HM 611 Summary

• Urges Congress to direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider a proposed rule designating all of Kings Bay as a manatee refuge in Crystal River, Florida.

• Requests partnership with state and local governments to develop joint long-term solutions for manatee protection instead of implementing the proposed rule.

• Contends the current refuge rules established in 1983 have successfully increased the endangered West Indian manatee population without restricting public use of Kings Bay.

• Argues the proposed rule would significantly harm Crystal River's tourism-dependent economy and restrict property owners' riparian rights to Kings Bay and connecting waterways.

• Calls for increased enforcement of existing rules as a viable alternative that would reduce manatee injury rates without unduly restricting recreational boating activities like swimming, kayaking, and water skiing.