Manatee Sightings at Edisto

 The large and lumbering sea cow is becoming a more common sight during summertime in the Lowcountry waterways. Typically they can begin showing up when the water temps warm in late May, and SCDNR releases tips to the public on how to be manatee friendly. It was early August when a curious manatee swam up into Big Bay Creek and took up position under the docks at Edisto Water Sports and Tackle. This wasn’t the first year that a manatee has been attracted to the sound of running water underneath the minnow tank there, and kayak guide Sean Harrington was there to greet him.

Manatee at Edisto Water Sports Dock

“The weather had been hot that week, and we had plenty of kayak tours then, but we never saw the manatee except right under the dock,” said Harrington. “I think they know how to navigate these creeks without being seen, and that can hear our running water and are curious about it. I got my phone out and made a video of the manatee essentially parked under the dock, right at the surface of the water for all to see. It’s always such a great experience to see a manatee at Edisto.”

            

Lyndsey Young is the owner at Edisto Water Sports and Tackle (EWT) and she said the most they have ever seen at one time was a total of three manatees at once. Federal and state regulations outline that it is illegal to play with or harass manatees, which includes touching or feeding them. “We know not to touch the manatees at the dock, and each encounter gives us a chance to raise awareness with visitors about having respect for our manatees. The manatees seem curious about activities we do every day, like washing down the boats after a day’s fishing, and we are always glad to see them.”

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Press and Standard. 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2019 click on ACE Basin Appreciation - Dolphin Slam - Jim Bost Memorial - Sea Turtle Nesting

 To view past blog entries from 2018 at Edisto click on Thirsty Whale Tours - I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Coastal Geology - Grits Cook Off

To view past blog entries from 2017 at Edisto click on Holiday Business After Hours - EIOLT Oyster Roast - Billfish Tourney - Bingo - Tomato Open- I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Shark Tourney

To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Serpentarium - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book