Manatees

Florida Manatee - Endangered Species
 (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

Overall, watercraft collisions account for approximately 25% of all manatee deaths. The Florida manatee is listed as "endangered" under provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.1531 et seq.), as amended. The manatee is considered a "strategic stock" as defined in Section 12 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended. The basis for this designation is the high level of documented mortality (natural and human-related) relative to the estimated population level and continuing, severe threats to critical manatee habitats in the southeastern U.S.
 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has consistently concluded in Section 7 Biological Opinions, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, that the take of a single manatee would "jeopardize the continued existence" of the species. We therefore believe that designating any level of take for manatees would be inappropriate and inconsistent with the revised Florida Manatee Recovery Plan.

Source: www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Some Facts About the Florida Manatee:

The Florida manatee is one of the most endangered marine mammals in coastal waters in the United States. It is a large animal with dark gray, wrinkled skin, paddle-like forelimbs, no hind limbs, and a large flat tail. The slow-moving manatee lives in fresh, brackish and marine habitats, and prefers floating sea grasses and other vegetation. It has been listed as an endangered species since 1967. The major threats to the manatee are watercraft colliding with the animals, and destruction and degradation of habitat caused by widespread development throughout the species' Florida range. Although there are only about 2400 manatees remaining, last year 268 manatees were killed in Florida waters, and 82 of those were killed by boat collisions. In addition, many more manatees are maimed each year by boats -- according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, "most living manatees bear scars or wounds from vessel strikes."

Little Sarasota Bay is home to seagrasses which are a major Manatee food source. This is one of the few coastal areas where young manatees can swim without the threat of boat traffic.

Source: Wildlife Advocacy Project website

What Can I Do?

If you think we should leave Midnight Pass Alone, here are three ways you can help.