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The Wildlife Advocacy Project
and three other conservation organizations concerned about
the fate of the endangered Florida manatee have formally
petitioned the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
to revise the manatee's federal "critical habitat"
designations. Since the original critical habitat designations
were made more than 30 years ago much has been learned about
manatee biology and habitat needs, and designations of critical
habitat need to be updated to reflect the best available
science. The Wildlife Advocacy Project is the principal
author of the petition which is joined by Save the Manatee
Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Defenders
of Wildlife.
Under the federal Endangered
Species Act (ESA), it is unlawful for any federal agency
to take or authorize an action that causes the "destruction
or adverse modification" of habitat that the FWS determines
to be "critical" to the survival and recovery
of an endangered species. Critical habitat for the manatee
was designated in 1976, but extensive scientific information
compiled during the last several decades on the biology,
ecology, distribution, and behavior of manatees leaves no
doubt that the current designation is sorely in need of
updating and revision. The FWS itself has repeatedly called
for this common-sense action, including in its official
Recovery Plan for the manatee. Accordingly, the comprehensive
petition will afford the agency the opportunity to do that
which it has long recognized as legally and biologically
necessary for the survival and conservation of manatees.
The ESA requires the FWS,
within90 days after receiving a petition to revise critical
habitat, to determine whether the petition "presets
substantial scientific information indicating that the revision
may be warranted." If that determination is made, then
the agency must, before making any revision, embark on an
extensive public process, including the solicitation of
comments from the public and state and local officials.
To access a copy of
the petition click
here (pdf)
On September 29, 209, the
Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register
a formal finding that "[b]ased on our review, we find
that the petition, in conjunction with information readily
available in our files, presents substantial scientific
or commercial information indicating that a revision of
the critical habitat designation may be warranted."
In addition, to "ensure a comprehensive review,"
the Service is seeking "information pertaining to the
Florida manatee's essential habitat needs from any interested
party," and has requested such information on or before
October 29, 2009. Under the law, a final decision on the
petition is due by December 19, 2009.
To review a copy of the Federal Register Notice
– which explains the basis for the Service's finding
and details how comments can be submitted to the agency
– click
here.
For a copy of the press release issued by
the Wildlife Advocacy Project and co-petitioners click
here.
On January 12, 2010, the
Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register
a final decision – called a "12-month finding"
– on the petition. The Service explained that "[a]fter
a thorough review of all available scientific and commercial
information, we find that revisions to critical habitat
for the Florida manatee are warranted." However, the
agency also said that "sufficient funds are not available"
at present to pursue the rulemaking necessary to revise
the species' critical habitat designation, and that the
Service will initiate the rulemaking when it has the "necessary
resources to do so." Because the Service did not suggest
any timetable for when the critical habitat revision will
actually occur, the Wildlife Advocacy Project, along with
its co-petitioners, is exploring ways of ensuring that this
vitally important undertaking is completed, and not indefinitely
placed on the bureaucratic back burner.
To review a copy of the Register
Notice announcing the Service's one-year finding on our
petition, click
here.
For a copy of the press
release issued by the Wildlife Advocacy Project and co-petitioners,
click
here.
As part of its efforts to
conserve the endangered manatees throughout the world, the
Wildlife Advocacy Project supported important conservation
work to protect and conserve the West African manatee in
the Ivory Coast. The work was being done by Dr. Akoi
Kouadio, a leading figure in conservation efforts in that
country, who worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society
to conserve the forests adjacent to the lagoon system where
there are important populations of elephants, chimps, pygmy
hippos, and probably the only stable manatee population
in West Africa. Dr. Kouadio collected important information
on the biology and status of the manatee and developed and
implemented much needed long-term management strategies
for the species’ survival and recovery.
To learn more about this project, click here (pdf) .
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