Manatee Protection Area
Designation Facts

Background

Manatees are a federally protected species under both the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Boat-related mortality in manatees probably poses the greatest human-caused threat to the species. Historically, collisions with watercraft are responsible for about 25 percent of all manatee deaths and about 80 percent of all human-caused mortality in manatees. Nearly 47 percent of these watercraft-related deaths occur in just four of the 34 counties in which manatees are found. Successful recovery of the manatee is greatly dependent on controlling and reducing this source of injury and mortality.

In January 2000, Save the Manatee Club and several other groups and individuals filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act. The central issue of the suit surrounded the adequacy of Federal environmental reviews and decisions regarding permits for boat docks, ramps, and marinas.

Issue

A settlement agreement was reached and ratified by the U.S. District Court in January 2001. Generally, the settlement requires us to implement actions that we were in the process of doing. It established a firm set of target dates for completing certain tasks and clearly defined the communication requirements for all parties involved.

Among the tasks to be accomplished is the comprehensive review of current manatee protection areas throughout Florida with a goal of designating additional protection areas where warranted.

Status

This review process, which actually began prior to the lawsuit, was formally announced to the public in September 2000. After getting recommendations from various agencies (Federal, State, and local), field biologists, researchers and conservationist, we developed a list of over 145 potential sites for review. We then engaged the general public by holding six (6) workshops in December 2000, in which we solicited comments, suggestions and additional recommendations.

We are completing our review of all the recommendations, pre-proposal comments, and best available biological data. On or about April 2, 2001, we will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register and open a public comment period for 60 days. The opportunity to request public hearings also will be available for 45 days. (Note: On March 26, 2001, the Service announced the April 2 deadline was extended to May 2, 2001 and on May 2, 2001 the Service announced another extension to July 2, 2001 in order to continue our coordination with Florida agencies.)

In our proposal, we will identify counties where we believe Federal actions may be warranted, and will propose establishment of manatee refuges and sanctuaries based on the biological needs of the species.

Questions?

Information on Manatee Protection Areas, as well as other Service initiatives, is available on the Internet at http://northflorida.fws.gov

If you have specific questions or need special assistance, please contact our Jacksonville Field Office at 904-232-2580, ext. 109, or click here to e-mail your questions, comments or requests for assistance.