Manatee Carcass found with cut wounds

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) stated yesterday that the carcass of an Antillean manatee was reportedly found dead on Tuesday by Friend of Swallow Caye. When CMARI went to assess the report, they observed the carcass with missing flippers, as well as a large portion of the shoulder area missing, inside the Swallow Caye wildlife Sanctuary. The 9-foot adult female’s carcass had visible signs of cut marks, inconsistent with watercraft wounds or scavenging. It is instead consistent with a knife cut pattern, which would suggest human interaction. It is unclear if the animal was accidentally killed and harvested or if it was killed with the intent of harvesting. This is the fourth dead manatee reported since the start of 2020. The Antillean Manatee is listed globally as a species that is vulnerable to the risk of extinction. They are a protected species in Belize under the Fisheries Resource Act.