Manatee time again

Made my first run of the season up to Crystal River yesterday. Not the best day, with a south wind and an early low tide, but the fellas were there. Rules seem to be similar except NO submerging under the water. They have webcams up all around. Got some dirty looks coming in very quietly on my jetski; also starting up to leave I startled a couple and got some dirty looks again. (Next time I will start up with the jet towards the bank to dampen it) Strange that a jetski with no prop is a problem, when clearly every one of the pontoon boats with an outboard has probably nicked an animal or two.

Viz was awful for the reasons I mentioned, but my daughter and I spent a fun hour with this little guy who wanted to play. I turned off the strobes pretty early on as there was way too much junk in the water. I'm liking the Nikon 16-35 more and more. D700 ISO 800 1/60 f7.1

At 16mm

At 35mm

Hardly a perfect image, but I like it nevertheless, Early Morning at 3 Sisters

Way cool!!!

I like the last shot - great atmosphere.

Cheers

Karel

Nice stuff, Jeff.

Also thanks for sharing how the new rules are working in practice. I guess with no submerging, the value of existing manatee stock has increased!

Alex

Made my first run of the season up to Crystal River yesterday. Not the best day, with a south wind and an early low tide, but the fellas were there. Rules seem to be similar except NO submerging under the water. They have webcams up all around. Got some dirty looks coming in very quietly on my jetski; also starting up to leave I startled a couple and got some dirty looks again. (Next time I will start up with the jet towards the bank to dampen it) Strange that a jetski with no prop is a problem, when clearly every one of the pontoon boats with an outboard has probably nicked an animal or two.

Viz was awful for the reasons I mentioned, but my daughter and I spent a fun hour with this little guy who wanted to play. I turned off the strobes pretty early on as there was way too much junk in the water. I'm liking the Nikon 16-35 more and more. D700 ISO 800 1/60 f7.1

I am surprised you were able to use your strobes at all. I talked with an operator yesterday and he told me that the new rules include 1) no strobes and 2) no weight belts and that they are being aggressively enforced.

I am surprised you were able to use your strobes at all. I talked with an operator yesterday and he told me that the new rules include 1) no strobes and 2) no weight belts and that they are being aggressively enforced.

May be true; but no one said anything to me. My understanding that this year the rules are still being formulated and the Rangers etc are still taking suggestions. Weight belts goes along with no submerging. I think Alex is correct though, our photographic approaches are likely to be severely curtailed. It's unfortunate as I don't think serious photographers for the most part harass the animals whether we submerge or use strobes. I've never had any indication that manatees are bothered by strobes. There's no question that most of the harassment comes from the general tourist population where brainless people scream and yell, grab at the animals, swim all over them etc. Unfortunately many of the 'observers' sit topside, and really have no idea whether the animals are stressed when a photographer submerges. I think a far more valuable practice would be to close the springs when the animals are particularly stressed by very cold conditions as they were last season. In those situations, the stress of the animals is clear. The rest of the time they could not care less, and simply move away if they don't want to be around you. Much of the time, the contrary is true, especially the younger animals, actually seek attention.

I must admit that this may be my last season at Crystal River, I know it's ultimately in the animals' best interest, but dealing with the manatee 'gestapo' these last few years, one may as well head to the local aquarium or zoo to shoot, it's become oppressive.

nice shots!

I like the first one & last one.

Thanks for sharing.

Regards

May be true; but no one said anything to me. My understanding that this year the rules are still being formulated and the Rangers etc are still taking suggestions. Weight belts goes along with no submerging. I think Alex is correct though, our photographic approaches are likely to be severely curtailed. It's unfortunate as I don't think serious photographers for the most part harass the animals whether we submerge or use strobes. I've never had any indication that manatees are bothered by strobes. There's no question that most of the harassment comes from the general tourist population where brainless people scream and yell, grab at the animals, swim all over them etc.

Much of the time, the contrary is true, especially the younger animals, actually seek attention.

I agree about the strobes. I was always under the impression that propellors were far more of a risk to manatees. I have never seen any reaction from the manatees to strobes when taking my photos, and Carol - who has taken 100s of 1000s of photos there - tends to always use strobes and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who cares more for manatees than her. If there was any disturbance I know she wouldn't do it.

That said, it is easy to police - no strobes on camera. And you can still get plenty of manatee shots without strobes. This is one of my faves from the start of the year - and is taken without strobes (although I was submerged - albeit a little distance away).

I kind of understand the no submergence rule - again simply because it is easy to police - no weights. But submergence in itself is not a problem (it is people diving down and racing towards the manatees with their arms out stretched - that they don't like). On my trip at the start of this year - one of my group was a highly experienced free diver. He would just lie on the bottom of the spring and the manatees loved him. And you can certainly have great encounters at the surface. I agree with you, Jeff that most of the time the youngsters love to play!

