The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a marine mammal that lives in coastal waters and around reefs off Belize. Manatees have large gray bodies covered in algae or barnacles. They are herbivores that regularly consume marine vegetation such as seagrass and surface to breathe. They reside in seagrass meadows and mangroves which provide them with shelter. The West Indian manatee is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and may eventually be listed as endangered. They are at enormous risk of decline due to coastal development and other environmental changes (Auil). Manatees face countless risks and deaths as the human population increases in various locations. According to National Geographic, in 2013 there were a total of 829 manatee deaths, the highest toll since biologists began keeping records of the species. Manatees have no natural enemies, so their deaths are caused by human interaction. These include net entanglements, habitat destruction, boat strikes and hunting. The most harmful fishing gear is placed illegally in areas such as near rivers, shorelines and cays, usually in the southern region of Belize. This region is home to most of the small fishing villages. Entanglements in fishing nets cause many deaths among free-swimming manatees. These nets are sometimes engulfed by manatees, causing their digestive systems to fail. The fillets also cling to their appendages, which sometimes tear, causing a serious infection. There have been several reports of manatee appendages being amputated for this reason. Calves commonly drown when entangled, especially if they are in the middle of a paper......to help raise awareness of this problem. Education and awareness are essential to help save this species. Since Belize has tourist sites, it is important to educate tourists about manatee conservation. In this way, tour operators would make this topic very important and educate the tourist. Creating tourist sites for safely viewing manatees can also be helpful. The country's education in general can bring serious improvements. In 1981, manatees were listed as an endangered species under the Wildlife Protection Act, with the help of the Belize Audubon Society. For this reason, Belize has protected the manatee for many years. There are also many projects that the people of Belize are forming and have formed to assist in the conservation of this marine mammal through research, training and education throughout the country..