Miami, Florida, Feb. 21 — The manatee population in Florida waters has jumped to 6,620 specimens, a new record for this species of marine mammal, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) reported Tuesday.

The preliminary tally drawn up by a team of 15 FWC observers amounted to 3,488 live specimens on the east coast of the state and 3,132 in west coast waters, a figure that for the third straight year has stayed above 6,000.

“The relatively high counts we have seen for the past three years underscore the importance of warm water habitat to manatees in Florida,” biologist and FWC director Gil McRae said in a statement.

These results are very hopeful, considering that in 2013 more than 800 specimens died.

Nonetheless, these results should not let their safety be taken for granted, because manatees remain a species habitually endangered by cold waters in winter and by recreational motorboats speeding along the coastlines.

McRae noted that the study and census of the manatee population was carried out by aerial sightings in places they seek refuge in the winter, warm water areas like thermal springs and the waters around power plants.

“Successful conservation of manatees is a product of the commitment made by many different organizations over multiple decades,” McRae said. “The FWC will continue to work diligently with our many partners to ensure the long-term viability of these habitats and the well-being of the manatee population,”

Florida invests more than $2 million annually in the conservation of the manatee population. EFE