|
Manatees' endangered status up for debate
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 22, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- The state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking written comments from the public on whether it should continue to list the manatee as an endangered species in Florida.
A sport fishing group, the Coastal Conservation Association Florida, petitioned the state last year to change the manatee's status, contending there were so many manatees now that it could no longer be called endangered. State biologists are now studying the issue and expect to report back to commissioners this fall.
Written comments on the manatees' status will be accepted Aug. 5. They should be sent to: Dr. Elsa Haubold, Florida Marine Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701. They may also be sent via e-mail to Elsa.Haubold@fwc.state.fl.us.
Back to State news
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
 |
