Title of Item:
URGING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR TO RESTORE THE 'ENDANGERED' STATUS FOR THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 65-2021; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO RESTORE THE ‘ENDANGERED’ PROTECTION STATUS OF THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT; FURTHER REQUESTING A RULE REVISION TO THE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE FLORIDA MANATEE TO INCLUDE THE SAINT LUCIE RIVER AND ESTUARY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Summary Explanation/Background Information on Agenda Request:
A resolution urging the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to restore the 'endangered' status of the West Indian Manatee was requested to be brought back for consideration by the City Commission during its June 14, 2021 regular meeting.
In early 2017, the FWS announced a decision to reduce protections on the West Indian Manatee from a status of 'endangered' to a status of 'threatened' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to a major resurgence in manatee population. A listing of "threatened" does not provide the full weight and measure of protection under state and federal laws as a listing of "endangered" affords.
Recent alarming news from environmental agencies regarding a major surge in manatee deaths in Florida since the start of 2021 has led for calls to renew the "endangered" status protections for manatees. Since January, more than 10% of all manatees in Florida have died, which outpaces previous year totals by more than double - halfway through the year. The rise in the rate of deaths has not been attributed to any watercraft collisions or similar human activities. However, some scientists and researchers believe the sudden surge in deaths is directly attributed to starvation following decades of seagrass kill-off events as a consequence of harmful freshwater releases and other sources of pollution. Without expedient action by governments at all levels, the future of the manatee is dire.
Funding Source:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Move to approve Resolution.
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