The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Florida: a summary and analysis of biological, ecological, and administrative problems affecting preservation and restoration of the population. Final report

Technical Report · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

OSTI ID:6312860

Wray, P

The population of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), an endangered species, is estimated at 800-1,000 individuals in peninsular Florida. Observed annual mortality between 1974 and 1977 was 6-8% of the estimated population. Human activities are implicated in much of this mortality. Direct and indirect threats include boat collisions, diver harassment, creation of artificial warm water refuges, vandalism, entanglement in fishing gear, herbicides in food resources, and possible effects of offshore oil exploration. Lack of federal commitment to manatee protection is evidenced by an absence of implementing regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, absence of a recovery plan for the species, faulty interagency communication, and a lack of law enforcement. Problems are discussed, with recommendations for conservation. (Color illustrations reproduced in black and white)

• Research Organization: Mitre Corp., McLean, VA (USA). METREK Div.
• OSTI ID: 6312860
• Report Number(s): PB-285410
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900 -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
DRILLING
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FLORIDA
MAMMALS
MANATEES
NORTH AMERICA
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OIL WELLS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
SOUTHEAST REGION
USA
VERTEBRATES
WELLS