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Defenders Celebrates Tremendous Step to Restored Florida Rivers
On Monday, the Northeast Florida Rivers, Springs, and Community Investment Act was filed to restore the natural flow of the Ocklawaha River, Silver and St
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Trump Administration Seeks ESA Regulatory Rollbacks, Risks Accelerating Extinction for America’s Most Vulnerable Wildlife
In a move that could accelerate the extinction crisis we face today, the Trump administration today proposed significant changes to the regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act, which, for more than 50 years, has served as the backstop to America’s most imperiled wildlife.
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House to Take Up Bills Torching Wildlife Protections
A draft discussion bill headed for a hearing with the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee on Tuesday is poised to tear apart
More Florida Manatee Press Releases
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Gov. DeSantis Urged to Declare State of Emergency Due to Red Tide
More than two dozen local businesses and conservation groups today asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency due to the ongoing red tide and fish kills in and around Tampa Bay.
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Florida Manatee Deaths Break Annual Record with 841 Confirmed
Florida manatee mortality numbers now stand at 841 since the start of 2021, accounting for approximately 10% of the estimated total population of 8,810 animals and breaking the all-time record for annual manatee deaths. The previous record was set in 2013 with 830 casualties. With over five months left in the year, the death toll will likely continue to rise.
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High Manatee Death Rate Sounds Alarm on Biodiversity Loss
More than 400 Florida manatees have died since the start of 2021, fueling concern for the iconic and federally threatened species' future.
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Scientists, Citizens Urge Governor DeSantis to Restore the Great Florida Riverway
Today, the Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition facilitated a press conference showcasing strong public and scientific support for Governor DeSantis to restore the Great Florida Riverway.
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Politically-Motivated Manatee Harassment is ‘Beyond Cruel and Inhumane’
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported they are opening an investigation after a manatee was discovered with severe scarring spelling “TRUMP” on its back in the Homosassa River in Citrus County, Florida. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed manatees as “threatened,” having been previously classified as “endangered” until 2017.
jcovey@defenders.org
