Manatees can become stranded in culverts during periods of low tide, or can become entrapped when entering a dead-end culvert because they cannot swim backwards. To reduce the risk of entrapment and drowning of manatees, grating shall be installed on any submerged or partially submerged pipes and culverts reasonably accessible to manatees that are greater than 8 inches, but smaller than 8 feet in diameter. Bars or grates no more than 8 inches apart shall be placed on the accessible end(s) to restrict manatee access. Diagonal, horizontal or vertical grates may be installed. 
 If grates are deemed to be problematic, the decision to allow a culvert to remain accessible to manatees will depend on culvert length, water level, available habitat and other risk factors. These situations can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the FWC.
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