What is a synoptic survey?
A manatee synoptic survey is a count of manatees over a broad area. Researchers fly over areas where they expect to see the most animals. The surveys are conducted in the winter, when more manatees are present at the warm-water aggregation sites around the state. Synoptic counts give researchers a minimum number of manatees in Florida waters. They also provide a snapshot of manatee distribution around the state in the winter.
