FL S1614

Senate Memorial 1614 urges Congress to direct the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider a proposed rule designating all of Kings Bay as a manatee refuge.

Current rules at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983, have resulted in a significant increase in manatee population according to monitoring data and local evidence.

The proposed rule would significantly harm the Crystal River tourism industry and economy, restrict riparian property rights of adjacent landowners, and force recreational boating activities into the Crystal River channel where participants face risks from commercial fishing boats.

Viable alternatives exist, including increased enforcement of current rules, which could reduce manatee injury and death rates without unduly restricting public use of Kings Bay.

The memorial directs that copies be sent to the President of the United States, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and all Florida congressional delegates.