2011-2012 Save the Manatee Trust Fund Annual Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is pleased to submit this annual report on the expenditures from the Save the Manatee Trust Fund (Trust Fund), per section 379.2431(4)(b), Florida Statutes (F.S.). The report covers the period from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. As required by Florida law, the report is provided to the President of the Florida Senate and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives by December 1, each year. The Trust Fund is the primary source of funding for the State's manatee-related research and conservation activities. Revenues for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-2012 totaled $3,850,597. Appropriations from the Trust Fund for the same period were $4,375,545, with $325,000 provided for manatee research activities at Mote Marine Laboratory and a service charge to General Revenue of $586,276 that most trust funds are required by law to pay. In FY 2011-2012, FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation expended $1,018,043 for conservation activities and the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute expended $1,798,459 on research and monitoring. Details of revenues, appropriations, and expenditures are shown on page seven of this report.

This annual report highlights progress made on many of the tasks outlined in the Florida Manatee Management Plan (Plan) approved in December 2007. The Plan continues to serve as the FWC road map to protect and conserve manatees; however, the Plan’s implementation schedule was projected on a five-year basis and that period is nearing an end. Accordingly, FWC is assessing accomplishments and challenges, and identifying priority work that will be the focus of efforts over the next five years. As part of updating the plan, FWC recently reviewed work progress and shared preliminary planning ideas with the Manatee Forum, a diverse stakeholder group. Through advancement of the integrated conservation framework of research, management, law enforcement, and working with the public, FWC will continue to work to reduce threats to manatees, ensure adequate habitat for the future, and employ necessary and appropriate protections. Through implementation of the Florida Manatee Management Plan, FWC can continue to conserve and protect manatees for the benefit of Florida’s citizens and future generations.

Copies of the Florida Manatee Management Plan can be downloaded from the Commission website.