Experts estimate manatee population in Gulf at about 5,000 . Officials , groups planning for the worst if oil encroaches . Rescue efforts could include cleaning manatees , physically moving them . With the utmost care and a healthy dose of respect , Monica Ross brought the pontoon boat to a crawl , shut its engine down , and asked for quiet . Comment:
Experts estimate manatee population in Gulf at about 5,000 . Officials , groups planning for the worst if oil encroaches . Rescue efforts could include cleaning manatees , physically moving them . Comment: