Sounds Save Manatees

Researchers at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have developed a unique acoustic system designed to keep manatees from being injured or killed by floodgates and boat locks. The Manatee Acoustic Detection Sensor Protection System is composed of unique acoustic transmitters and receivers that provide non-contact detection of manatees as they pass through the gates of the lock. When a manatee blocks the acoustic beams, which they cannot hear, the gates stop and remain open to allow them to pass through safely. Harbor Branch recently received a $5.8 million federal contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install the system in southern Florida around Lake Okeechobee.