“New Habitat Protections Proposed for Florida and Puerto Rico Manatees: What You Need to Know”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has recently proposed new revisions and additions to critical habitats for West Indian manatees near Florida and Puerto Rico. The proposal includes a revised 1,904,191 acres for Florida manatees and new habitat protections spanning 78,121 acres for Puerto Rico manatees.
According to southeast regional director Mike Oetker, the USFWS is dedicated to the recovery and protection of manatees, which face significant threats such as declining food sources and water pollution. Critical habitat designations ensure that federal agencies and the public are informed of the species’ habitat needs and better able to reduce threats to contribute to their long-term survival.
Recent reports have highlighted the challenges facing manatees in Florida, with nearly 2,000 Florida manatees dying from 2021 to 2022, and another 130 manatee calves dying in 2024. Pollution has been identified as a major threat to these gentle creatures, affecting their food sources. In response, officials initiated a program to feed manatees seagrasses in 2021, which was successful in 2022.
The proposed habitat protections focus on seagrass as an essential element for the manatees’ survival, particularly for the Antillean manatee found near Puerto Rico. However, other threats such as habitat loss, coastal development, human interactions including boat strikes, and climate change, which can contribute to algal blooms and severe weather events, also pose risks to manatees.
Manatees are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as they are considered vulnerable to extinction by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The USFWS is currently accepting public comments on the proposed habitat revisions until November 25.
As Hurricane Helene approaches landfall, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is urging the public to report any stranded or injured manatees by calling 888-404-3922. It is important not to touch stranded wildlife and to give them space during storm conditions to ensure their safety.
In conclusion, the protection and conservation of manatees are crucial to their long-term survival. Public awareness, habitat preservation, and proactive measures to address threats such as pollution and climate change are essential in safeguarding these beloved marine mammals.