Preliminary assessment of habitat protection needs for West Indian manatees on the east coast of Florida and Georgia. Final report
The report assesses information on the status of endangered West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) on the east coast of Florida and Georgia in the southeastern United States and recommends actions to improve protection of the species and its habitat in that area. Manatees on the east coast of Florida and Georgia appear to constitute a discrete population numbering perhaps 700 to 900 animals. Based on carcass-salvage data, recent annual mortality rates of between 8% and 10% are indicated. Perhaps 3% to 4% of the population was killed as a result of collisions with boats during 1987, and this threat appears to be increasing. Collisions with boats and destruction of essential habitat are the principal threats to the population. Recommendations include: quadruple the size of the boat-speed regulatory system on the east coast of Florida; limit development in essential manatee habitats; acquire additional manatee habitat as additions to Federal and State refuges and preserves.
- Research Organization:
- Marine Mammal Commission, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6076927
- Report Number(s):
- PB-89-162002/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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