Endangered Species; Establishment of Manatee Protection Areas

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is considering the preparation of a draft rule that would establish additional protection areas for the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) within the area of the species' range. These protection areas would be either refuges, areas where waterborne activities are restricted, or sanctuaries, areas where waterborne activities are prohibited. The Service is considering this action as a means to reduce the level of watercraft-related incidental take of manatees.