On September 24, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register setting aside critical habitat for the Antillean Manatee and increasing the existing critical habitat for the Florida Manatee.
Specifically, the FWS proposes to set aside 78,121 acres in Puerto Rico as critical habitat for the Antillean Manatee and increase the critical habitat for the Florida manatee from 965,394 acres to 1,904,191 acres.
FWS has certified that the proposed critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
FWS also released an economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation and will schedule a public hearing if one is requested.
Comments on the proposed rule are due November 25, 2024, and requests for a public hearing must be received by November 8, 2024.
Read the proposed rule, submit comments, and request a public hearing.
Advocacy contact: Send an email to Nick Goldstein at nick.goldstein@sba.gov.