MMPA Amendment May Roll Back
Manatee Protection

The Issue:

An issue that is now developing concerns Congress’ reauthorization of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Adopted in 1972, it is one of the finest wildlife protection laws in the country and greatly enhances the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

An amendment to the MMPA could be proposed that would remove manatees from the protections of this important statute. Federal permits for proposed coastal development projects (marinas and docks, for instance) in manatee habitat would be granted without adequate protection measures such as boat speed zones, on-water enforcement, or signage. With more boats in manatee habitat and insufficient manatee protective regulations, the probability that manatees will be killed or injured by dangerous boat traffic will increase.

This amendment to the MMPA is yet another mean-spirited attempt by special interest groups to roll back manatee protection measures and if the amendment passes, it will set back the recovery of the entire species.

Now is not the time to weaken protections! Last year, 2003, was not a very good year for manatees. Although manatee mortality from boat collisions was down (73 for the year), total manatee deaths were way up (380 – the second highest since record-keeping began). The manatee population simply cannot continue to sustain this kind of mortality without severe repercussions.

What You Can Do:

Please contact President George W. Bush and let him know you want manatees afforded ALL of the protections of the MMPA as well as the ESA.

President George W. Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax: 202-456-2461
E-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

Thanks for your help on this important national issue!

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