Protection and Conservation of Manatees

		Laws and Acts: Marine Mammal Protection Act, 1972 Endangered Species Act, 1973 Makes it illegal to harass, capture, or kill any marine mammal- including the manatee. Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, 1978 It is unlawful for any person, at any time, by any means, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee. Violators of the Endangered Species Act can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and/or fined up to $20,000 for a criminal offence. Anyone convicted of violating Florida’s state laws faces a possible fine of $1000 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison. Speed zones are also enforced and violation comes with strict penalties and fines. In October 1989, the Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) started work with thirteen target counties after direction to do so from the Governor. (Duval, Volusia, Citrus, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Dade, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota.) The reason for targeting these counties was the high mortality rate among manatee, eighty percent. These Acts lead to the creation of many sanctuaries and multiple areas of scientific research to aid in the preservation of the manatee. Some areas of study are biology, mortality, behavior, habitat, and population. Contact info: Manatee Hotline 1-800-DIAL-FMP For reporting dead, injured, or harmed manatee. Public awareness and education programs Center for Marine Conservation 202-429-5609 1725 De Sales Street NW Washington, DC 20036 Manatee Protection 813-895-2188 Center for Marine Conservation One Beach Drive SE #304 St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Enforcement Unit 1-888-404-FWCC 1-850-922-4330 *FWC (Mobile) Bureau of Protected Species Management 850-922-4330 Florida Marine Research Institute 727-896-8626 Office of Environmental Services 850-488-6661 Office of Informational Services 850-488-4676 Division of Freshwater Fisheries 850-488-0331 Division of Marine Services 850-487-0554 Division of Wildlife 850-488-3831 Office of Environmental Services Bureau of Protection Species Management 620 South Meridian Street OES- BPS Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

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