Standing-Watch.org A Boating Coalition

FWC SETS NEW DEADLINE FOR MANATEE DOWNLISTING

ACTION TO TAKE PLACE MAY 28, 29 in Kissimmee,Florida
Check this section for specific time/date During a special meeting in Tallahassee April 18, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set new deadlines for actions related to downlisting or delisting state's list of imperiled species. Manatees are on this list.

Standing Watch lobbyist attended this meeting and spoke in favor of the new
timeline of May 28,29. Standing Watch believes it is critical that the FWC take
the initial steps toward downlisting the species as soon as possible.

Regarding manatees, Commissioners voted to consider approval of a "species
biological status review," when the FWC meets in regular session May 28-30 in
Kissimmee. The review is the first phase of a two-phase process to make
changes in the list, which categorizes imperiled species as endangered,
threatened, or species of special concern. If Commissioners approve Phase I,
FWC staff will begin work on Phase II - development of a new management plan
to help the species recover.

Currently, manatees are classified as endangered. Some stakeholders believe
it would be appropriate to reclassify them as threatened, and have sparked the
reclassification action by petitioning the FWC to consider the change.
Commissioners also voted to address Phase I of action regarding the Miami
blue butterfly in May to formalize its current emergency classification as
endangered.