In 2006, Florida's endangered manatees died at a pace that was almost record-setting, state wildlife officials have reported. The state's most recent tally showed 392 manatee deaths in Florida waters in 2006. Florida's manatee death record was set in 1996 when 415 deaths were recorded.

Red tide is a factor in this year's deaths. The algae is toxic to marine life. Eighteen manatees were killed by red tide in the Ten Thousand Islands area of the Everglades between Nov. 9 and Dec. 2, authorities said. Red tide levels in the region have dropped, but not disappeared. Researchers think red tide has killed about 49 manatees statewide this year.

Boat collisions killed 82 manatees between Jan. 1 and Dec. 8. Manatees are often hit by boats when they surface to breathe.

An annual survey released earlier this year found 3,116 manatees in Florida waters, up from 1,267 in 1991, the first year the census was conducted.

In February, the manatee was designated as a threatened species rather than endangered, saying the animal's population is on the rebound.

Manatees are still protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Scientists have said the manatee population is expected to drop by 50% over the next five decades because of habitat loss, boat collisions and red tide algae.