Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) have introduced bipartisan legislation to protect Florida's manatees.
Specifically, the Manatee Protection Act of 2025 would update the conservation status of the West Indian manatee from threatened to endangered according to the Endangered Species Act of 1973's system.
As a result, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will receive more resources, funding, personnel, and priority for rehabilitating the manatee population. This urgency comes in the wake of a recent report detailing how 565 animals died in 2024, with 96 from being struck by boats.
In his press release, Rep. Soto said, "Last year, over 550 manatees died in Florida. This is alarming and should prompt us to take action to protect them from experiencing further tragedies. We must do everything in our power to protect these precious mammals."
Similarly, Rep. Buchanan added, "Manatees are beloved, iconic mammals in Florida. The heart-breaking number of manatee deaths over the past few years is staggering and extremely concerning, which is why upgrading their ESA status is absolutely critical. We must do everything we can to protect these gentle giants and Florida's official marine mammal."
To help fund the conservation efforts, Rep. Soto has also reintroduced the Manatee Stamp Act, which would require the Postal Service to issue a semi-postal stamp.
"We've had a couple of tough years with our manatees," the Florida Congressman added, "With unusual mortality events in the last five years—which caused us to lose thousands of manatees in Florida—it is critical to take every possible approach to help these mammals thrive and survive. We were thrilled to see the USPS launch the 'Save Manatees' stamp in 2024, which helped save the cost of design, but our bill is still necessary to help proceeds go towards conservation efforts. We are optimistic and hope to see Congress advance the Manatee Stamp Act quickly."
