After release, the manatees will be tracked for 12 months. The duration of tracking will be increased if pregnancy occurs. Pregnancies would be tracked for an additional six months. The Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS) will give the general location of each manatee, while radio tracking will assist in gaining visual contact.

Above picture shows scientists making preparations for tracking the manatees from a boat

The following records of the manatees would be made once a month:

1. The manatees' general appearance
2. Their activity at the time of sighting
3. The presence/absence of other manatees
4. Their social behaviourthe number in the group
5. If they are a part of any mating herds
6. If any positive identification could be made of "non-Alligator Hole River" manatees
7. If any clear pattern to general movement around the island could be observed

We hope that the tagged manatees will lead researchers to other manatees in the wild population, so we can create a photo-I.D. system and catalogue of manatees in Jamaica. We also hope that this study will encourage people to protect the manantees' habitat and also influence how they interact with them.

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