Action by Governor Crist is Still Required, As is Your Help
The Issue:
On May 1st, the vessel fee adjustment bill, SB 1286, was passed by both the Florida House and Senate. Upon being signed by Governor Charlie Crist, this bill will provide funding for the manatee rescue and rehabilitation program, University of Florida Marine Mammal Veterinary program, and retention of 66 law enforcement positions for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). "Thank you to everyone who wrote letters and e-mails and made calls to Florida Legislators and Governor Crist," said Patrick Rose, Executive Director for Save the Manatee Club. "This is a big victory for manatees!"
From 2001 - 2007, over 300 manatees have been treated under these programs. The success of these efforts will continue to grow now that biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and staff from oceanaria such as Lowry Park Zoo, Miami Seaquarium, and SeaWorld Orlando, are able to carry on. This funding will provide for the critical care of sick and injured manatees. Without it, many manatees would have needlessly suffered and died.
Click here to see photos and get more information on manatees who have been rescued and treated under this program (pdf). Warning: some images of the injured manatees are very graphic.
What You Can Do:
By adding your information at right, you will be sending an email to Governor Charlie Crist, Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, Representative Ray Sansom, Representative Stan Mayfield, Senate President Ken Pruitt, Senator Lisa Carlton, Senator J.D. Alexander, Senator Burt Saunders, thanking them for their support in getting SB 1286 passed.
Please also consider making a donation to help us do even more to assist injured and sick manatees.
Subject: Thank you for passing SB 1286
Dear Legislators,
Thank you for your support in helping to pass SB 1286. As you know, this funding was contingent on the vessel fee increase and will help to support funding for the manatee rescue and rehabilitation program, University of Florida Marine Mammal Veterinary program, and retention of 66 current law enforcement positions for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
I support manatee protection in Florida, and this funding will provide for the critical care of sick and injured manatees. Without it, many manatees would have needlessly suffered and died.
I appreciate your help.
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