It's manatee vs. military in pending habitat ruling
source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-manatee28-2009dec28
The habitat expansion proposal came in a 2008 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Save the Manatee Club and Wildlife Advocacy Project.
These groups argued that the currently designated critical habitat, drawn up in 1976, was outdated. Since then, they said, a skyrocketing population has brought more boats and waterfront development.
A critical habitat designation would not prohibit construction or other activities. But it would require the wildlife service to review federal activities or decisions that could affect the manatees' habitat, such as permitting development, oil drilling, boating or shipping.
Katie Tripp, science and conservation director of the Save the Manatee Club, said that there may be ways the Navy could alter operations to protect manatees without any impact on operations or training.
"In the past, manatees have not kept the Navy from doing what they need to do," she said. "In this state, endangered species and the military have coexisted."
The petition calls for the protection of dozens of natural springs, sea grass beds, travel corridors and coastlines throughout manatee habitat.
Rules to protect manatees have irritated boaters and the marine construction industry for years, and the proposal could face a fight if it moves forward.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-manatee28-2009dec28,0,3498772...
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-12/51305732.jpg
These groups argued that the currently designated critical habitat, drawn up in 1976, was outdated. Since then, they said, a skyrocketing population has brought more boats and waterfront development.
A critical habitat designation would not prohibit construction or other activities. But it would require the wildlife service to review federal activities or decisions that could affect the manatees' habitat, such as permitting development, oil drilling, boating or shipping.
Katie Tripp, science and conservation director of the Save the Manatee Club, said that there may be ways the Navy could alter operations to protect manatees without any impact on operations or training.
"In the past, manatees have not kept the Navy from doing what they need to do," she said. "In this state, endangered species and the military have coexisted."
The petition calls for the protection of dozens of natural springs, sea grass beds, travel corridors and coastlines throughout manatee habitat.
Rules to protect manatees have irritated boaters and the marine construction industry for years, and the proposal could face a fight if it moves forward.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-manatee28-2009dec28,0,3498772...
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-12/51305732.jpg
