Overview Of Research, Health And Recovery Efforts For The Florida Manatee     Robert K. Bonde   U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Caribbean Science Center, 412 NE 16th Avenue, Room 250, Gainesville, FL     Over three decades of research conducted by federal, state and institutional biologists has been amassed on the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris).  This research has focused on abundance and distribution surveys, survival estimation, life history, mortality, reproduction, behavior, anatomy, functional morphology, physiology, feeding ecology, nutrition and captive husbandry studies. Long-term studies have incorporated techniques for monitoring manatees using radio-tagging, aerial survey, photoidentification, and genetic analyses.  Individual health assessment and monitoring has also been an important component in understanding manatee biology. A well-established salvage program, coupled with observational data collected from all regions of the state to estimate survival, have contributed to a better understanding of vital rates and population dynamics and forms the foundation for directing recovery efforts.  Currently, there are estimated to be about 3500 manatees in the southeast United States.  Measures to protect this species appear to be working in some areas, but information from other areas is lacking.  Threats to manatees are higher in some regions of their habitat and deaths due to human-related causes have been on the increase on Florida’s east and southwest coasts.  Epizootic die-offs due to harmful algal blooms (brevetoxin) have impacted certain manatee populations.  The looming threat of deregulation of the power industry (interrupted usage patterns) will certainly affect survival of manatees that have become dependent on these artificial warm-water refugia during winter. Management recovery efforts follow guidelines established in the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan.  Concerted efforts to protect this endangered species include habitat protection, establishment of sanctuaries and water vessel speed regulations.