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For Immediate Release
Response to Governor Crist's request to maintain manatee's endangered status - Statement of Rodger Schlickeisen
WASHINGTON – “Defenders of Wildlife applauds Governor Crist’s request to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to maintain the Florida manatee’s endangered status. His prudent action today could very well assure a healthy future for the manatee.
“We whole heartedly support the governor’s request and strongly encourage the commission to follow his lead by not downlisting the manatee at this time. Postponing this critical decision will give new members of the commission time to learn more about the manatee and the trials that it faces on the road to recovery. A full understanding of this complex issue is critical in making a final decision about the future management of the manatee.
“Classifying the manatee as threatened would undermine protections that are meant to preserve its population and facilitate its recovery. In light of 2006’s record-breaking 417 manatee deaths, these docile animals clearly do not need less protection, especially considering that manatee experts have predicted that significant population declines are looming in the foreseeable future.
“Prematurely downlisting the manatee would be a disservice to Floridians who have been so committed to the recovery of this animal. The manatee is an iconic species that people around the nation associate with Florida and the state’s conservation heritage. The governor and the vast majority of people throughout the state recognize that it would be a shame to let this potential success story slip away. I hope that the commission sees this too.”
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 900,000 members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
