H.R. 9590: Study and Assessment of Future Ecosystems for Manatees Act

This bill would require the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to study where manatees in Florida might be able to live if they lose access to warm water near certain coastal industrial sites that are being decommissioned.

What the study would look at

• It would identify and assess places that could serve as future manatee habitat.
• This includes natural warm-water areas that manatees are not currently using.
• It also includes places where artificial warm-water refuges could be built to help manatees stay warm.
• The Secretary would also work with the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to develop possible methods and construction plans for these artificial refuges.

Coordination and reporting

• The study would have to be done in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• A public report on the study’s findings would have to be released within 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Who it applies to

The bill focuses on Florida manatees, especially those that currently rely on warm water near industrial sites that may be shut down or altered in ways that could affect water temperatures.

Relevant Companies

None found