U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Considers Restoring Manatees’ Endangered Status

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is mulling over the restoration of manatees to the federal list of endangered species. This move follows the unusual mortality rates recorded among the marine mammals in Florida, prompting scientists and conservation groups to call for increased protection.

Rising Manatee Mortality Rates

Florida’s manatees have witnessed an unprecedented death toll in 2021, with more than 1,000 fatalities recorded – the highest since records began. The primary cause is starvation due to a significant decrease in seagrass, their main food source.

Consideration for Endangered Status

The FWS’s decision to consider restoring the endangered status of manatees comes after a petition from Save the Manatee Club and other conservation groups. Manatees were downlisted from “endangered” to “threatened” in 2017, a decision that has been criticized due to the continuing threats to their habitat.

Impact of Climate Change and Pollution

The loss of seagrass, the main food source for manatees, is largely attributed to water pollution and climate change, which cause algal blooms that block sunlight and kill the underwater vegetation. The worsening state of their habitats raises concerns about their survival.

The potential restoration of the endangered status for manatees underscores the alarming threats these marine mammals face, notably from climate change and pollution. The decision could lead to increased protections and resources dedicated to reversing the declining numbers and improving their habitats.