Manatee photo-identification uses the unique pattern of scars and mutilations on a manatee’s trunk and tail fluke to identify an individual animal over time. In Florida, these scars are primarily caused by encounters with boats, although entanglements in fishing gear, cold stress lesions, and fungal infections also cause scarring. Photo-identification data provide insights into manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter-specific associations, and the length of calf dependency. Capture histories produced through these efforts are also used to estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission works with federal and private partners to document Florida manatees throughout their range.