PREFACE 



This report is one of several resulting from a 1979 pilot study on the distribution 

 and abundance of marine mammals, birds, and turtles, and the endangered man- 

 atee of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The report summarizes observa- 

 tions made during aerial surveys of manatees and dolphins along Florida's west- 

 ern peninsular coast. Sightings of sea turtles and one crocodile are also noted. 

 The abundance of manatee and dolphin sightings are analyzed by month by county 

 and by habitat type. Group sizes of the animals observed are also discussed. 



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