Manatee Protection Act of 2025

Bill 119 HR 135, also known as the West Indian Manatee Endangered Species Act, aims to designate the West Indian manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill seeks to provide protection and conservation efforts for the West Indian manatee, a species that is currently facing threats to its survival.

The West Indian manatee is a large aquatic mammal that inhabits the coastal waters of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Due to factors such as habitat loss, boat strikes, and pollution, the population of West Indian manatees has been declining in recent years.

By designating the West Indian manatee as an endangered species, the bill would require federal agencies to take action to protect and conserve the species. This could include measures such as habitat restoration, restrictions on boat traffic in manatee habitats, and increased enforcement of laws against harming or harassing manatees. Overall, Bill 119 HR 135 aims to ensure the survival of the West Indian manatee and promote the conservation of this iconic species. It highlights the importance of protecting endangered species and the need for proactive measures to address threats to their survival.