FWC MOVES TO REFINE USE OF MANATEE RECOVERY GOALS

June 15, 2005
Contact: Henry Cabbage (850) 528-1755

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed its staff today to advertise a rule change and solicit public comment on the use of measurable biological goals that define manatee recovery. The Commission adopted the measurable biological goals in January 2003. The proposed rule change would define how the Commission uses these goals when evaluating existing or proposed manatee-protection zones.

In other manatee-related action, Commissioners voted to re-establish state manatee protection zones in Lee County’s southern Matlacha Pass, completing a rule-making action from the April Commission meeting. At that meeting, the Commission re-established zones in other areas of the county including Estero Bay, northern Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay and the Caloosahatchee River.

The zones passed in southern Matlacha Pass are identical to existing federal manatee protection rule (25 mph in the channel, slow-speed outside the channel). Having state rules in this area will enable both state and federal law enforcement officers to issue state citations and use the state court system. This results in a more-modest fine than federal citations and is generally seen as more boater friendly.

State zones will enable the FWC’s local partners, such as the Lee County Sheriffs Office and municipal authorities, to enforce the zones. Local governments are not authorized to enforce federal manatee zones but can enforce state speed zones.

The administrative process will take several months before these state zones become effective. However, an FWC spokesman said federal rules are in effect and are being enforced by both state and federal officers in these areas.

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