Scientists from the Manatee Recovery Program have been following Dakota's journey by satellite. A tethered radio transmitter, that looks like a buoy, is attached to Dakota's tail. The radio tagged manatee could be less than a mile away, but if he is resting underwater, scientists would never know it because the signal does not transmit through water. Keeping track of manatees following their release is a critical step in ensuring their health and ability to adapt to their new environment. When a manatee is relocated, scientists check up on it to see if it is eating, resting, or on the move like Dakota.
Tracking also provides scientists with information about manatee social behavior.
Now that Dakota may be declaring residency in Florida Bay, we can help him by not feeding or touching him. It is very tempting to befriend a manatee with a head of lettuce, but this encourages manatees to become dependant on people. If you do see a manatee in Florida Bay with a small buoy attached to his tail, it may be Dakota.