With the population more widespread , would-be rescuers face a difficult task . Experts estimate manatee population in Gulf at about 5,000 . Officials , groups planning for the worst if oil comes . Their efforts may include cleaning them , physically removing them . ` ` It 's never been done , '' he says .
Experts estimate manatee population in Gulf at about 5,000 . Officials , groups planning for the worst if oil comes . Their efforts may include cleaning them , physically removing them . ` ` It 's never been done , '' he says .