Boaters advised after potential manatee sighting
LEWES, Del. – Officials are asking boaters to be on the look out after a possible manatee sighting in the Rehoboth Beach area.
The Merr Institute is working on getting photographic proof of the sighting, which would be the first in Delaware waters since 2015 in Lums Pond.
Despite how exciting seeing one of these may be, they’re asking boaters to slow down, not approach it, and report it to authorities.
“It’s very exciting to see one. They’re completely gentle, docile animals, but they’re very heavy,” said Merr Institute executive director Suzanne Thurman. “They are a protected species, and so keeping a distance, no matter how exciting it is to see them, we want people to realize it’s very frightening for them. So to keep that distance and keep them safe.”
The Merr Institute will soon be doing some marine life observation this July 20th along all Delaware beaches for its annual Dolphin count. Everyone is invited to attend, for more information call 302-228-5029.
