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. Typical Recommended ConditionsAny 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Resource permit and
Submerged Land Lease ReviewsIn 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. ResourcesU.S Army Corps Important Manatee Area Map (Manatee Key)
FWC Manatee Protection/Speed Zone Maps Permits and leases discussed on this page, are issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the Water Management Districts. If you would like more information about the State Environmental Resource Permit or sovereign submerged land leases, please visit State Permitting Information. Related LinksPermits to conduct research on wild or captive manatees is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Please call them at (904) 232-2580. Permits Available to Operate a Vessel in a Protected Area
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