This is a vid, I shot of me and a manatee:

I am heading to Crystal River again at the start of Feb. Once again taking a group of photographers - and going with Birds Underwater, arguably the most respected operator. Last year they were really complimentary about how our whole group behaved throughout our trip - and I look forward to going with them and abiding by the new rules. However, if there is a feeling that you are constantly being watched in the Springs - I think in future years I will skip the manatees too.

Alex

Awesome bit of video Alex. Just a big puppy rolling over to have its belly rubbed.

Awesome bit of video Alex. Just a big puppy rolling over to have its belly rubbed.

I had hoped to score a few images with Nikon D300/10-17 combo at Crystal River this past week-end but the viz was not up to par among other things, But my 90degree View Finder on my Seacam housing was the bomb for suface shooting.

I'll try again in a few weeks or prehaps wait until middle of March when restrictions are over.

I am heading to Crystal River again at the start of Feb. Once again taking a group of photographers - and going with Birds Underwater, arguably the most respected operator. Last year they were really complimentary about how our whole group behaved throughout our trip - and I look forward to going with them and abiding by the new rules. However, if there is a feeling that you are constantly being watched in the Springs - I think in future years I will skip the manatees too.

 

Alex

Really hate to hear that Alex, I missed out getting in on your group trip this year and was hoping to do it in 2012.

thanks,

John

Can anyone confirm the new rules?

No submergence and no strobes?

I wasn t aware this was in the offing and being booked on Alex s trip in Feb am a little disappointed, as it does limit your creative opportunities somewhat.

On the other hand I appreciate that the welfare of the animals is paramount and by in large highly frequented areas that are ecological sensitive have rules imposed that tend to reflect the actions of the lowest common denominator. Such is life.

Erol

Can anyone confirm the new rules?

 

No submergence and no strobes?

 

I wasn t aware this was in the offing and being booked on Alex s trip in Feb am a little disappointed, as it does limit your creative opportunities somewhat.

I am not aware that they are anywhere official yet - and as Jeff says above - I think that rules relating to photography are still being formulated. So he was able to take strobes. But I'd certainly be interested in seeing them confirmed or not.

That said, what I have learned from visiting this part of Florida - what really matters is what people are saying on the ground. It is a place where business is done face to face (not on the internet) - and it is how any new rules are being interpreted there - that will really matter. Everyone has the manatees best interests at heart - it is just some groups believe that nobody should be allowed in the water, others believe that the manatees clearly initiate so many interactions with people and these leave such lasting impressions, that people enjoying in water encounters in this one location is a massive benefit to the species throughout its range, winning them so many more friends.

AFAIK, the only rule change that has been passed/publicised is that larger areas of Kings Bay/3 Sisters can now be closed to people (open only to manatees) on the very coldest days (which has been posted on Wetpixel a couple of times).

There is some more information here:

http://refugeassociation.org/new-issues/three-sisters.html

Of course, Carol's beautiful shot illustrating the article is clearly taken from a submerged position!

Alex

p.s. There are lots of Florida locals on Wetpixel - so I am sure we'll get some reliable info soon.

I am not aware that they are anywhere official yet - and as Jeff says above - I think that rules relating to photography are still being formulated. So he was able to take strobes. But I'd certainly be interested in seeing them confirmed or not.

 

There is some more information here:

http://refugeassociation.org/new-issues/three-sisters.html

 

Of course, Carol's beautiful shot illustrating the article is clearly taken from a submerged position!

 

Alex

 

p.s. There are lots of Florida locals on Wetpixel - so I am sure we'll get some reliable info soon.

Although I am obviously keen to get some clarification on the rules, the situation is what it is and we, as photographers, have no right to expect special treatment.

Enjoy Erol

Probably the best info that is applicable 'on the ground' will be from the operators. So probably best to check with them. The one thing that I think is pretty much agreed on is 'no submerging', this was related to me by an operator. There were 'volunteers' in canoes already last year who reprimanded me for submerging. I was there pretty early in the morning last week so maybe no one noticed my strobes. I wonder if that means people are going to have to put tape over their little waterproof P&S cameras.

It is not about expecting special treatment for phtographers, it's just frustrating that common sense is not applied. One only has to look underwater at the human manatees there sometimes kicking and flailing while their heads are above water to see manatees being flailed upon.The most obvious and best thing to protect the manatees is to police folks who are out of control, restrict the number of boats and people at any one time so it's not a circus as it sometimes is, and restrict access altogether at extremely cold and stressful times. The rest is frankly BS with zero evidence that the manatees are harmed in any way.

