Defenders' Experts
Florida Manatee
Florida manatees - unique and gentle marine mammals, found mainly in coastal estuaries and rivers of Florida - are in danger. The large numbers of people living on Florida’s coasts are increasingly coming in contact with and causing harm to these fascinating animals.
Florida Manatee Mortality
Manatee mortality was up in 2008 compared to 2007, but not as high as 2006, a record year. The final total mortality in Florida for 2008 was 337 manatees. Watercraft collisions accounted for 90 of these deaths, making 2008 the third highest year on record for this category.
Defenders closely monitors manatee mortality statistics with an eye on reducing the threats to manatees in the wild.You can keep track of them, too by reviewing manatee mortality statistics on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Web site.
Take Action
Florida manatees need all the support they can get. Take a minute to educate yourself or to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to tell them you oppose downlisting the Florida manatee until the threats to it and its habitat are curtailed.
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Management and Policy
Many challenges remain to ensure that Florida manatees are protected and the threats to manatees and their habitat are minimized to lead to the recovery of this unique and gentle species. Defenders is working to ensure federal and state protections are adequate and properly implemented.
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