2021 marks deadliest year for manatees in Florida



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Eight hundred and forty-one manatees have died in Florida waters so far in 2021, marking the deadliest manatee year in Florida history, according to the Treasure Coast newspapers.

According to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), nearly 53 percent of dead manatees were found in five neighboring counties of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucia and Martin. FFWCC data revealed that 312 manatees died in Brevard County, the outlet reported.

The previous record was set in 2013, when 830 manatees died during the entire year.

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) said in its report that manatees starve during winter and spring, when the majority of seagrass beds have disappeared.

Pollution of waterways by urban and agricultural development contributes to deaths by dumping nitrogen and phosphorus into the water, which fuel algal blooms, which suffocate seagrass beds, a major food source for them. manatees.

The FWRI also said boating accidents are also a factor in manatee deaths, with 63 manatees dying from boating accidents, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported.

The FFWCC in March declared the death of the manatees as a Unusual mortality event, which enables state and federal government officials to assist the FFWCC in their investigation of the cause and to prevent further fish deaths.

According to Treasure Coast Newspapers, 16 environmental groups and companies dependent on drinking water have urged the Florida government. Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisThe Hill’s Morning Report: Afghanistan’s future now depends on Afghans, says Biden, a Virginia school calling for the reinstatement of a teacher suspended over gender pronoun policy Rubio, Demings earns money as Florida Senate race heats up MORE (R) to declare a state of emergency on this growing problem.

In 2017, the US Department of the Interior classified the West Indian manatee as an “endangered species” under its federal Endangered Species Act, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported.

House representatives Brian MastBrian Jeffrey MastOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Supreme Court Rules Pipeline May Seize New Jersey Land | Study: EPA Underestimated Methane Emissions From Oil and Gas Development | Kevin McCarthy Sets Up Climate Task Forces, Other Issues House Ethics Committee Confirms 0 Mask Fines Against GOP Lawmakers Biparty lawmakers introduce bill targeting Hamas funding, citing bitcoin donations PLUS (R-Fla.) And Stephanie MurphyStephanie MurphyOvernight Health Care: White House Reports New COVID-19 Strategy As Delta Variant Spreads | McConnell calls for vaccination | Maryland Says All COVID-19 Deaths Last Month Were Among Unvaccinated Clyburns: Trump May Be Called To Testify Before Jan. 6 Panel The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Goldman Sachs – Indictment expected from Trump Org CFO (D-Fla.) Are co-sponsors of the Navy Mammalian Research and Response Act. Introduced in April, the law will fund $ 7 million annually to protect wildfires and investigate their rapid death.

Ocean Research & Conservation Association chief Eddie Wedder told Treasure Coast Newspapers it was an “environmental distress call.”

“We are mammals, like these same mammals, and these are warning us that we are contaminating our environment in all kinds of frightening ways.”



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