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Reinert has spent more than a decade studying and rescuing manatees in South Florida.
"In this case, the manatee isn't struggling. It's just taking a breath," Reinert said, in response to Palas' video.
There are obvious signs a manatee is in distress, Reinert added.
He said if you spot a manatee taking multiple breaths per minute, that's a sign of distress. Manatees can typically hold their breath for several minutes.
Manatees with white or red wounds are also likely in distress as a result of impact with a boat.
Reinert said those giving manatees water from a hose like Palas did are making the mammal more prone to coming in contact with a boat. He said it becomes habitual for the animal.
"It brings manatees to where the people are and where the people are is where boats are. And manatees and boats don't always get along," Reinert said.
So far, Reinert said the FWC hasn't received any phone calls about manatees in distress due to the blue-green algae bloom spreading across the Treasure Coast.
Biologists are expecting the bloom to create a fish kill in the near future.
To report injured or dead marine mammals or sea turtles, you're urged to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922)
To report fish kills, call the FWC Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511
