09-29-2007, 02:10 AM
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sponsored a workshop yesterday in order to meet with officials from other agencies to discuss plans and technology to protect the Florida manatee.
The Law Enforcement Manatee Protection Workshop was a one-day event held in Fort Myers. It was co-hosted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office and included biologists and law enforcement officials from the FWC, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, other local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto also attended the workshop.
"There has been a lot of debate lately about changes concerning the protection of manatees," Barreto said. "But nothing changes the laws that protect the manatee. The manatee will get the same amount of protection whether it's listed as endangered or threatened."
The workshop covered a variety of topics, including the proposed manatee management plan and reclassification, an overview of recent unusual manatee deaths in Southwest Florida, manatee harassment and enforcement technology.
"This workshop is key to matching manatee science with law enforcement priorities to provide the maximum protection for the animal," said Lt. Col. Jim Brown, deputy director of law enforcement for the FWC. "We have a lot of information, which helps us determine how we can best apply law enforcement techniques to protect the manatee."
A second day of the workshop included discussions and information dealing with derelict vessels.
Media Contact:
Carol Pratt (850) 251-2212
The Law Enforcement Manatee Protection Workshop was a one-day event held in Fort Myers. It was co-hosted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office and included biologists and law enforcement officials from the FWC, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, other local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto also attended the workshop.
"There has been a lot of debate lately about changes concerning the protection of manatees," Barreto said. "But nothing changes the laws that protect the manatee. The manatee will get the same amount of protection whether it's listed as endangered or threatened."
The workshop covered a variety of topics, including the proposed manatee management plan and reclassification, an overview of recent unusual manatee deaths in Southwest Florida, manatee harassment and enforcement technology.
"This workshop is key to matching manatee science with law enforcement priorities to provide the maximum protection for the animal," said Lt. Col. Jim Brown, deputy director of law enforcement for the FWC. "We have a lot of information, which helps us determine how we can best apply law enforcement techniques to protect the manatee."
A second day of the workshop included discussions and information dealing with derelict vessels.
Media Contact:
Carol Pratt (850) 251-2212