Using community-reported data to understand how boat speed affects marine wildlife: An example with the Florida manatee
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
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Abstract
- Boat collisions are a known and increasing threat to many marine wildlife populations. The Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris is a key example of a species with high boat-related mortality, whose long-term viability and population are limited by human activities in shared habitats. The goal of this work was to quantify the probability of lethal injury to Florida manatees using community-reported data on collisions with boats. We test the hypothesis that higher boat speeds increase the probability of lethal injury to manatees. Empirical data to test this hypothesis are collected opportunistically, with low sample sizes and uncertainty in reported boat speed.
- We fit a logistic regression model using Bayesian inference with Markov Chain Monte Carlo to community-reported collision data. We also present results for two errors-in-variables modelling approaches that account for uncertainty in boat speeds reported as qualitative values. The first uses a multiple imputation approach, whereas the second uses Bayesian estimation with informed priors. We evaluated issues related to quasi-separation, sample size, and measurement errors using simulated data.
- The models predicted that the probability of lethal injury increased at greater strike speed. However, the small number of records with low boat speed or where the injury was considered non-lethal contributed to uncertainty around this functional relationship. Although the relationships were consistent among models, the uncertainty was greater for the errors-in-variables models.
- Practical implication. When combined with information on manatee and boat abundance and behaviour, the results of this analysis can be used to predict the number of deadly collisions, test alternative management scenarios and inform speed zone regulations. We also identify ways to improve data reporting to reduce uncertainty in the effect of boat speed on lethal injury to marine wildlife. This type of analysis can be applied to any marine animal where records of collisions with boats are kept.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Using community-reported data to understand how boat speed affects marine wildlife: An example with the Florida manatee |
| Series title | Ecological Solutions and Evidence |
| DOI | 10.1002/2688-8319.70058 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | July 16, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | British Ecological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Eastern Ecological Science Center |
| Description | e70058, 11 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |