Despite this relationship, there have been few studies of contaminant levels and effects on manatees. What information is available suggests that direct effects are not significant at a population level. O'Shea et al. Of these, only copper levels in the liver were found to be notably high. Despite these findings, there were no field reports of copper poisoning and no evidence of deleterious effects to individual animals.
Manatees ingest various debris incidental to feeding.
Monofilament line was the most common item found. In most cases, ingested items do not appear to affect animals. Continue to Recovery Plan Accomplishments.