Public Awareness Campaign

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A part of the project to save the Jamaican manatee is a massive education programme across the Island. Mr. Raymond Pryce (local scientist in charge of manatee management) has been on television and radio programmes . He has had articles in the newspapers, and has made presentations at many schools across the Island. Raymond has worked with numerous fishermen across the Island, with the Parish Council in Clarendon, and also with the Portland Environment Protection Agency (PEPA).

Questionnaires were used over a two year period (1998-1999 & 1999-2000) by the "manatee working group" to evaluate the following:

  1. General knowledge about manatees in Jamaican waters
  2. Attitude toward release of the Alligator Hole River manatees
  3. Understanding of 'Endangered/Protected Species' status
  4. Reaction to Endangered Species Act

Ten respondents were chosen from the following groups:

  1. Students
  2. Fishermen
  3. Fish vendors
  4. Random people from various 'walks of life'

Surveys were carried out in the following areas:

  1. Manchester
  2. Clarendon
  3. Westmoreland
  4. St. James
  5. Portland
  6. St. Mary
  7. St. Thomas

These areas were chosen based on reports of manatee activity and sightings during sky patrol.

Results of the questionnaires showed that in general, people's awareness of the manatees increased during period 1999-2000. It also showed that they were more supportive of the release of the Alligator Hole River manatees, and that they were more appreciative of the 'protected species status' during this said period.

 

[Manatee Tidbits] [Manatee Saga] [Sky Patrol] [Public Awareness] [Professor Speaks]
[Manatee Food] [NHSJ & Manatees] [School Clubs] [Threats To Seagrass Community] [FAQ] [Home]