The West Indian manatee (which includes both the
Florida manatee and Antillean manatee subspecies) is protected by several state
and federal acts. As the West Indian manatee is listed as endangered throughout
its range, it is protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Endangered
Species Act is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and
National Marine Fisheries Service in cooperation with state agencies. Manatee
recovery plans are required under this Act and must include site-specific
management activities, measurable criteria, and time estimates for implementing
these plans.
As a marine mammal, the West Indian manatee is
also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. This Act protects
marine mammals from harassment, injury, molestation, capture, collection, and/or
killing. The Marine Mammal Commission administers this Act and has the authority
to establish refuges and sanctuaries.
The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978
established Florida as a refuge and sanctuary for manatees. The Act protects
manatees from injury, disturbance, harassment, or harm in the waters of Florida
and allows for enforcement of boat speeds and operations in areas where manatees
are concentrated. The Imperiled Species Management Section (ISMS) of the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for coordinating
and assisting in the development of these plans.
The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Florida Marine Patrol, and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish
Commission, that were merged in 1999 under the FWC, are responsible for
enforcement. Conviction under the federal protection acts is punishable by a
fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison. The State of Florida can pursue
prosecution under federal law in circumstances of extreme harassment, such as
severe injury or death to a manatee. Conviction under the state law entails a
maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days.