U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Extends Comment Period on Proposed Florida and Antillean Manatee Critical Habitat Designation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it is extending the current comment period on the proposed Florida and Antillean manatee critical habitat designation.

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton on Florida, the ongoing comment period will be extended until January 24, 2025. All comments must be received or postmarked by that date. The public is invited to submit any scientific information pertinent to these proposed actions. Comments already submitted do not need to be resubmitted, and they will be considered in the final decisions for the Florida and Antillean manatee species.

Background:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing critical habitat revisions and additions for the two subspecies of the West Indian manatee. The Service proposes a total revised designation of 1,904,191 acres for the Florida manatee and a new 78,121-acre designation for the Antillean manatee in Puerto Rico. All areas proposed for critical habitat for both subspecies are occupied; no unoccupied areas are proposed.  

The Endangered Species Act requires the Service to designate and revise critical habitat for listed species based on the best scientific data available. Designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership, establish a refuge or preserve, and has no impact on private landowners taking actions on their land that do not require federal funding or federal permits. Federal agencies are required to consult with the Service to ensure that any actions they fund, authorize, or carry out do not destroy or harm critical habitat. However, when the habitat is occupied by the species, like in the case of the manatee, agencies are already taking steps to avoid jeopardizing the species. Therefore, little additional conservation effort is usually needed beyond what is already in place.

For more information visit our FAQ page or these species profile pages for the Florida manatee and the Antillean manatee. To see a map of the proposed critical habitat for both sub species, visit our interactive map.

For copies of the proposed rule or information on how to submit comments visit www.regulations.gov and search under docket number FWS-R4-ES-2024-0073.