatee management to further reduce the risk of collisions. We also suggest lines of research to investigate other relevant cognitive issues—including attention, learning, memory, and decision‐making—to improve conservation efforts and understanding of manatee behavior.

Source: Marine Mammal Science

DOI: 10.1111/mms.70176

Authors: Gordon B. Bauer, Charles J. Deutsch, Roger L. Reep, Wendi Fellner, Tabitha Gunnars, Peter F. Cook, Heidi E. Harley, Athena M. Rycyk

Institutions: New College of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida, University of St Andrews

Language: English

Topic: Marine animal studies overview

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400

OpenAlex ID: W7154252280

FWCI:

Cites: 35

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