November was Manatee Awareness Month in Florida, and that was good, but it might have implied that once November ends there’s no need to be aware of manatees, and that’s bad. In December, January and February, boaters need to be more aware of manatees than they were in November.

In winter, when the weather sends us cold fronts and coastal water temperatures fall below 70 degrees, manatees move inshore to bays, canals and rivers — as far upland as necessary (or possible) to avoid cold stress. Prolonged exposure to temperatures lower than 68 degrees can kill them.

The quest for warmer water inevitably brings them into closer contact with motorboat traffic.

Most years, marine engine propellers are a manatee’s worst hazard. That is why boaters have to slow down to idle speed in designated manatee zones and watch out for the animals at all times in any inshore water.

This year the greatest danger has been red tide, the worst outbreak of that natural bacteriological phenomenon in 11 years. The peril is greatest on the Gulf coast, with boat accidents still the major threat on the Atlantic side.

In announcing Manatee Awareness Month, FWC estimated “more than 6,600” manatees inhabit Florida waters. FWC says it spends $2 million a year on manatee conservation, so the estimated live population of 6,600 accounts for $303.30 per manatee.

The money is used for research, rescue and management. The figure is derived from an annual aerial survey of visible animals, made at known hangouts, so a precise population can’t be scored.

Neither can mortality, but it’s easier. As of Nov. 9, FWC this year had accounted for 741 known manatee deaths: 80 positively attributed to red tide, 113 suspected of it. Red tide outbreaks were still active on the Gulf coast.

For all of 2017, there were 538 manatee deaths with 52 red tide-positive and 15 suspected a difference of 126.

Not much you can do about that, but you can run your boat slowly and carefully in and near manatee speed zones. Those are put into effect from late fall through winter, posted with signs in trafficky areas like the Intracoastal Waterway.

All hands should be commanded to watch for manatees, who often signal their locations by the flat circles they cause on the water surface when they swish their tails. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see.

If you see a gathering of manatees, do not motor up to them or they may leave that location and risk cold stress by looking for another. Large, dense groups often are found huddled at flood control locks on canals.

Report injured, entangled, orphaned or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cellphone or text Tip@ MyFWC.com.

Finally, before you motor out on the water again, download maps of manatee protection zones in the area where you’re going. Go to www.MyFWC.com/manatee and click on the “Data and Maps” link.