Chad Gillis | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

It’s that time of year ― the Florida manatee migration is underway.

Each spring thousands of manatees move from warm-water spring and winter havens to coastal bays, rivers and the Gulf beaches.

Wildlife experts are advising boaters and the public to be aware of the moving sea cows and some boating zone changes that will be in place April 1.

“During this time of year, manatees are more likely to be present in rivers, canals and nearshore waters,” a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission press release reads. “Manatees overwinter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, and will gradually disperse from these winter habitats as water temperatures rise each spring.”

Lee County typically produces more boat kills than nearly any county in Florida, but Collier County waters account for far fewer deadly encounters.

The Endangered Species Coalition and Save the Manatee Club sent out a press release in favor of manatee protection zones.

“Manatees were one of the first animals protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1973, and their recovery is deeply connected to the Act,” said Susan Holmes, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “When they were first listed, there were fewer than 1,000 manatees in the United States. Today, there are over 8,000 of these gentle giants.”

Read more about the manatees on naplesnews.com.