Champions of the manatee representing conservation, regulatory, educational and maritime commerce interests are collaborating to protect the sea cows in the St. Johns River.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that fewer than 8,400 Florida manatees exist. They are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The Public Trust for Conservation is spearheading a committee of community stakeholders to save manatees while also supporting recreational and commercial uses of the river. They want the two to co-exist…