Join Our E-Mail Action Alert Team! Sign up for one of the lists below, and we'll send you notices of manatee issues that require your help.

-I Live in Florida
-I Live Outside of Florida

Updates

Good News! Legislature Includes Funding for Manatee Programs
The Florida Legislature has passed SB 1286, which will fund the manatee rescue and rehabilitation program. Action by Governor Crist is still required, as is your help. Go >>

Leeward Yacht Club Submerged Lands Lease Application
This issue is regarding a permit for a 128-slip marina near a warm water refuge for manatees in Lee County, Florida. If approved, the project will mean an increased risk of boat collisions. Due to the concern raised, we were successful in getting the item withdrawn from the Florida Board of Trustees' January agenda. Now we need your help to make sure that this bad project does not receive the green light from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, its federal permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the Board of Trustees. Go >>

Good News for Manatees!
Following a request by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission deferred the manatee’s status change from Endangered to Threatened. They also directed their staff to undertake a review of the flawed state classification system for ALL imperiled species. Please contact Governor Crist and the FWC to thank them for their strong support of manatees. Go >>

Obtain Greater Enforcement of Boat Speed Zones
Cuts in state and federal funding have resulted in fewer on-water law enforcement officers in critical areas of Florida. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, created to safeguard manatees, is one such area. In July, a mother manatee was horribly injured in the bay by a speeding boat and subsequently died. Go >>

Don't Downlist Manatees!
Despite exploding human population growth and shrinking aquatic habitat in Florida, manatees will lose their protections as a federal endangered species under a new plan prepared by the Bush administration. You can help! Send a quick online letter to decision-makers letting them know you strongly oppose the manatee’s downlisting at this time. Go >>
Read more about the issue >>
Read press on the federal downlisting issue >>

Governor Crist Vetoes Fishing Tournament Facility Project
Last year, Florida Governor Charlie Crist vetoed two state budget items that would have funded a fishing tournament facility and cleared Ocklawaha River for fast-moving boat traffic. Thanks for your help! Your calls and letters let the governor know that you support restoration of the Ocklawaha River. Let's keep the momentum going! Get more info >>

Other Ways to Help Manatees

Sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge!
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a safety net for our nation's wildlife, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. For over 30 years, it has provided critical protections for endangered species and the places where they live. According to a recent poll, 90 percent of U.S. voters recognize the importance of providing a safety net for wildlife, plants, and fish that are on the brink of extinction. But the opponents of strong endangered species protections have waged a messaging war and are actively working to dismantle the ESA piece by piece. The time for action is now! Please sign the Endangered Species Coalition pledge (SMC is a coalition member) and show your support. The list will be used as a tool to educate elected officials and the media about America's support for endangered fish, plants, and wildlife. Click here to sign the pledge!

Join the Manatee Sighting Network
Have you seen a manatee in the wild lately? If you live along a river, estuary, canal or coastal area in Florida, you can help provide valuable information to researchers who are tracking manatees. When you spot a manatee, just fill out our simple one-page form

Register To Vote!
Being an advocate means taking an active part in government. The best way you can do this is register to vote. Go to www.congress.org and click on "Register to Vote " in the menu on the left-hand side and then click on your state in the U.S. map. It's that easy!


Florida Residents: Learn more about how to ensure fair elections in Florida.



Thanks for your help and support!