Probably the best info that is applicable 'on the ground' will be from the operators. So probably best to check with them.

I'm going out with Birds tomorrow (with camera and strobes in tow) so will find out then. will happily post what i learn

It is not about expecting special treatment for phtographers, it's just frustrating that common sense is not applied.

Agree. But more and more often ''common sense'' is applied to cater for those that arrive without their requisite share.

Thanks for the info. Look forward to any updates on can and can t dos.

Erol

It is not about expecting special treatment for phtographers, it's just frustrating that common sense is not applied. One only has to look underwater at the human manatees there sometimes kicking and flailing while their heads are above water to see manatees being flailed upon.The most obvious and best thing to protect the manatees is to police folks who are out of control, restrict the number of boats and people at any one time so it's not a circus as it sometimes is, and restrict access altogether at extremely cold and stressful times. The rest is frankly BS with zero evidence that the manatees are harmed in any way.

I agree - I think banning strobes and submergence (if they are indeed banned) is all about ease of enforcement rather than them doing any specific harm to the manatees. Which is sad.

Demonstrating the shortsightedness of such a sweeping ruling, today on the front page of the BBC website (the world's most visited news website) there is a great picture by David Fleetham of a manatee - highlighting the need for manatee conservation. This is fantastic for raising awareness for manatees - and because the image is so beautiful it got very high exposure for the cause (it is currently at the top of bbc.co.uk, not sure how long it will be there so here is the permanent link). And this picture is clearly taken in Three Sisters Spring, from a submerged position with flash.

I agree with you, Jeff - that it would be much better policed from in the water than from the banks.

Alex

I'm going out with Birds tomorrow (with camera and strobes in tow) so will find out then. will happily post what i learn

It will be great to hear how rules are applied on the ground.

Alex

I agree - I think banning strobes and submergence (if they are indeed banned) is all about ease of enforcement rather than them doing any specific harm to the manatees. Which is sad.

 

Alex

I am not necessarily disagreeing rather debating. Whilst I agree blanket regulations can be both frustrating for naturalists and in self-defeating in terms of giving access to conservation photographers, the other reverse argument would be that many people who are keen to interact with wild animals do not necessarily have the experience to keep themselves and the animals safe. (and with many species of animals I put myself firmly in this category)

So whilst I find many blanket regulations (no snorkeling, no getting out of your car, no access after night etc etc) frustrating and arguably a case of lazy enforcement, one could argue that precautionary approach is best.

The positive to take out of it is that it keeps us motivated to find those remaining areas to isolated wilderness, where we can roam happy with camera in hand, without the benefits of rangers curtailing our behaviour.

Anyway I am trying to get home for Christmas through European snow chaos.

Enjoy your holidays one and all

E

According to our captain today, there is high drama in the manatee conservation circles. Apparently the current management’s 15 year contract is due up and they are working to get an extension. So lots of new rules are coming into effect to improve conservation efforts. In addition, the Federal Fish and Wildlife commission, “rules and regulations” for manatee encounters have become “laws.” These laws are now being actively enforced, including the no submersion rule, which has been a rule for some time.

There are some new rules too. For one, there are no more commercial operator licenses being granted. Also, offending swimmers are being fined directly and their operators receive “strikes” against their records. Three strikes and the operator’s license is revoked. This morning an uw photographer (non-Birds client) was caught submerging and separating a mother and calf. He was caught by fish and wildlife and they ejected him from the water. Seems there is active enforcement and very little tolerance this year.

As of this morning, strobes are cool. I asked Birds directly and they are still allowed. There were volunteer watchers patrolling in kayaks (not sure what they are really called) and they gave me no trouble. However, things are likely to get worse for uw photographers. The head of the current management team responsible for conservation efforts was recently quoted as saying “the last good manatee shot has already been taken,” suggesting rules are likely to get stricter for us.

It’s important to know that these new rules/laws are in temporary effect until a committee, meetings will be held in May/June, makes them permanent. So, those interested in having their voices heard could potentially write in with opinions. Not sure who the right people are. Perhaps Carol or Jeff could shed some light on how the politics work there. Just a thought.

Otherwise, had some great encounters today at King’s Spring. Because of the no submersion, lots of shooting from the hip!

Thanks for the info from the ground, Jason.

It is really helpful for me - so I can write to my group ahead of time and make sure everyone is clued up and knows how to behave.

Very disappointing to hear the comments from the head of management. Shows someone who is really in touch with the big issues effecting manatee conservation! Maybe photographers should refuse to let them use their images next time they need one for a poster/website/publication.

That said, if a photographer was ejected from the water for separating a mother and calf - maybe they have a case... sadly.

Alex