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PETITION to RE-EVALUATE the CLASSIFICATION of the
WEST INDIAN MANATEE (Trichechus Manatus) |
| August 17, 2001 |
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Coastal Conservation Association of
Florida
Tallahassee
,
FL
I. TITLE:
Petition for Reclassification of The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus)
II. INTRODUCTION:
The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA Florida) requests that the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) initiate the process to re-evaluate the status of and reclassify the West Indian Manatee Trichechus Manatus (manatee) under FWC rule 68, F.A.C. This request applies specifically to the
Florida
subspecies of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and also to the West Indian manatee species (Trichechus manatus), if the more general identification was used in listing the manatee as endangered.
This action is being requested in order to re-examine the current and projected population levels of the Florida manatee and to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the state classification of animals listed as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. The recent extensive expansion of zones in which new manatee regulations are being implemented has caused significant concern among residents in the state (both in opposition to and in support of the new regulations). Supporters of these expanded zones frequently state that manatees are declining to extinction despite data to the contrary. People in opposition to the expansion of the manatee zones, state that there are more manatees now than have ever existed. An accurate assessment of the manatees status is necessary to correctly place the animal in the proper classification and establish the true status of manatees in
Florida
.
Extensive data compiled by the FWC and others clearly shows that manatee populations have increased to a level of abundance which no longer fits the defined parameters for listing as an endangered species under FWC rules 68A-1.004 and 68A-27.003, F.A.C. In the belief that the manatees have successfully recovered to a population level that no longer warrants being included on the Endangered Species List, we are requesting that the FWC undertake the evaluation process to determine the proper classification of the manatee (threatened, species of special concern or recovered).
III. BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION:
The manatee in
Florida
does not meet the definition of an endangered animal under the specifications defined in the FWC publication "State Listing Action Process for Listing, Reclassifying, and Delisting Species as Endangered, Threatened or Species of Special Concern". Counts over the past 10 years show that the animal has increased in numbers by over 158%. Annual surveys in winter, when the animal is in it's most restricted range, regularly locate manatees in areas on the
Atlantic
Coast
from
Brunswick
,
Georgia
to the
Florida Keys
and on the West Coast from the
Wakulla
River
to the
Everglades
. In addition, the
Atlantic
Coast
counts contain data from a significant population in the
St. Johns River
at
Blue Springs
. These counts have increased from 1267, in January, 1991, to 3276 manatees in January, 2001. These data show that the animal is widely dispersed over the available range, has a population that is increasing steadily and has a dispersed population as to age. 1
An independent study by Thomas H. Fraser, Ph.D, titled Manatees in
Florida
: 2001 2 concludes that the
Florida
manatee population has been increasing at a sustained rate of approximately 6 to 7% for the past 25 years. Fraser's report addresses the issue of watercraft related manatee deaths and the rate of those deaths vs. the overall population. Fraser calls for further evaluation of this complex issue. He provides data that shows that watercraft related deaths are occurring at a stable rate rather than at an increasing rate and that an increase in watercraft related manatee deaths may be an indication of an increasing manatee population rather than an increasing rate of fatalities. Fraser observes that the manatee was included in the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and in the Endangered Species Act with no analysis of their biological status and that it is appropriate that a quantitative biological goal for the species be established.
It is interesting to note that the FWC manatee booklet, The West Indian Manatee in Florida 3 contained on the FWC website states:
1) "There is no evidence that manatees were once much more abundant in
Florida
than they are now or that they ever nearly became extinct."
2) "Manatee bones are relatively scarce in pre-Columbian Indian refuse heaps indicating that manatees were probably not abundant."
3) "Genetic studies also show that manatees have relatively high genetic variability as compared with species whose numbers have been greatly reduced."
4) "During the past 30 years manatees have become more widespread, and, possibly even more numerous, (sic) in Florida as a result of protection, the increase in winter refuges and the introduction of exotic vegetation."
IV. CONCLUSION
CCA Florida recognizes that the state of
Florida
has done an outstanding job of protecting manatees, with the result being that overall numbers have increased dramatically and they are now well established throughout their range in
Florida
.
We appreciate the opportunity to request this evaluation in accordance with the process established by FWC rule. If we need to provide any additional information, please let us know.
V. PETITIONER:
Coastal Conservation Association of
Florida
905 E. Park Ave.
Tallahassee
,
FL
32301
telephone 850-224-3474
fax 850-224-5199
___________________________________
Ted Forsgren
Executive Director
VI. LITERATURE CITED:
1
Florida
Marine Research Institute web site: floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=1765. Table 3. Synoptic aerial surveys of manatees, east and west coasts of Florida, 1991 to 2000
2 Fraser, Thomas H., 2001, Manatees in Florida: 2001 (copy attached)
3 Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bureau of Protected Species Management booklet The West Indian Manatee in Florida, copyright 1989, Florida Power & Light Company, from website: floridaconservation.org/psm/manatee/booklet.html |
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State Office: P.O. Box 568886 • Orlando, FL 32856
Phone: (407) 854-7002 • Fax: (407) 854-1766
e-mail: Marcia Dunfee |
Advocacy Office: 905 East Park Avenue • Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 224-3474 • Fax: (850) 224-5199
e-mail: Amy Harllee |
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