The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has directed its manatee program staff to evaluate whether West Indian manatees still qualify for listing as an endangered species. A petition, filed with the FWC August 17, requested the agency undertake a review of the species' status, based on indications the manatee population has increased over the past 20 years.

"Manatees appear to have successfully recovered to a level which clearly exceeds the defined parameters for listing as an endangered species under FWC rules," said Ted Forsgren, Coastal Conservation Association Florida executive director, in a letter to FWC Chairman David Meehan.

FWC scientists have reviewed the petition and determined that it meets minimum requirements to warrant investigation.

Commissioners directed FWC biologists to launch a year-long study of the manatee's status. Following that, a panel of scientists from outside the agency will review the staff's conclusions and make a final recommendation to the Commission. The third step, if the Commission agrees to a change in the manatee's status, is to prepare a new management plan for the species. The entire
process will take about two years to complete.

Manatees are large marine mammals that congregate in Florida's waters, especially in cold seasons. Speeding boats and other hazards reportedly have taken a heavy toll on the slow-moving animals.

The latest survey documented the manatee population at 3,726. Last year, 273 died of natural and man-made causes. As of October 19, 271 manatees have died this year.