A survey done by FWC officials has revealed there are at least 6,131 manatees swimming in Florida waters.
The synoptic survey was conducted in early January. Synoptic surveys are aerial surveys that cover manatee wintering habits in Florida, according to the FWC.
Fifteen observers from ten organizations counted 3,731 manatees on Florida's east coast and 2,400 manatees on the west coast of Florida.
The FWC says the survey shows just how important warm-water sites like the Tampa Electric manatee viewing center in Apollo Beach are to the manatees of Florida.
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