Florida passes Manatee compromise bill - In Other News

In an effort to resolve the contentious manatee protection issue in Florida, the state legislature passed a "boaters' rights bill" by unanimous votes March 22. It would amend the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, which allows the state to establish speed zones on waterways and designate protected areas for the animals.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lindsay Harrington, chairman of the House Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Committee, calls for the creation of local committees of equal numbers of waterway users and environmentalists. The committees would review existing regulations and make recommendations to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) on proposed speed zones and new restricted areas.

The bill also directs the commission to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop measurable biological goals to define progress toward recovery of the animals. Florida's manatees have been protected under state laws since 1893 and federal law since 1973.

Florida's Save the Manatee Club opposed an earlier bill advanced by the Marine Industry Association of Florida along with the boating group, Standing Watch, the Coastal Conservation Association, a sportfishing organization and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. However, according to Rep. Harrington, all sides agreed to the compromise version.