Jaden KnutsonMrs. UrbanecEnglish April 109, 2014Save the sea mermaidManatees, also known as sea mermaids or cows, are on the brink of extinction and funding and environmental protection are needed to save these wonderful animals. Humans pose the greatest threat to their existence. Humans have carelessly injured and killed thousands of manatees by slicing and dicing them with boat propellers, all in the name of entertainment. Other negative factors include pollution, depletion of the environment due to human encroachment, and poaching with manatees consumed as food. The existence of red tides is another factor that constitutes a natural threat. While manatees may be viewed as large recreational animals with no real purpose, manatees serve an important purpose by eating vegetation and weeds that cause damage to underwater pipeline systems in larger cities. Without them, removing this vegetation comes at a huge cost. The existence of one of the world's most docile mammals is in danger. Action is needed now to prevent brutal injury or death from boat propellers, habitat loss, poaching, and other reckless actions that threaten the manatee population. Manatees are one of the most docile aquatic animals known to man. One of the biggest problems for these underwater sea cows is getting hit by boat propellers. These rotating death traps leave gashes in the skin of manatees and even kill them. When boaters go at speeds that the manatee cannot match or exceed, the manatee's large body prevents them from moving fast enough to get out of the way. Collisions between boats and manatees are the leading cause of manatee death (Schleichert). Boat-related injuries are so common that almost all manatees in Florida... middle of paper... More manatees equals better weed infestation control and fewer taxes. Ultimately, manatees are kind-hearted, wild animals that need our help to avoid extinction. It is necessary to use fan boats or generate other inventions to prevent the barbaric flesh-tearing effects of our propeller boats. Funding is needed for red tide control technology for manatees and other marine life. We need to help these manatees survive like so many other animals have. Over the past 50 years, humans have significantly reduced the manatee (Lapham) population. Every year the manatee population declines by 10%, with 2013 being the worst year of all (Halls). Evidently the problem is getting worse, not better. The time to decide is now. If not, it won't be long before the manatee's loving nature and face fade into the world of existence.