The Capture Process from Shore (A Half-ton Tug o' War) Can you imagine a tug-of-war with a manatee in the water and you holding on to a rope and net from the shore? Who do you think would win? Fortunately, with enough planning and enough strong bodies, scientists do win and actually capture manatees from shore! Sound unbelievable? Take a look at this video clip! Capture from Shore Watch it Now (Viewing Tips) Deploying the Capture Net Capturing Georgia at Blue Spring Photo Credit: USGS, BRD, Sirenia Project Video Credit: SMC, International Film Projects,Inc For shore-based captures, nets are partially set at a specifically selected site where we expect a manatee to come. The depth of the net must exceed the depth of the water and the lead lines are on shore, so that a partial bag is really what is in the water, with a line on the float lines so the crew can pull it in when the "right" manatee swims in the "bag".  For an adult manatee, a strong, experienced crew of 8-10, or more, people, waiting quietly on the shore, is needed. Copyright 2002-2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form