MERMAID DREAMS Diver with Manatee - Crystal River Florida------------------One viewer posted a comment on this image and voiced their concern that I was breaking the law to produce this image. I applaud Mark for voicing his concerns. The law referenced was the Federal Marine Mammal act. Just for those who might not know, I broke no laws to produce this image. The image was taken at Crystal River Florida. You are allowed interaction with the Manatees only if they approach you. This one did and was quite curious, lingering with us for some time, also enjoying a good back rub as well. The Manatees by nature are shy and mild mannered creatures, with no natural defenses against those that would wish them harm. Many bearing deep scars across their backs or missing limbs from encounters with careless boaters and their motor props, many die each year this way. The Marine Mammal act states that you are not allowed to approach within 300 feet of a marine mammal. It does make provision for the animal to approach you. I have been in many situations where this happened with dolphins, whales, otters and other species. I have had sea otters climb right into my boat, helping them selves to anything that looks like it would make a good toy. At Crystal River they do have rangers patrolling the area that are supposed to enforce this law. Not nearly enough, during my ten days there I saw some absolutely appalling behavior by people towards the Manatees. They are truly a species under siege. My images are only produced with the utmost care and concern for the well-being of my subjects and never causing them undo distress in the process. It is my desire to depict them only as I find them and leave them, wild and free. Use of my images is often donated in the name of wildlife preservation. I also use my images to educate the public to the beauty and value of all the wildness they may never come to see themselves. This is done in the hopes that I may contribute in some way to preserving these wonderful gifts we have been given.------ geoff Mark Plawchan posted a comment on this image and voiced his concern that I was breaking the law to produce this image. I applaud Mark for voicing his concerns. The law referenced was the Federal Marine Mammal act. Just for those who might not know, I broke no laws to produce this image. The image was taken at Crystal River Florida. You are allowed interaction with the Manatees only if they approach you. This one did and was quite curious, lingering with us for some time, also enjoying a good back rub as well. The Manatees are a shy and mild mannered creature, with no natural defenses against those that would wish them harm. Many bearing deep scars across their backs or missing limbs from encounters with careless boaters and their motor props. Many die each year this way. The Marine Mammal act states that you are not allowed to approach within 300 feet of a marine mammal. It does make provision for the animal to approach you. I have been in many situations where this happened with dolphins, whales, otters and other species. I have had sea otters climb right into my boat, helping them selves to anything that looks like it would make a good toy. At Crystal River they do have rangers patrolling the area that are supposed to enforce this law. Not nearly enough, during my ten days there I saw some absolutely appalling behavior by people towards the Manatees. They are truly a species under siege. My images are only produced with the utmost care and concern for the well being of my subjects and never causing them undo distress in the process. It is my desire to depict them only as I find them and leave them, wild and free. Use of my images is often donated in the name of wildlife preservation. I also use my images to educate the public to the beauty and value of all the wildness they may never come to see themselves. This is done in the hopes that I may contribute in some way to preserving these wonderful gifts we have been given. geoff THIS IMAGE WAS SELECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN A HARDBOUND BOOK CALLED "ENDLESS JOURNEYS" A COLLECTION OF FINE PHOTOS DO OUT EARLY 2004.