Manatee Plan Would Ban Boats, Add Refuges in Parts of Florida
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to prohibit boating in four counties and create seasonal manatee sanctuaries to protect the large, blubbery sea creatures.
Under a proposal released Thursday, water activities would be suspended from April through September in two areas in Hillsborough County and one each in Pinellas and Citrus counties.
Twelve other areas would be designated manatee refuges where boating could be banned or restricted. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.
The plan is part of the settlement of a lawsuit demanding more manatee protection. It was filed by environmental groups against state and federal wildlife agencies.
A survey counted 3,276 manatees in Florida last winter, nearly three times the population estimated in the early 1990s. The federal government has said it may take the manatee off its endangered species list in 2003. Boats killed at least 78 manatees last year, a wildlife official said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
