Paul Nicklen really is the most extraordinary photographer. This new photoset perfectly captures the conservation dilemmas created by human intrusion on the manatee habitat and the human desire to get close to manatees. Stunning work:
and snorkelers eager to interact with the marine mammals.
The thing that Nicklen conveys so well is that even when humans have benign or even positive intentions the degree of interference and impact on the environment and lives of non-human species is deeply disruptive.
The full photoset is here, and each photo is as powerful as the next. You can look at more of Nicklen’s work here.
The Earthist Chronicles 
Nominating you for an inspirational blogger award, congrats!
Scientists and volunteers capture manatees to gather statistics on their age, size, and physical condition.
Hey how the F about leaving them alone. Why the hell do you need to know their age.