Scientists say that Belize is home to
one
of the healthiest populations of
manatees in the world...but the
increased pressure of tourism appears
to be taking its toll. Last week the
corpse of a female manatee calf was
found washed up in Driftwood Bay on
the north coast of Belize City. It was
the
third recorded manatee death for the year and researchers

from the Coastal Zone Management Authority believe that
the
young mammal died from a collision with a motorboat as
three
large propeller wounds were visible on its back. In 2002
researchers recorded 12 manatee deaths, four of which
were
caused by boats. Officials urge all boaters who travel in
shallow
coastal waters to please exercise caution, particularly
in areas
known to be frequented by manatees. This warning also
applies
to the lower reaches of rivers, as during the dry season
manatees are known to travel well upstream in search of
food
and fresh water.