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From past
experience, we know that coastal development and activities such as dredge
and fill projects, marina and boat ramp construction, marine events and even
movie production can harm manatees or their habitat. As a result, the
FWC reviews these projects to help reduce or eliminate potential negative
effects to manatees. Usually, the proposed activity can occur if special
permit conditions are followed. Typical standard comments are discussed
below. In rare cases, where no reasonable alternatives
exist, the FWC may recommend that a permit application be denied.
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Typical Recommended
Conditions
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Any in-water
work in manatee habitat has the potential to directly injure manatees,
and standard manatee protection construction conditions are
available to help offset those impacts. |
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- Standard
manatee protection construction conditions
.pdf or
word
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For many
docking facilities, we recommend
educational programs. All programs
include a requirement that permanent Manatee Educational Signs
be installed and maintained. We also approve where
signs are installed
and the number of signs at each location. |
-
Marina Educational Programs Brochure
.pdf
- Manatee Educational
Signs Brochure
.pdf
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Secondary and cumulative impacts
to manatees, as a result of increased boat traffic, are also reviewed
by our office. Habitat loss,
such as foraging resources like seagrasses, occurs with coastal
development. During our review, we attempt to eliminate or reduce
losses to manatee foraging habitat. |
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Example of an adequate fender. |
For
large vessels, manatees may become entrapped and crushed between a
ship and wharf. Adequate boat fenders are usually recommended in order
to avoid this type of death. |
Tire
fenders are not adequate for manatee protection. |
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Manatees
also enter submerged or partially submerged culverts and pipes, and
occasionally become stuck. They have drowned and starved to death
within these types of pipes. In response, we frequently recommend
placing grates in front of the pipes to prevent manatee access.
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Example of manatee barrier/grate in a canal. |
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Example of bridge blasting project. |
Blasting
projects, such as bridge demolitions & movie productions that use explosives,
also pose risks to manatees.
Standard manatee
protection blasting conditions, which include an
aerial survey, is typically recommended to offset these risks.
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Permits often require observers to watch for
manatees during construction and demolition, as well as high speed boating
events. A list of experienced manatee
observers is available for contractors in need of a manatee watch
program. |
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D R A F T
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Environmental Resource Permit and Submerged Land Lease Reviews
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In order to assist the regulatory agencies in determining which types of
projects may impact manatees, the federal and state wildlife agencies
have been collaborating with the US Army Corps of Engineers on revising
The State of Florida Effect
Determination Key for the Manatee in Florida
(Manatee Key).
This guide is intended to expedite the permitting process while still
providing protection.
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