What Happened?
On March 30th, 2017, the US Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, announced that the Florida manatee would be removed from the endangered species list. The manatee is a marine mammal that is native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States. This decision was made after months of review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The decision to remove the manatee from the endangered species list was based on the fact that the manatee population has steadily increased over the past few years.
Why Was The Manatee Listed As Endangered?
The manatee was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This law was enacted to protect species that were in danger of extinction. The manatee was listed as endangered because of the threats it faced from various human activities such as boat collisions, habitat loss, and pollution.
What Does This Mean For The Manatee?
The decision to remove the manatee from the endangered species list means that it is no longer in danger of extinction. This is a major milestone for the manatee, which has been listed as endangered for over 40 years. However, this does not mean that the manatee is no longer vulnerable to threats. It is still protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing or killing of marine mammals in the United States.
Reaction To The Decision
The decision to remove the manatee from the endangered species list has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the decision argue that it is a sign of progress and that the manatee is no longer in danger of extinction. Critics, on the other hand, argue that the decision was made too soon and that the manatee is still vulnerable to threats. They also argue that removing the manatee from the endangered species list could lead to a reduction in funding for manatee conservation efforts.
What's Next For The Manatee?
Despite the decision to remove the manatee from the endangered species list, there is still work to be done to protect the species. The manatee is still vulnerable to threats such as boat collisions, habitat loss, and pollution. It is important that conservation efforts continue to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
Conclusion
The decision to remove the manatee from the endangered species list is a significant milestone for the species. It is a sign that conservation efforts have been successful and that the manatee is no longer in danger of extinction. However, it is important that conservation efforts continue to ensure the long-term survival of the species. The manatee is still vulnerable to threats and it is important that we continue to protect this iconic species.