Florida's manatee population was already vulnerable when in 2017, the Trump administration delisted their endangered species status from endangered to threatened over the objections of scientists, environmentalists and citizens. Today, overdevelopment, water pollution and other threats have escalated into a full-blown crisis, pushing these magnificent creatures closer to extinction. Since 2021, an estimated 20% of Florida’s manatee population has been lost.
Join fellow Floridians urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to protect Florida’s beloved manatees by restoring their endangered status and full protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Add your name to the below petition urging the USFWS to act now before it is too late.
Petition to restore manatees’ endangered status
Dear USFWS:
Florida’s beloved manatees are in crisis. Since 2021 manatees have lost roughly 20% of their population, pushing them closer to extinction.
With their habitat and critical food sources under constant threat from pollution and overdevelopment, the need to protect this iconic species has never been greater. Yet since 2017, manatees have seen their protections under the Endangered Species Act reduced, even as scientists fear for their survival.
We the undersigned urge you to restore the manatees' endangered status under the Endangered Species Act and grant them the strongest possible protections under federal law.
