When European explorers first saw manatees in the New World, they believed these large, graceful swimmers were mermaids! But while manatees were well adapted to their marine environments, they were not ready for human carelessness. In recent decades, many manatees have been killed by boats and habitat loss, and the population plummeted. This book explores the issues surrounding manatee survival. It takes a look at how people were the problem when it came to endangering manatees--and how people can be the solution. Graphic organizers and exciting photographs are paired with fascinating facts to hook readers. Readers are sure to experience a deep dive into the world of this underwater marvel--the manatee.