(Images of the 2017-2018 decals courtesy of the FWC)
The proceeds from these decals go towards funding for research, rescue and management that helps the survival of Florida's sea turtle and manatee populations. For example, the money helps the FWC rehabilitate manatees that are reported as sick, entangled or injured through its Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Over 6,000 manatees swim in rivers, freshwater springs and other coastal waterways and thousands of sea turtles make nests and lay eggs on Florida beaches. The FWC urges boaters to look carefully for manatees when on the water. They recommend wearing polarized sunglasses and looking and listening closely. When there are circles on the water's surface, a snout above the surface or huffing noises, there is likely a manatee nearby. The FWC also urges people to never touch a sea turtle nest but to watch quietly from a distance. They ask that you never use flash photography around hatchling sea turtles. “Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” says Carol Knox, the leader of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.” To learn more about manatee and sea turtle conservation, go here and here. To purchase a license plate that supports manatees and sea turtles, go here. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.