Commission meeting news : Commissioners approve manatee management plan, defer reclassification :

News Release

FWC Commissioners approve manatee management plan but defer reclassification

December 5, 2007
Contact: Beth Scott, 850-251-3970

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wednesday voted to approve the manatee management plan and deferred a decision about rule changes to reclassify manatees from endangered to threatened. The Commission also directed staff to re-examine the imperiled species listing process and bring back alternatives.  

“Today we had a landmark opportunity to pass the manatee management plan,” said Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “It’s the right decision.”

The Commissioners asked staff to look at a solution for species that have been subjects of petitions and are in the reclassification process.

Staff will work with stakeholders to get input about alternatives.

“It is extremely important we all take a deep breath,” Barreto said.

Commissioners said they heard the comments from stakeholders and the governor and want to consider a new paradigm for the listing process.

“An imperiled species listing process should be designed in a way that it is easy for the public to understand,” said Kipp Frohlich, team leader for the manatee plan. “A listing process should not be a source of confusion or divisiveness.”                                                          

The management plan and reclassification had been scheduled for consideration at the September meeting, but actions were deferred at the request of Gov. Charlie Crist.